General Manager

Potbelly Corporate•Chicago, IL

20d

About The Position

The General Manager is the leader of a Potbelly shop and is responsible for creating a welcoming, energetic environment of belonging and teamwork for team members and customers. The role includes leading and developing staff, managing shop operations and finances, driving sales and local marketing, and maintaining food safety, cleanliness, and security standards. The General Manager is expected to spend 80–90% of their time on the shop floor in the Front of the House and be able to work at least 45 hours per week.

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 state Food Safety requirements and pass and obtain a Food Safety Certification. After two unsuccessful attempts, the applicant is no longer eligible for a Leader role.
Illinois employees must become food safety certified within 30 days of employment.
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 maintain deadlines and prioritize while running an effective shift.
Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
Comfort working in a bustling kitchen environment; knife skills are a plus.
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 or walk for 8–9 hours or as needed.
Ability and stamina to work a minimum of 45 hours per week.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Knife skills.
At least 2 years as a General Manager in a restaurant or retail environment with P&L responsibility.
Involvement in community, school, local business, social, or not-for-profit activities.

Responsibilities

Train, coach, and develop shop team members, assess their abilities, and create and implement development plans.
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.
Update the communication board with critical shop information and hold regular meetings with key shop staff.
Delegate tasks and ensure work is executed to a high standard.
Ensure security procedures and back-of-the-house procedural standards are followed.
Count drawers and follow daily cash-handling procedures.
Drive neighborhood shop marketing and promotions, including outside-shop recruiting and marketing activities.
Control cost of goods, variances, inventories, and assigned P&L line items.
Create a marketing plan and lead local marketing efforts to increase sales, including community involvement where appropriate.
Spend 80–90% of working time on the shop floor in the Front of the House.
Maintain deadlines and priorities while running an effective shift.
Comply with food, cleanliness, health, and safety standards.
Handle customer complaints and issues effectively.
Perform other duties as assigned.