Assistant Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with company match

Flexible Work Schedule

Paid Time Off

Commuter Benefit Program

Discount Program

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Potbelly Sandwich Works in Illinois is seeking a manager to lead shifts, train associates, and drive store performance. The role involves hiring, scheduling, and maintaining high standards of customer service and food safety in a fast-paced environment.

You will schedule teams, coach staff, and collaborate with the General Manager to manage costs, metrics, and shop promotions while ensuring safety and quality. This is a full-time on-site opportunity with growth potential and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Minimum of 2 years management experience in restaurant or retail.
• Must pass and obtain a Food Safety Certification within the state.
• Friendly, customer-first mindset for a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving ability and deadline orientation.
• Ability to write schedules and maintain labor goals.
• Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities.
• Comfortable working in a bustling kitchen environment; knife skills a plus.
• Ability to manage allergens and follow safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Train, coach and develop Potbelly Associates and Shift Leaders.
• Interview and hire Associates, Certified Trainers and Shift Leaders.
• Schedule Associates, Certified Trainers and Shift Leaders.
• Update communication board with critical shop information.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings and ensure security procedures are followed.
• Ensure back-of-house procedural standards are met.
• Count drawers and follow daily cash handling procedures.
• Drive local marketing and recruit outside shop as needed.
• Assist GM with cost of goods, variances and inventories.
• Control assigned P&L line items and meet deadlines.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Staff scheduling

Team development

Cash handling

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

Food Safety Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pay Transparency

$50,000 - $55,000 base salary range + bonus potential.

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 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 8/31/2026 to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.