Shift Leader - INTERNAL ONLY

potbelly; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,518 - 27,207; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Retirement Savings 401(k) with company match

Flexible Work Schedule

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Potbelly in Chicago, Illinois, is seeking a Shift Leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and values excellent customer service. The role entails leading shifts, managing team members, ensuring top-quality product execution, and maintaining operational standards.

The ideal candidate should have supervisory experience in a restaurant or retail setting and be at least 18 years old. Potbelly offers competitive pay and a range of benefits, creating a welcoming atmosphere for associates.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year supervisory experience in a restaurant or retail environment preferred.
• At least 18 years old.
• Able to stand/walk for 8-9 hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead team members on shifts and provide feedback.
• Ensure health and safety standards are met.
• Prepare quality finished products efficiently.
• Handle customer complaints and issues.

Skills

Customer service orientation

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving

Supervisory experience

Ability to manage allergens

Job description

PAY TRANSPARENCY: earn between $19.25 and $19.75 plus digital tips!

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is looking for friendly and outgoing people who enjoy working in a fast-paced, friendly environment.

The 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 want to delight customers with great food and good vibes
• You are friendly and customer service oriented
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills
• You enjoy problem-solving
• You enjoy higher levels of noise from music, customer and employee traffic
• You love working in a fast-paced environment
• You can manage potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish
• You can handle the heat of the kitchen – knife skills are a plus!
• You’re at least 18 years old
• A minimum of 1 year supervisory experience in a restaurant or retail environment preferred
• 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

As a requirement of the position, all Shift Leaders and Managers must be trained and pass a Food Safety Certification course. In Illinois, certification is required through the Illinois Department of Public Health, while in all other states certification is required through the National Restaurant Association (ServSafe), National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or the National Environmental Health Association (Prometric). Should the Shift Leader or Manager fail to pass the certification requirements after two attempts, he or she will not be qualified to continue to perform in a Shift Leader or Management capacity.

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.

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 6/12/2026 to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.