Senior Manager, REL Gov't Relations (P1-1640896-1)

*Internal Posting*

Summary of Job Description:

The Senior Manager, REL Government Relations, is responsible for developing and managing relationships with governmental entities, utility service providers, community organizations, industry associations, regulatory bodies and various third-party approvers, both public and private, to foster positive public relations in support of a thriving restaurant chain with a fast-paced real estate development team. This position involves advocating for the company's interests, monitoring relevant legislation, and supporting the company's restaurant industry and real estate development initiatives. The Senior Manager, REL Government Relations retains appropriate land use and government relations consultants, as needed, to maintain a favorable public image and works to enhance brand reputation while inspiring faster turn-around times with municipalities and other entities to obtain required consents impacting development.

You'll get a chance to:

• Work closely with the Executive Director in the development and implementation of dynamic government relations strategies.
• Include building and managing relationships with state and local governmental agencies, utility service providers, and other third-party approvers to enhance the public image and reputation of Panda.
• Work closely with the company's leadership, Marketing, Workplace Legal, and real estate development teams.
• Align government relations strategies with overall business objectives.
• Stay informed about relevant legislation and regulatory changes at all levels of government that may impact the restaurant and real estate industries.
• Prepare reports and analysis to inform company leadership of the same.
• Partner with the real estate development team to leverage external relationships and reduce development timelines.
• Monitor construction issues and local public sentiment related to the team's activities.
• Identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate with the restaurant operations, marketing, and workplace teams on high-impact community engagement initiatives, public events, and sponsorship activities.
• Build positive relationships with stakeholders.
• Communicate with internal teams, external stakeholders, and third parties to provide real-time updates.
• Address concerns and gather necessary information within fast-paced real estate project schedules.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of all communication, consent agreements, and public relations activities.
• Prepare concise reports and presentations summarizing government relations activities, current status, and their impact on the company's objectives.
• Lead a team of government relations professionals.
• Coach and develop the associates to elevate their performance in support of the company's growth goals.

How we reward you:

• Hybrid Work schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity*
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
• Bereavement leave*

*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

Your background and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field and a Master's degree in public policy or a law degree or specific restaurant and real estate regulatory experience in place of advanced degree
• Minimum seven years of experience in the real estate and restaurant government relations industries, public relations, and community engagement or a similar role with increasing management responsibility
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Pay Range: M3: $127,000 - $178,500 / Annual

* Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

ADA Statement:

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally 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 must be able 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. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it's impacting our team or the communities we work in, we're proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You're wanted here:

We value diversity in all forms and know the strength it brings. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of view to be heard, and improves overall happiness. We like the sound of that.

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodations. If there is a reason you believe you require an accommodation, please reach out to our accommodation team vie email at PandaLOA@PandaRG.com.