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.