Catering Sales Manager

Potbelly Sandwich Works; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Schedule

Commuter Benefit Program

Career growth opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Discount Program

Job summary

Potbelly Sandwich Works is seeking a Catering Sales Manager in Chicago to drive revenue through new business while growing existing accounts. You will partner with catering teams, manage a territory, and ensure timely delivery for events across shop locations.

The role requires 2–5 years of outside sales experience and familiarity with CRM tools. In-market, full-time hours, frequent travel, and a pathway for career growth are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-5 years of outside sales experience.
• Minimum 3 years of national/regional account experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, present, and influence effectively.

Responsibilities

• Achieve required KPIs: dials and conversations, target accounts, revenue growth.
• Develop Territory Account Plans to drive incremental sales.
• Qualify clients and forecast large transactions in CRM (Salesforce).
• Create proposals and support client purchases and online ordering.
• Build relationships with local catering teams to execute orders.

Skills

Outside sales

CRM usage

Account management

Communication skills

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

• $75,000 - $80,000 base salary range + commission potential!
• Must live in market- Chicago, IL

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?

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

Job Title: Catering Sales Manager

Department/Function: Catering Sales

Location: In Market

Reports to: Director of Catering

Full time - Exempt

Travel Requirements: Frequently

Moderately Rarely

General Description

This Catering Sales Manager is responsible for driving increased revenue through new business acquisitions while maintaining and growing an existing book of business. The Catering Sales Manager will partner with and ensure the long-term success of these high-value customers. You will be responsible for developing and executing a business plan leveraging both internal and external resources to increase catering sales across all shop locations for your given territory. You will liaise between our customers and our dedicated catering teams to ensure the timely and successful delivery for their catering event needs.

Essential Functions Of The Job And Key Responsibilities

• Achieve required KPIs: High number of dials and conversations per day, growth in Target Accounts, acquisition of new clients and organizations, and dollar value of regional book of business
• Prospecting and use of account-based selling techniques and strategies to grow sales within given Target Account
• High volume of outbound calling to leads, new, active and at risk clients to build relationships and generate incremental and ongoing revenue
• Demonstrate knowledge of geographic territory, including top employers, key economic drivers, etc.
• Develop, maintain and execute Territory Account Plans to drive incremental sales growth
• Qualify clients and their respective organizations, in order to understand client buying patterns, future needs, and forecast large transactions in our CRM
• Achieve assigned period, quarterly and annual target revenue goals through selling activities
• Create proposals, assist with online and offline ordering, and support client purchases
• Actively drive online ordering and loyalty program sign-ups
• Build and maintain positive client relationships, uncovering referral and growth opportunities
• Mastery and knowledge of Potbelly’s catering offer
• Support clients and operating partners around providing the highest level of customer experience
• Build relationships with local catering teams and partner to successfully execute catering orders
• Work in a virtual team environment and function as an extension of regional sales team, to include, regional sales efforts with other sales roles to prospect and reactivate clients, growing share of wallet at Target Accounts, and in the regional geography
• Demonstrates excellence in time management through use of Outlook Calendar and SalesForce.com, as well as, other online resources to maximize organization, strategic planning and follow-up

Additional Job Functions

• Available to work a flexible schedule that includes weekend or evenings when needed
• Perform other job functions in addition to the above-mentioned, per supervisor’s discretion

Essential Physical Functions

• Ability to sit for a minimum of 8 hours or as needed
• Able to travel within the territory and to meetings

Required Knowledge, Skills And Competencies

• Must represent Our Values (Great Food, Achievement, Teamwork, Innovation, Belonging, Community, Integrity and Good Vibes)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet all deadlines.
• Goal-oriented and results-driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience and proficiency with a CRM tool (salesforce.com is preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, present, and influence effectively to both internal and external customers.
• Can work effectively with limited supervision.
• High-energy individual with a passion for sales.
• Excellent phone, customer service, and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop rapport and relationships with both internal and external customers.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 2-5 years of outside sales experience
• Minimum 3 years of national/regional account experience
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time

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].

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.

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by [12/31/2026] to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.