General Manager

Potbelly (Potbelly Corporate) • Mount Prospect, IL

22d • $60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The General Manager is the leader of a Potbelly shop, responsible for creating a welcoming, team-oriented environment for employees and customers. The role oversees staff development, hiring, scheduling, shop operations, food safety, customer service, local marketing, and assigned profit-and-loss responsibilities. 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.

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 applicable state food safety requirements and pass and obtain Food Safety Certification. After two unsuccessful attempts to pass, 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 maintain deadlines, prioritize, and run an effective shift.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Comfort working in a busy 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 handle conflict resolution.
• 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.
• Illinois applicants: become food safety certified within 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of General Manager experience in a restaurant or retail environment with P&L responsibility.
• Knife skills.

Responsibilities

• Train, coach, and develop shop team members and create development plans based on their abilities.
• Interview, select, and hire people who represent Potbelly values.
• Build and maintain a positive team culture that supports attraction and retention.
• Schedule Associates, Certified Trainers, and Shift Leaders effectively.
• Update the communication board with important shop information and hold regular meetings with key shop staff.
• Delegate tasks and ensure they are completed 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 marketing and promotions, including outreach for recruiting and marketing.
• Control cost of goods, variances, inventories, and assigned P&L line items.
• Create a marketing plan and lead local marketing to increase sales, including engagement with community, school, local business, social, and nonprofit activities.
• 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, and safety standards.
• Handle customer complaints and issues effectively.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with performance-based annual raises.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Domestic partnership benefits.
• Paid parental leave.
• FSA and HSA with employer contribution.
• Commuter benefit program.
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off.
• Discount program.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Career growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed