Assistant Manager - INTERNAL ONLY

potbelly; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Discount Program

Flexible Work Schedule

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Potbelly in Skokie, IL is seeking an Assistant Manager to co-lead the shop with energy and teamwork. You will train and coach staff, interview hires, and drive a positive, high‑performing environment.

You must meet food-safety requirements, manage shifts, and maintain labor goals while delivering excellent guest experiences. Competitive pay and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Minimum of 2 years of management experience in a restaurant or retail environment preferred.
• Must pass and obtain a Food Safety Certification; IL applicants must certify within 30 days of employment.
• Friendly, customer-first mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Enjoy problem-solving and meeting deadlines while running an effective shift.
• Must be able to multitask, stay organized and manage labor goals.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Open availability preferred.

Responsibilities

• Train, coach and develop Potbelly Associates and Shift Leaders.
• Effectively interview and recommend hires for Associates and Shift Leaders.
• Develop and maintain a Good Vibes culture to attract and retain staff.
• Effectively schedule Associates, Certified Trainers and Shift Leaders.
• Update communication board with critical shop information and attend meetings.
• Ensure security procedures and health/safety standards are followed.
• Drive local marketing to maximize sales and assist with recruiting.

Skills

Management experience

Food safety certification

Customer-first mindset

Written and verbal communication

Problem solving

Deadline prioritization

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Kitchen environment familiarity

Allergen handling

Interviewing skills

Schedule writing

Business acumen

Physical stamina

Availability

Team development

Conflict resolution

Recruiting

Labor cost control

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

PAY TRANSPARENCY

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

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
• Assist 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.