Shift Leader

Potbelly Sandwich Works; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Parental Leave

401(k) Match

Paid Time Off

Flexible Schedule

Employee Assistance

Discount Program

Career Growth

Job summary

Potbelly Sandwich Works in Champaign, IL is seeking a Shift Leader to guide a fast-paced team and ensure top-quality sandwiches and customer service. You will manage and develop associates, execute standards, and help control costs on your shift.

Ideal candidates have at least 1 year of supervisory experience in a restaurant or retail setting, strong communication skills, and a commitment to food safety. Competitive pay with benefits accompanies this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year supervisory experience in a restaurant or retail environment.
• Must be 18+ years old.
• Pass Food Safety Certification within 30 days of employment.
• Able to stand 8–9 hours and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Enjoy problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of allergen handling (peanuts, dairy, gluten, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead team members on shifts and assign tasks with feedback.
• Ensure security procedures and back-of-house standards are met.
• Count drawers and handle daily cash procedures.
• Prepare quality finished products (sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts) efficiently.
• Maintain health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety.
• Restock food line, chips and cooler; manage inventory as needed.
• Operate cash register and handle cash responsibly.
• Address customer complaints professionally and promptly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Shift Leadership

Customer Service

Food Safety

Communication

Problem Solving

Job description

PAY TRANSPARENCY: earn between $17.25 and $19.25 plus digital tips!

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?

A Shift Leader leads and behaves according to Potbelly values. They will lead a shift by managing and developing associates to execute outstanding product quality and customer service, build sales and control costs for each shift.

What's In It For You**:

• Competitive pay!
• 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
• A minimum of 1 year supervisory experience in 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 the Shift 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
• 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're able to stand/walk for 8-9 hours or as needed
• 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

• Lead team members on shifts, including efficient assignment of tasks while providing feedback
• Ensure all security procedures are followed
• Ensure back-of-the-house procedural standards are met
• Count drawers and follow proper daily cash handling procedures
• Prepare quality finished products (sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies, ice cream, etc.) efficiently
• Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety
• Restock food line, chips and cooler
• Clean tables, counters, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and utensils; take out trash
• Operate cash register: handle, balance and follow all cash handling procedures
• Effectively handle customer complaints/issues
• Other duties as assigned

Disclaimers

• Potbelly cannot make guarantees about tip earnings*

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 9/29/2026 to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.