General Manager

Potbelly (Potbelly Corporate)•Brookfield, WI

14d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The General Manager leads a Potbelly shop and creates an environment of belonging, teamwork, and positive energy for team members and customers. The role includes hiring, training, coaching, scheduling, and developing staff; overseeing shop operations, food safety, security, cash handling, inventory, and costs; and driving local marketing and sales. The General Manager is expected to spend 80–90% of their time on the shop floor in the Front of the House and to work at least 45 hours per week. The base salary range is $60,000–$65,000, with bonus potential. Applications must be submitted by 12/14/2026; the posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the state's food safety requirements and pass and obtain a Food Safety Certification; after two unsuccessful attempts, the candidate will no longer be eligible for a Leader role. Illinois employees must become food safety certified within 30 days of employment.
Have a friendly, customer-first mindset and be able to thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment.
Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
Be able to problem-solve.
Have open availability.
Be able to maintain deadlines, prioritize, and run an effective shift.
Have strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Be comfortable working in a bustling kitchen environment.
Be able to manage potential allergens, including peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood, and shellfish.
Be able to build and develop teams and handle conflict resolution.
Have strong interviewing skills.
Be able to write effective schedules and maintain labor goals.
Have Microsoft Office skills.
Have strong business acumen and the ability to understand and interpret financial reports.
Be able to stand or walk for 8–9 hours or as needed.
Have the stamina and ability to work a minimum of 45 hours per week.
Be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience as a General Manager in a restaurant or retail environment with P&L responsibility is preferred.
Knife skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Train, coach, and develop shop team members and create effective development plans.
Interview, select, and hire people who represent Potbelly Values.
Develop and maintain a positive team culture that supports attraction and retention.
Schedule Associates, Certified Trainers, and Shift Leaders effectively.
Update the communication board and hold regular meetings with key shop staff.
Delegate tasks and ensure high standards 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, including recruiting and marketing activities outside the shop.
Control cost of goods, variances, inventories, and assigned P&L line items.
Create a local marketing plan to increase sales and participate in community, school, business, social, and not-for-profit activities.
Spend 80–90% of work time on the shop floor in the Front of the House.
Maintain deadlines and priorities while running effective shifts.
Comply with food, cleanliness, health, and safety standards.
Handle customer complaints and issues effectively.
Perform other duties as assigned.