Panda Express managers can have the opportunity to embody an entrepreneurial spirit while learning from a very hands-on and fast-paced environment. As a General Manager, you will be in charge of a $1-2 million business and oversee the development of your team, ensuring guest satisfaction and running a profitable restaurant. From the hiring, managing and directing of associates to achieving financial goals and ensuring the delivery of exceptional guest experiences, you create your own success story.
Because of this, Panda also offers a best in class compensation package, including uncapped profit sharing bonuses based on your growth.
To prepare you for success, all Panda leaders participate in a comprehensive 6+ week Store Leadership Training Program to help build the foundation to become a high performing and inspiring Leader at Panda. The program focuses on:
People Development: The ability to hire, train, coach and develop the right talent for your restaurant
Guest Experience: Upholding the highest food quality and guest service standards while developing marketing acumen
Financial: Ability to understand sales growth, cost management, and profit growth
Kitchen Management: Ensure food safety, maintain product inventory and develop the culinary skillset to prepare all entrees at the highest level
Operations: Maintain cleanliness, safety standards, and apply knowledge of all policies, procedures and practices
We offer our Full-Time Management Team:
- Progressive Compensation Package and Excellent Bonus Opportunity
- 5 or more Weeks of Comprehensive Training to prepare you for success
- On-Going Career & Leadership Development
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401 K with Company Match
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Associate Discounts (Panda Express, Hibachi San, Panda Inn plus Theme Parks) and free meals when you work
- Lucrative Associate Referral Bonus
- Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Store Manager Pay Range:
$28.00 - $31.00/ Hr + bonus (Change title to General Manager after passing evaluation, $29.00 - $32.00/hr + bonus, Potential earning over $120K/year)
Assistant Manager Pay Range:
$23.00 - $24.00 / Hr + bonus (Potential earning over $75K/year)
About us
Panda Express is part of Panda Restaurant Group, the world leader in Asian dining experiences that also includes Panda Inn and Hibachi-San. At Panda, we all share a common mission: "Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives." Guided by this mission, we are a family dedicated to creating an organization that inspires better lives for our people and our communities in which we serve. Whether through sharing good food with guests or providing opportunities for professional and personal growth with associates, all are embraced in our genuine family environment that is uniquely Panda.
Panda was founded in 1983 in Glendale, California Panda Express is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. As America’s favorite Chinese restaurant, Panda Express has close to 2,400 locations globally and continues to grow over 100 restaurants annually.
- Named one of "America's Best Employers"
- Great Place to Work certified
- The Safest Restaurant Chain in the US during the pandemic
Job Requirements
Education and Experience
- Associate’s degree (Bachelor's Degree above with OPT status for H1B candidates)
- Minimum one to two years of Operations experience
- Some leadership experience
- Must pass Cooking Test annually
- Must be flexible to move to a store within a radius of 50 miles from home
- Work a flexible schedule, including weekends
ADA Statement: While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Work space is restricted and employees are expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees may be required to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high.
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About the Over Potential Annual Earning - Restaurant Manager Opportunity
Panda Restaurant Group is currently hiring for a Over Potential Annual Earning - Restaurant Manager position based in Washington, DC, D.C., US. This is a full time opportunity suited to candidates who are ready to contribute their skills and grow within a dynamic team environment. Whether you're an experienced professional or looking to take the next step in your career, this role offers a chance to work on meaningful projects while developing new capabilities.
What the Role Involves
As a Over Potential Annual Earning - Restaurant Manager, you will be expected to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, take ownership of key deliverables, and contribute ideas that help Panda Restaurant Group achieve its goals. Day-to-day responsibilities typically include planning and prioritizing tasks, communicating progress with stakeholders, maintaining high standards of quality, and adapting to evolving business needs. The exact scope of duties may vary depending on team structure and current priorities, so candidates should be comfortable with a role that can evolve over time.
Who Panda Restaurant Group is Looking For
Successful candidates generally bring a combination of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude toward problem-solving. Panda Restaurant Group values individuals who can work independently as well as part of a team, who are detail-oriented, and who bring a positive, adaptable mindset to their work. Prior experience in a similar Over Potential Annual Earning - Restaurant Manager capacity is beneficial, though a strong willingness to learn and grow is equally important.
This position sits within the accommodation_hospitality space, so familiarity with the trends, tools, and standards common to that industry can be an advantage, though it is not always a strict requirement.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation for this role is competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to base pay, many roles at Panda Restaurant Group may include benefits such as health coverage, paid time off, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work culture designed to help employees thrive both personally and professionally.
Why Join Panda Restaurant Group?
Joining Panda Restaurant Group as a Over Potential Annual Earning - Restaurant Manager means becoming part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to bring their own perspective to the table, and the organization aims to foster an environment where people feel supported in doing their best work. This is a great opportunity for candidates who want their contributions to have a real, visible impact.
How to Apply
If you believe you're a strong fit for the Over Potential Annual Earning - Restaurant Manager role at Panda Restaurant Group in Washington, DC, D.C., US, we encourage you to review the full job details above and submit your application through the listed channel. This position was posted on 2026-06-09 and applications are being accepted through 2026-08-08. Early applications are generally encouraged, as competitive roles like this one can attract a high volume of interest.
