Director of Operations

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Job description

Job Purpose:

The Director of Operations (DOO) is responsible for delivering world class execution of Panera operational expectations in the bakery-cafes by translating brand objectives and standards to cafes and teams. This means acting like an owner as well as leading and developing all other leaders in the company to deliver great experiences to associates and guests in a way that builds trust, creates loyalty, and company value through growing sales and profit growth.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Business Understanding, Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Responsible for creating the strategy and vision for the market to achieve the execution of all Panera goals for guest service, market-wide operating systems, profitability, new unit growth, food quality and safety, and all other operational metrics typical of the restaurant industry.
• Responsible for achieving key business results and growing the business through coaching, development, and accountability of cafe management teams for execution against goals, standards, and processes.
• Effectively understands, applies, and communicates the business' priorities, and is considered a SME of Panera's operating systems and their application throughout the market.
• Responsible for and the champion for achieving results through collaboration, communication, and implementation and sustained management of all new products, processes, and programs.
• A proactive partner, working cross-functionally and ultimately responsible for overhead departments including accounting, HR, IT, and marketing, ensuring these departments provide resources and support cafes to ultimately drive business results.
• Responsible for managing the repairs and maintenance team to ensure optimal functionality and safety standards.
• Manage budgeting for all business operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and efficient allocation of resources.
• Responsible for ensuring IT support is provided at all café locations.
• Responsible for overseeing all duties related to opening a new location to include working with civil engineers, architects, general contractors, the franchisor real estate/development department, municipal and state government departments for permitting and inspections, etc.
• Direct management of the "new location operations critical path list" and all operational activities associated with opening a new location, starting after real estate closing up to opening day and through the first month of opening.

People Development:

• Responsible for unlocking and building the capabilities and performance of cafe management teams demonstrated through Panera's guiding values and our people practices. These consist of recruitment, selection, DE&I, compensation, development/training, performance management and coaching, as well as succession planning.
• Create the market's People strategy and maintain a pipeline of talent to support the growth and talent needs within the market, and to continually elevate employee performance and capability.

Brand Protection & Validation:

• Ensures that the correct operational standards, policies, processes and behaviors are practiced by each cafe's management team to deliver on the market's established goals and to protect Panera's brand identity and purpose
• Responsible for ensuring the cafes comply with all federal and state employment laws including those related to food and workplace safety.
• Ensure cafes foster and maintain an inclusive and engaging work environment where every team member can show up authentically, free of discrimination and harassment.

Top Leadership competencies for this role:

• Acts like an owner
• Strategic thinking
• Defines vision and purpose
• Unlocks Potential
• Builds trust
• Collaborates
• Delivers results
• Full understanding of all metrics directly related to restaurant success
  
  

Keyword: Director of Operations
Required Experience:

• Multi-unit restaurant experience.
• Some college education/certification or related experience preferred, but not required.
• Firm understanding of business outcomes (sales drivers, profit drivers, reading P&L and financial reports).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to leverage these skills to influence others.
• Self-motivated and can plan, prioritize, schedule, and manage a market-wide calendar.
• Has the ability to build high performing teams through selection, coaching and development and has strong coaching skills to continuously develop a team of managers.
• Is motivational and can inspire teams to perform at a high level, create role clarity and hold leaders at different organization levels accountable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Work, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.), Google Suite, and computer functions. Excel mastery required.
• Must have a strong work ethic, with the willingness to periodically work long and unusual hours.
• Knowledge of the complete design, permitting, and construction process starting from closing on a real estate purchase to opening day.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Up to 95% travel, with a majority of the traveling being local. Primarily involving short trips between cafés with occasional overnight travel required. Other out-of-market travel for business needs may be required.
• This position requires a mix of walking/standing during long periods while on café visits (including the lifting of heavy items or boxes), some desk/office administrative work, as well as commuting between café locations.

At Panera, we strive to create a healthier and happier world. We do this by running best-in-class operations guided by tried-and-true restaurant practices and always striving to innovate for our guests and our associates.

From: Panera Bread of Iowa

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