General Manager

Potbelly; Warrenville (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Domestic Partnership Benefits

Paid Parental Leave

FSA/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 Corporate is seeking a General Manager in Warrenville, IL to lead daily operations and drive guest satisfaction. This role focuses on managing P&L, team development, and community outreach while maintaining high standards in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

The position offers a base salary of $60,000–$65,000 with potential bonuses, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. The role requires 80–90% time on shop floor and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Age 18 or older.
• Minimum 2 years as a General Manager with P&L responsibility preferred.
• Pass Food Safety requirements and obtain Food Safety Certification.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Open availability and ability to manage deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Train, coach, and develop shop team members to realize potential.
• Interview, hire, and build strong teams aligned with Potbelly values.
• Lead local shop marketing to maximize sales and community involvement.
• Schedule, delegate tasks, and ensure high execution standards.
• Maintain shift efficiency, labor goals, and cash handling procedures.
• Ensure health, safety, and food safety standards are followed.
• Handle customer issues and maintain a positive guest experience.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

People leadership

Customer focus

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Team development

Scheduling

Labor management

Budget awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

$60k - $65k per year

PAY TRANSPARENCY

$60,000 - $65,000 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 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 10/26/2026 to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.

#sarah

Position Information

Company: Potbelly Corporate

Position: General Manager

Status: Full Time

Base Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00/yr

Shift: First (Day), Second (Afternoon), Third (Night)

Req #: 11125811

Date Posted: September 09, 2026

Location: 28361 Diehl Rd, Warrenville, US, IL, 60555

Job Category: Management