General Manager

General Manager

Lead the Potbelly shop, creating a fun, inclusive environment for team members and customers.

$60,000 - $65,000 base salary plus bonus potential based on location, skills and qualifications. Compensation is subject to local wage and hour laws.

• 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
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Discount Program
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Career growth opportunities
• Eligibility requirements must be met and maintained

• Delight customers with great food and good vibes
• Friendly and customer‑service oriented
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment
• Team player who enjoys problem‑solving
• Open availability and ability to maintain deadlines while running an effective shift
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Ability to handle kitchen heat – knife skills preferred
• Comfortable with higher noise levels from music, customer and employee traffic
• Knowledge of and ability to manage allergens (peanut, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood, shellfish)
• Capable of building and developing strong teams and resolving conflicts
• Strong interviewing and scheduling skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Strong business acumen and ability to understand and interpret financial reports
• Minimum two years as a General Manager in a restaurant or retail environment with P&L responsibility preferred
• Physical stamina: ability to stand/walk 8–9 hours, lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Illinois applicants must obtain food safety certification within 30 days of employment

• Train, coach, and develop all shop team members to realize their potential
• Assess staff abilities and create effective development plans
• Interview, select and hire people who represent Potbelly values
• Develop and maintain a culture of great vibes that fosters attraction and retention
• Effectively schedule associates, certified trainers and shift leaders
• Update communication board with critical shop information
• Hold regular meetings with key shop staff
• Delegate tasks and ensure high standards of execution
• Ensure all security and back‑of‑house procedural standards are followed
• Count drawers and follow proper daily cash handling procedures
• Drive neighborhood shop marketing and promotions to maximize sales, including sourcing and outreach outside the shop
• Control cost of goods, variances and inventories within the shop
• Create a marketing plan and lead local shop marketing to increase sales
• Control assigned P&L line items
• Spend 80–90% of time on the front‑of‑house shop floor
• Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety
• Effectively handle customer complaints and issues
• Perform other duties as assigned

All shift leaders and managers must be trained and pass a Food Safety Certification course. In Illinois this is required through the Illinois Department of Public Health; in other states through the National Restaurant Association (Serv Safe), National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, or National Environmental Health Association (Prometric). Failure to pass the certification within two attempts disqualifies the candidate from continuing in a shift leader or management capacity.

We are 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.

Applications must be submitted by 2/15/2026.