Panera Bread of Iowa operates Panera Bread bakery-cafes throughout Central and Eastern Iowa and Moline, Illinois. Not only is Panera Bread the place in your neighborhood to feast on fresh-baked bread, gourmet soups and signature sandwiches, it’s a place our employees call home. We continuously strive to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where our employees can be the best they can be.

OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior HR Generalist to support human resources operations across our 20-unit restaurant franchise group. This individual will play a key role in executing HR initiatives, including recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, workers’ compensation, payroll coordination, and ensuring compliance with employment regulations. The ideal candidate brings strong HR knowledge, excellent interpersonal skills, and a solutions-focused mindset to help drive positive employee experience and operational efficiency. This position collaborates closely with operational managers and reports to senior HR leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• 3 to 5+ years of HR experience, preferably in hospitality or multi-unit operations, with demonstrated expertise in HR best practices.

Preferred:

• Experience with workers’ compensation administration.
• Knowledge of benefits administration processes and systems.
• Familiarity with compensation practices, such as pay structures and market analysis.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).

• Employee Relations: Address employee inquiries with customer service orientation, resolve conflicts, and foster a positive workplace culture. Provide guidance on performance management, disciplinary actions, and career development.
• Benefits Administration: Manage employee benefits programs, including open enrollment, answering benefits-related questions, and ensuring compliance with regulations like COBRA and ACA.
• Workers’ Compensation: Handle claims, coordinate with insurance providers, and ensure timely resolution while maintaining accurate records.
• Payroll Support: Generate and review payroll reports, ensure accurate data submission and support transitions to new payroll requirements.
• Compliance and Reporting: Maintain compliance with federal and state labor laws. Prepare and submit reports such as turnover, anniversary, service awards, and ACA compliance. Manage assessments like pre-employment screening and background checks and ServSafe certifications.
• Process Optimization: Identify and recommend HR process improvements, update SOPs, and streamline hiring workflows in the ATS.
• Technology Support: Leverage HR tools (e.g., Paylocity, Microsoft Teams and Power Automate, Pereless) to streamline operations, support the implementation of new HR systems and provide user training.
• Non-Routine Projects: Participate in initiatives such as updating interview materials and supporting process improvements.