RETAIL MANAGER - Binghamton University - Binghamton, NY

Job Summary

Are you a people-first leader with a passion for great food, exceptional guest experiences, and building high-performing teams? Join Chartwells Higher Education as a Retail Food Manager supporting the vibrant Panera Bread location at Binghamton University. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a nationally recognized brand while making a daily impact on the student experience at one of the nation's premier public universities.

As the Retail Food Manager, you'll drive operational excellence, inspire a team of associates, and create a welcoming environment where students, faculty, and guests can enjoy fresh food, outstanding service, and a memorable dining experience.

What You'll Do

• Lead the day-to-day operations of a high-volume Panera Bread location on campus
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop hourly associates to deliver exceptional guest service
• Plan and execute special events, promotions, and retail initiatives that drive engagement and sales
• Maintain cash controls, payroll records, and operational reporting with accuracy and accountability
• Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, and sanitation procedures
• Train team members on customer service, cashiering, food presentation, portion control, and safety practices
• Monitor product quality, cleanliness, and brand presentation standards
• Foster strong relationships with university partners, guests, and team members
• Support financial performance through effective labor management, food cost controls, and operational efficiencies
• Complete all daily, weekly, and monthly reports while meeting established deadlines
• Implement and maintain cash-handling procedures that safeguard company assets

What We're Looking For

1. Passion for hospitality, foodservice, and creating exceptional guest experiences
2. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams
3. Experience managing retail foodservice, café, coffee shop, bakery-café, or quick-service restaurant operations
4. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Service Management, Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred
• Associate degree plus three years of relevant management experience also considered
• 1-3+ years of foodservice retail management experience
• Knowledge of food trends, merchandising, marketing, and customer engagement strategies
• Experience with cash management and retail financial reporting
• Understanding of food cost controls, inventory management, and labor management
• P&L accountability and contract foodservice experience preferred
• Strong coaching, supervisory, and team-building skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, internet applications, and point-of-sale systems

Why Join Chartwells Higher Education?

At Chartwells, we're redefining the campus dining experience. You'll join a team that values innovation, leadership development, and creating memorable moments for students every day. This role offers the chance to lead a beloved retail concept while growing your foodservice management career in a dynamic university environment.

Bring your passion for leadership, food, and guest experience to Panera Bread at Binghamton University and help create a destination students love to visit every day!