General Manager

Potbelly Corporate•Chicago, IL

13d

About The Position

The General Manager leads a Potbelly shop and creates an environment of belonging and teamwork for team members and customers. The role is focused on developing staff, maintaining shop operations and standards, and growing sales. The General Manager is expected to spend 80–90% of their time on the shop floor in the Front of the House and work at least 45 hours per week. The position offers a base salary range of $65,000–$70,000, plus bonus potential. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; domestic partnership benefits; paid parental leave; FSA and HSA with employer contribution; commuter benefits; a 401(k) with company match; an employee assistance program; paid time off; a discount program; flexible work schedule; and career growth opportunities. Eligibility requirements apply to these benefits. Applicants must meet their state’s food safety requirements and obtain Food Safety Certification. Illinois employees must become certified within 30 days of employment. After two unsuccessful certification attempts, a candidate will no longer be eligible for a Leader role. Potbelly is an equal opportunity employer and may use AI-assisted tools in recruitment; people make all final employment decisions. Applications must be submitted by 12/14/2026, though the posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
At least 2 years as a General Manager in a restaurant or retail environment with P&L responsibility is preferred.
Meet all state Food Safety requirements and obtain Food Safety Certification; after two unsuccessful attempts, candidates are no longer eligible for a Leader role.
Friendly, customer-first mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Problem-solving ability.
Open availability.
Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize while running an effective shift.
Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
Comfort working in a busy kitchen environment.
Ability to manage potential allergens, including peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood, and shellfish.
Ability to build and develop strong teams and resolve conflict.
Strong interviewing skills.
Ability to write effective schedules and maintain labor goals.
Microsoft Office skills.
Strong business acumen and ability to understand and interpret financial reports.
Ability to stand and walk for 8–9 hours or as needed.
Ability and stamina to work at least 45 hours per week.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Illinois employees must become food safety certified within 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Knife skills are a plus.
Involvement in community, school, local business, social, or not-for-profit activities.

Responsibilities

Train, coach, and develop shop team members and create development plans based on staff abilities.
Interview, select, and hire people who represent Potbelly values.
Develop and maintain a positive shop culture that supports attraction and retention.
Schedule Associates, Certified Trainers, and Shift Leaders effectively.
Keep the communication board updated with critical shop information and hold regular meetings with key shop staff.
Delegate tasks and ensure a high standard of execution.
Ensure security procedures and back-of-the-house procedural standards are followed.
Count drawers and follow daily cash-handling procedures.
Drive neighborhood marketing and promotions to maximize sales, including recruiting and marketing outside the shop.
Control cost of goods, variances, and shop inventories.
Create a marketing plan and lead local marketing to increase sales, including community involvement.
Control assigned P&L line items.
Spend 80–90% of time on the shop floor in the Front of the House.
Meet deadlines and prioritize while running an effective shift.
Comply with food, cleanliness, and safety standards.
Handle customer complaints and issues effectively.
Perform other duties as assigned.