General Manager

Potbelly Sandwich Works; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; 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

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 a General Manager to lead the shop, foster a positive team culture, and deliver excellent guest experiences daily.

You will manage P&L, schedules, safety, and operations, ensuring food-safety compliance and engaging in local marketing. A strong leader with communication and problem-solving skills is essential; expect a 45-hour week with opportunities for growth and a competitive base salary.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years as General Manager in a restaurant or retail with P&L responsibility preferred.
• Must meet Food Safety requirements and obtain a Food Safety Certification.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and customer-first mindset.
• Able to manage deadlines, prioritize, and lead a team in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Train, coach, and develop shop team members to realize potential.
• Interview, select and hire great people representing Potbelly values.
• Develop and maintain Good Vibes culture to attract and retain staff.
• Schedule associates and shift leaders; manage labor goals.
• Drive neighborhood marketing to maximize sales and recruit locally.
• Control costs, variances, and inventories within the shop.
• Lead local shop marketing and participate in community activities.
• Maintain front-of-house excellence and health/safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

P&L responsibility

Food Safety Certification

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Scheduling

Labor management

Interviewing

Budgeting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

PAY TRANSPARENCY

$60,000 - $65,000 base salary range + bonus potential.

The General Manager is the 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 as a General Manager in a restaurant or retail environment with P&L responsibility 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 have open availability
• 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 Microsoft Office skills
• You have a strong business acumen
• You have the ability to understand and interpret financial reports
• 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

Job Duties And Functions

• Train, coach, and develop all shop team members to realize their potential
• Assess staff abilities. Create and implement effective development plans
• Interview, select and hire great people who represent Potbelly Values
• Develop and maintain Good Vibes culture that fosters strong attraction & retention
• Effectively schedule Associates, Certified Trainers and Shift Leaders
• Update communication board with critical shop information
• Hold regular meetings with key shop staff
• Effectively delegate tasks to team and ensure a high standard of execution
• 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
• Control cost of goods, variances and inventories within the shop
• Create a marketing plan. Lead local shop marketing to increase sales. A GM ideally is involved in the community, the school and local business, social and not-for-profit activities
• Control assigned P&L line items
• Must spend 80-90% of time on the shop floor in the Front of the House
• 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.

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