Assistant Manager

Potbelly Sandwich Works; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay raises

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Domestic Partnership Benefits

Paid Parental Leave

FSA and HSA with Employer Contribution

Commuter Benefit Program

401(k) with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Discount Program

Flexible Work Schedule

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Potbelly Sandwich Works in Chicago is seeking an Assistant Manager to co-lead the shop, maintain a positive culture, and ensure smooth daily operations. You will foster teamwork, meet deadlines, and support the General Manager in controlling costs while driving sales and excellent customer experiences.

The role requires 2+ years of management experience in food service or retail, strong communication, and the ability to work 45 hours per week in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of at least 2 years management experience in either a restaurant or retail environment preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Food safety certification required within state after hire

Responsibilities

• Train, coach and develop associates and shift Leaders
• Effectively interview and hire staff and Trainers
• Schedule associates and maintain labor goals
• Ensure health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety
• Handle customer complaints professionally
• Drive neighborhood shop marketing and promotions to maximize sales

Skills

Leadership

People management

Customer service

Communication

Team building

Job description

PAY TRANSPARENCY: earn between $50,000 and $55,000 + Shop Bonus Potential

Do you hunger for more? Potbelly Sandwich Shop is looking for friendly and outgoing people who enjoy working in a fast-paced, friendly environment. We are where good vibes and great careers are a way of life! What started as a small antique store in 1977 has become a nationally recognized neighborhood sandwich shop with over 400 locations across the United States. But toasty sandwiches are only as good as the people behind them. And yeah, we've got the best. Ready to join our growing Potbelly Nation?

The Assistant Manager is the co-leader of the Potbelly shop. They should bring their good vibes every day to create an environment of belonging and teamwork in order to make Potbelly a fun place for our team members and customers, too.

What’s In It For You**:

• Competitive pay with performance-based annual raises!


• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance


• Domestic Partnership Benefits


• Paid Parental Leave


• FSA and HSA with Employer Contribution


• Commuter Benefit Program


• Retirement Savings 401(k) with company match


• Employee Assistance Program


• Paid Time Off


• Discount Program


• Flexible Work Schedule


• Career growth opportunities


• If hired, you must meet and maintain all eligibility requirements to qualify**

What You Bring To The Table

• You are at least 18 years of age


• Minimum of at least 2 years management experience in either a restaurant or retail environment preferred


• You meet all Food Safety requirements within your state. You must pass and obtain a Food Safety Certification. After 2 unsuccessful attempts to pass, you will no longer be eligible for a Leader role


• A friendly, customer-first mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment


• You have strong written and verbal communication skills


• You enjoy problem-solving


• You’re able to maintain deadlines and prioritize while running an effective shift


• You have strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask


• Comfortable working in a bustling kitchen environment (knife skills are a big plus!)


• You can manage potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish


• You are able to build and develop strong teams and handle conflict resolution


• You have strong interviewing skills


• You’re able to write effective schedules and maintain labor goals


• You have knowledge of Microsoft Office


• You have strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask


• You have a strong business acumen


• You're able to stand/walk for 8-9 hours or as needed


• You have the ability/stamina to work a minimum of 45 hours per week


• You’re able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally


• Illinois Applicants - all IL employees are required to become food safety certified within 30 days of employment


• Open availability preferred

Job Duties And Functions

• Train, coach and develop Potbelly Associates and Shift Leaders


• Effectively interview and recommend the hiring of Associates, Certified Trainers and Shift Leaders


• Develop and maintain a Good Vibes culture that fosters strong attraction & retention


• Effectively schedule Associates, Certified Trainers and Shift Leaders


• Update communication board with critical shop information


• Attend regularly scheduled meetings


• Ensure all security procedures are followed


• Ensure back-of-the-house procedural standards are met


• Count drawers and follow proper daily cash handling procedures


• Effectively drive neighborhood shop marketing and promotions to maximize sales potential, including sourcing and blitzing outside of shop for recruiting and marketing purposes


• Assists General Manager with the control of cost of goods, variances and inventories within the shop


• Control assigned P&L line items


• Ability to maintain deadlines and prioritize while running an effective shift


• Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety


• Effectively handle customer complaints/issues


• Other duties as assigned

Disclaimers

At Potbelly, we are committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment where individuals are valued for their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and strengths. We believe that inclusion, collaboration, and mutual respect enhance the way we serve our customers and work together as a team. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We’re an equal opportunity employer. Each applicant will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Potbelly Sandwich Works may use artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools as part of its hiring and recruitment process. These tools may collect and analyze data including questionnaire and assessment responses, resume content, and professional profile information. AI-assisted tools are used for all position types. All final employment decisions are made by people. Potbelly may also use additional AI-assisted tools from time to time in its hiring process.

If you have questions about how AI is used in connection with your application, or if you would like to request a reasonable accommodation related to the use of AI in the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 11/19/2026 to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.