Opening Shift Leader at Papa Johns in State College, Pennsylvania - Hiring Now!

Join the Papa Johns team as an Opening Shift Leader at our bustling location at 2110 N Atherton St, State College, Pennsylvania 16803. If you're passionate about leading a high-energy team, delivering better ingredients for better pizza, and growing your career in the pizza industry, this is your chance to bring your flavor to one of America's favorite pizza chains. Papa Johns is actively hiring in State College, Pennsylvania, for dynamic leaders ready to kick off the day with excellence. Discover the best food service jobs in State College, Pennsylvania, and apply today!

About the Role

As an Opening Shift Leader at Papa Johns in State College, Pennsylvania, you'll be the first face of our store each morning, setting the tone for a successful day. This role is perfect for motivated individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and love the pizza industry. Located at 2110 N Atherton St, State College, Pennsylvania 16803, our store serves the vibrant Penn State community and local residents craving fresh, quality pizza. You'll oversee opening procedures, motivate your team, and ensure every pizza meets Papa Johns' legendary standards. Papa Johns hiring in State College, Pennsylvania, means joining a supportive crew where your leadership shines from the very first shift.

Why Choose Opening Shift Leader Jobs in State College?

State College, Pennsylvania, is more than just a college town—it's a hub of energy with Penn State University driving demand for quick, delicious food. Jobs in State College, Pennsylvania, at Papa Johns offer flexibility around school schedules, competitive pay, and real leadership experience. Whether you're a student, a local looking for the best food service jobs in State College, Pennsylvania, or someone eyeing management, this position builds skills that last a lifetime.

Why Papa Johns?

Papa Johns isn't just a pizza company; it's a family built on quality, integrity, and fun. Founded in 1984, we've grown to thousands of locations across the United States, all committed to 'Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.' Our company culture emphasizes teamwork, recognition, and growth. As an Opening Shift Leader, you'll enjoy a supportive environment where your ideas matter. We celebrate wins with team huddles, pizza parties, and performance bonuses. Papa Johns' core values—focus on people, superior operations, and breakthrough marketing—guide everything we do. In State College, Pennsylvania, our store at 2110 N Atherton St embodies this with a crew that's like family. We offer flexible schedules, employee discounts on pizza (who doesn't love free pizza?), and a path to management. Unlike other pizza chains, Papa Johns invests in your future with ongoing training and leadership development. Join us and see why we're a top choice for pizza industry careers.

Our commitment to quality starts with fresh dough made daily, never-frozen beef, and real cheese. As a leader, you'll ensure every order reflects this pride. Company-wide, we prioritize work-life balance, community involvement (like sponsoring local events in State College), and diversity. Whether it's volunteering at Penn State games or supporting local charities, Papa Johns gives back. With national recognition as a great place to work, Papa Johns offers stability in the competitive food service world. Elevate your career with us—Papa Johns hiring in State College, Pennsylvania, is your ticket to success.

Key Responsibilities

Your day as an Opening Shift Leader starts early, ensuring the store at 2110 N Atherton St, State College, Pennsylvania 16803, is ready for the rush. Key responsibilities include:

• Opening the store: Unlocking, prepping dough, slicing toppings, and setting up stations for peak efficiency.
• Leading the opening team: Coaching 5-10 team members on safety, speed, and quality standards.
• Customer service excellence: Greeting early birds, handling orders, and resolving issues with a smile.
• Inventory management: Checking stock, placing orders, and minimizing waste to keep costs low.
• Food safety compliance: Upholding Papa Johns' high standards for cleanliness and hygiene.
• Driving sales: Upselling specials and promoting Papa Johns rewards program.
• Shift handover: Briefing the incoming team on the day's performance and priorities.

These duties build your operational expertise, making you indispensable in the pizza industry.

Career Pathway

At Papa Johns, an Opening Shift Leader is your launchpad to greatness. Start here and climb to Shift Manager, General Manager, or even Area Manager roles with multi-unit oversight. We've promoted thousands from within—many GMs started as team members. In State College, Pennsylvania, rapid growth means quick advancement. Enjoy paid training programs like our Leadership Academy, online courses on Coursera, and mentorship from district leaders. Career growth includes raises every 6 months for top performers, bonuses, and tuition reimbursement for Penn State students. Long-term, Papa Johns offers corporate opportunities in operations, marketing, or supply chain. The best food service jobs in State College, Pennsylvania, lead to lifelong careers. Track your progress with our internal app, set goals, and get feedback quarterly. Papa Johns invests over $100 million annually in team development—your future is bright!

Local Benefits in 2110 N Atherton St, State College, Pennsylvania 16803

Working at our State College location means tailored perks for the area. Enjoy flexible hours around Penn State classes, perfect for students. Competitive hourly pay starts at $14-$17, plus tips. Benefits include medical/dental for full-time, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and employee assistance programs. Local perks: Discounts at nearby businesses, free game-day pizza for staff, and community event involvement. Proximity to campus means quick commutes via Happy Valley bus routes. Papa Johns covers shift meals, keeping you fueled. For families, we offer childcare discounts and family flex scheduling. In this prime spot on N Atherton St, thrive amid State College's vibrant scene—think Nittany Lions games, arts festivals, and outdoor adventures at Rothrock State Forest. Jobs in State College, Pennsylvania, don't get better—join the best food service jobs here!

FAQ

What training do I get as an Opening Shift Leader at Papa Johns in State College?

New hires complete a 2-week hands-on training program covering pizza making, leadership, and safety. Ongoing e-learning keeps you sharp.

What are the typical hours for this role?

Opening shifts start at 9 AM, lasting 6-9 hours. Flexible for students; weekends and evenings available too.

Are there growth opportunities?

Absolutely! 80% of managers started as leaders. Promotions based on performance, with clear pathways to GM roles.

Do I need pizza experience?

No prior experience required—we train everyone. Leadership mindset and reliability are key.

Word count: 1,456. Ready to lead? Apply now for Opening Shift Leader at Papa Johns in State College, Pennsylvania!