Project Manager

The Project Manager, FDF Operations, will own full management of FDF-related projects through their life cycle including planning, developing, testing, versioning, and rollout. The projects could be very different in nature, including but not limited to growth projects, system-wide scaling projects, lean manufacturing projects, cost savings projects, and modern logistics projects. This newly created role will be key to successfully transitioning the FDF network from a cost center to a true profit center. The Project Manager, FDF Operations, will report to the Director of Finance, FDF Operations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Leads execution of all assigned projects while maintaining exceptional and consistent performance within budget and requirements
• Works with multiple project teams to determine business needs and requirements, develop project plans, analyze and synthesize data, and implement solutions
• Creates and maintains project charter & plan, timelines & minutes, key metrics & learning scorecards, and business requirement documents
• Communicates effectively to business leadership and department heads to keep them properly informed and involved
• Creates and maintains status update presentations intended for senior leadership; presents such presentations, as needed
• Collects and analyses project and test data to drive decisions

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to partner with associates from many different departments, including vendors and franchisees
• Proven ability to hold self and others accountable, including stakeholders from other departments
• Strong group facilitation and negotiation skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Fluency with data-driven analysis and performance metrics
• Have an entrepreneurial spirit with a creative mind and a willingness to roll up sleeves and work at all levels of the organization
• Very organized with the ability to switch back and forth between unrelated projects and tasks
• Practical experience with continuous improvement methodologies, including but not limited to Six Sigma and Lean Management

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business or other related field
• 5 years of related experience with project management and continuous improvement experience
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification preferred
• Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, other Lean Manufacturing) preferred
• Must have strong computer skills, including MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)

This role could require up to 50% travel within North America.

Panera operates more than 2,100 bakery-cafes in 45 states and in Ontario, Canada, under the Panera Bread, Saint Louis Bread Co. and Paradise Bakery & Caf names, delivering fresh, authentic artisan bread served in a warm environment by engaging associates. These cafes are supported by 21 Fresh Dough Manufacturing Facilities that deliver fresh dough and produce 7 days a week, 363 days per year.

Cincinnati FDF