Ryan Nelson

WORK HISTORY

SKILLS

ABOUT RYAN NELSON

I’m a senior multi-unit operations leader with 20 years of experience driving performance, profitability, and large-scale transformation in high-volume environments.Currently serving as an Area Director with Panera Bread, I have lead cafés with full accountability for financial results, operational execution, and people development. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently delivered top-tier controllable profit performance, led complex cross-functional initiatives, and built high-performing leadership teams that produce sustainable results.My work sits at the intersection of strategy and execution. I’ve partnered with executive leadership to redesign labor models, piloted and scaled enterprise-wide system rollouts, led new store openings, and served as a field leader for major brand transformations — including the largest menu overhaul in company history. I thrive in environments that require building from zero to one, testing and iterating, and turning high-level vision into practical, scalable operations.Beyond results, I’m passionate about developing leaders. I’ve built strong internal pipelines, reduced turnover, and mentored emerging talent into advanced leadership roles. My leadership style is disciplined, people-first, and rooted in accountability and continuous improvement.Core strengths:• Multi-Unit & District Leadership• Strategy & Operations• P&L Ownership & Financial Optimization• Cross-Functional Execution• Change Management & Transformation• Staffing, Talent Development & CoachingI’m always interested in connecting with leaders who are focused on growth, operational excellence, and building organizations that get 1% better every day.