General Manager

Compensation and Benefits $60,000 - $65,000 base salary range + bonus potential based on location, skills and qualifications. Compensation offered 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 Retirement Savings 401(k) with company match Employee Assistance Program Paid Time Off Discount Program Flexible Work Schedule Career growth opportunities Role Overview The General Manager is the leader of the Potbelly shop. They bring good vibes every day to create an environment of belonging and teamwork, making Potbelly a fun place for team members and customers alike. Qualifications You want to delight customers with great food and good vibes You are friendly and customer service oriented You have strong written and verbal communication skills You love working in a fast‑paced environment You're a team player You enjoy problem‑solving You have open availability You’re able to maintain deadlines and prioritize while running an effective shift You have strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask You can handle the heat of the kitchen – knife skills are a plus! You enjoy higher levels of noise from music, customers and employees You can manage potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish You are able to build and develop strong teams and handle conflict resolution You have strong interviewing skills You're able to write effective schedules and maintain labor goals You have Microsoft Office skills You have strong business acumen You have the ability to understand and interpret financial reports Minimum of at least 2 years as a General Manager in a restaurant or retail environment with P&L responsibility preferred You are able to stand/walk for 8–9 hours or as needed You have the ability/stamina to work a minimum of 45 hours per week You are able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally Illinois applicants – all IL employees must become food safety certified within 30 days of employment Job Duties and Functions Train, coach, and develop all shop team members to realize their potential Assess staff abilities; create and implement effective development plans Interview, select and hire great people who represent Potbelly Values Develop and maintain a culture of Good Vibes that fosters attraction & retention Effectively schedule Associates, Certified Trainers and Shift Leaders Update communication board with critical shop information Hold regular meetings with key shop staff Effectively delegate tasks to the team and ensure a high standard of execution Ensure all security procedures are followed Ensure back‑of‑the‑house procedural standards are met Count drawers and follow proper daily cash handling procedures Effectively drive neighborhood shop marketing and promotions to maximize sales potential, including sourcing and blitzing outside of shop for recruiting and marketing purposes Control cost of goods, variances and inventories within the shop Create a marketing plan and lead local shop marketing to increase sales; a GM ideally is involved in the community, schools and local business, social and not‑for‑profit activities Control assigned P&L line items Must spend 80–90% of time on the shop floor in the Front of the House Ability to maintain deadlines and prioritize while running an effective shift Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety Effectively handle customer complaints/issues Other duties as assigned Food Safety Certification All Shift Leaders and Managers must be trained and pass a Food Safety Certification course. In Illinois, certification is required through the Illinois Department of Public Health; in other states it is required through the National Restaurant Association (ServSafe), National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or the National Environmental Health Association. Failure to pass the certification after two attempts disqualifies continued employment in a Shift Leader or Management capacity. Equal Opportunity Statement At Potbelly, we are committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment where individuals are valued for their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and strengths. We believe that inclusion, collaboration, and mutual respect enhance the way we serve our customers and work together as a team. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We’re 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. Application Deadline Applications must be submitted by 6/25/2026 to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline. #J-18808-Ljbffr