Area Director

Position Summary

The Area Director is responsible for leading and supporting the operational, financial, and people performance of multiple Panera Bread bakery-cafés within a designated geographic area. This role provides strategic direction and coaching to Café General Managers, ensuring exceptional guest experience, strong financial results, operational excellence, and adherence to company standards. The Area Director serves as a key leader in driving business growth, developing talent, and fostering a culture aligned with Howley Bread Group, Ltd.'s values.

Position Responsibilities

• Maintain Quality Bakery-Cafe Operations While Ensuring Customer Satisfaction
• Maintains accountability for the success of the bakery-cafes by communicating with all levels of management, and by making key decisions through execution of problem-solving skills.
• Acts as a role model and demonstrates professional behavior to bakery-café management team, as well as to the Associates and customers.
• Ensure consistent execution of operational standards, food safety protocols, and brand initiatives.
• Conduct regular café visits to assess performance, identify opportunities, and provide coaching.
• Drive continuous improvement in service, quality, speed, and guest satisfaction.
• Adheres to company policies and procedures and complies with all state and federal regulations.

Management and Development of Cafe Managers & General Managers

• Proactively manages performance through regular one-on-one coaching, assistance in developing and reviewing progress on development plans, recognizing accomplishments, and making impartial reward decisions
• Accurately evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of direct reports, provides specific, timely, behavioral feedback to help identify areas in which improvement is needed 
• Manages the succession process by identifying high performers, delegating projects and development opportunities, and providing visibility to senior leaders
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaged work environment

Financial Contribution

• Maintain financial ownership for bakery-cafes by identifying opportunities for revenue growth and operational efficiencies.
• Demonstrates excellent understanding of profit and loss analysis, diagnoses reasons for problems, and develops action plans to improve results 
• Uses systems, administrative processes, and metrics to perform gap analysis”
• Understands the financial drivers of the business and uses them in making decisions that drive the business

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• BA in related field desirable.
• 5-8 years food management experience, preferably in limited food service atmosphere.
• 3+ plus years of multi-level and multi-unit management experience preferred
• Excellent understanding of financial accountability.
• Self-reliant, self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively
• Ability to stay organized and focused on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proven ability to hire, develop, lead, and motivate people
• Demonstrated history of high performing Operations & Profit execution
• A leader who upholds and promotes HBG Cultural Values

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand on your feet for eight hours
• Ability to lift up to twenty-five pounds
• Ability to move at a fast pace

Join Our Family at Howley Bread Group (HBG) – Where Warmth Meets Opportunity!
At HBG, we’re more than just a Panera Bread bakery-café; we’re a close-knit family committed to creating a positive impact. Our mission is simple yet powerful: serve others, support one another, and win together.

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