Starter Leadership Development Program
At Panera, we're committed to growing the next generation of business leaders. The Starter Leadership Development Program is an 18-month rotational experience designed for recent graduates who are eager to accelerate their careers, gain enterprise-wide exposure, and make a meaningful impact from day one.
As a Starter, you'll complete multiple rotations across the business, partnering with leaders and teams to support key priorities aligned to Panera RISE, our business strategy. Through hands-on project work, mentorship, professional development, and cross-functional experiences, you'll build a deep understanding of how Panera operates while developing the skills needed to thrive in a fast-paced corporate environment.
By the end of the program, you'll have a strong network, a broad business foundation, and the experience needed to launch the next stage of your career at Panera.
We are looking for upcoming graduates who are ready to be All In with Panera as we continue transforming our business, and who are aligned to our values of Quality Matters, Hunger for More, Ownership Always, Warmth for All, and Teamwork First
Program Details
Program Start Date: July 2027
Program Length: 18 months
Employment Type: Full-time, salaried position with benefits
Program Pay: Competitive pay at $80,000.00 annually and 20% bonus potential
Schedule: 40 hours per week
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
Hybrid Work: Minimum of 3 days per week onsite at our Newton, MA Support Center. Company headquarters is expected to relocate to Weston, MA in July 2027 with a 4-day per week onsite requirement.
What You'll Do
Throughout the program, you'll gain exposure to multiple areas of the business while contributing to meaningful work that supports Panera's strategic priorities. Starters should bring their curiosity, innovation, and a growth mindset to every rotation and assignment.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- Participate in multiple rotations across the enterprise, gaining exposure to different business functions and teams
- Support strategic initiatives and projects that drive business results and enhance the associate and guest experience
- Analyze data, identify insights, and develop recommendations to support decision-making
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to solve business challenges and improve processes
- Build relationships across the organization through networking, mentorship, and leadership exposure
- Participate in learning and development opportunities designed to strengthen business acumen, leadership capabilities, and professional skills
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree expected by June 2027, and ability to start full-time employment in July 2027
- Ability to work in the Greater Boston area for the duration of the program and meet onsite work requirements
- Demonstrated leadership skills through internships, student organizations, athletics, volunteer activities or other experiences
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities
- Flexibility to learn across multiple business areas and adapt in a fast-paced environment
The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
Newton Support CenterSkills Required
- Bachelor's degree expected by June 2027
- Ability to start full-time employment in July 2027
- Ability to work in the Greater Boston area for the duration of the program
- Ability to meet onsite work requirements
- Demonstrated leadership skills through internships, student organizations, athletics, volunteer activities, or other experiences
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities
- Flexibility to learn across multiple business areas and adapt in a fast-paced environment
What We Do
Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm. While our business has expanded well beyond St. Louis since then, that same sourdough starter is still used in our iconic sourdough bread and the craft of baking bread fresh each day remains at the heart of Panera Bread. Each day, our trained bakers fill our bakery shelves with delicious freshly baked cookies, pastries, bagels, and a range of breads from focaccia to classic baguettes. We believe in serving delicious, freshly prepared, clean food made with carefully selected ingredients that we are proud to serve our own families. Our menu, crafted by chefs and bakers, features classic, comforting dishes, each with an intriguing twist. We respect our planet and take measures to lessen our impacts. We believe in treating people with warmth, kindness, and respect, whether it’s a guest in our cafe or one of our associates. And we believe in helping our local communities, especially in times of need. We’re also focused on improving quality and convenience. With investments in technology and operations, we offer omni-channel access to your Panera favorites – like mobile ordering, catering, and Rapid Pick-Up® for to-go orders, Curbside pick-up and delivery – all designed to make things easier for our guests. Today, Panera operates as both Panera Bread® or Saint Louis Bread Co St. Louis Bread Company in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Panera Bread is privately held by JAB Holding Company. Panera Bread is part of Panera Brands, one of the largest fast-casual restaurant platforms in the U.S., comprised of Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee® and Einstein Bros.® Bagels.
