Shift Leader - Entry Level

PAY TRANSPARENCY: earn between $17.25 and $17.75 plus digital tips!*

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Do you hunger for more? Potbelly Sandwich Shop is looking for friendly and outgoing people who enjoy working in a fast-paced, friendly environment. We are where good vibes and great careers are a way of life! What started as a small antique store in 1977 has become a nationally recognized neighborhood sandwich shop with over 400 locations across the United States. But toasty sandwiches are only as good as the people behind them. And yeah, we've got the best. Ready to join our growing Potbelly Nation?
The Shift Leader leads and behaves according to Potbelly values. They will lead a shift by managing and developing associates to execute outstanding product quality and customer service, build sales and control costs for each shift.
What’s In It For You**:
- Competitive pay!
- 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
**If hired, you must meet and maintain all eligibility requirements to qualify**
What you bring to the table...
- 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 enjoy problem-solving
- You enjoy higher levels of noise from music, customer and employee traffic
- You love working in a fast-paced environment
- You can manage potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish
- You can handle the heat of the kitchen – knife skills are a plus!
- You’re at least 18 years old
- A minimum of 1 year supervisory experience in a restaurant or retail environment preferred
- You're able to stand/walk for 8-9 hours or as needed
- You’re able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally
- Illinois Applicants - all IL employees are required to become food safety certified within 30 days of employment.


Job Duties and Functions
- Lead team members on shifts, including efficient assignment of tasks while providing feedback
- Ensure all security procedures are followed
- Ensure back-of-the-house procedural standards are met
- Count drawers and follow proper daily cash handling procedures
- Prepare quality finished products (sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies, ice cream, etc.) efficiently
- Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety
- Restock food line, chips and cooler
- Clean tables, counters, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and utensils; take out trash
- Operate cash register: handle, balance and follow all cash handling procedures
- Effectively handle customer complaints/issues
- Others duties as assigned
-As a requirement of the position, 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, while in all other states certification is required through the National Restaurant Association (ServSafe), National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or the National Environmental Health Association (Prometric). Should the Shift Leader or Manager fail to pass the certification requirements after two attempts, he or she will be not be qualified to continue to perform in a Shift Leader or Management capacity-
*Potbelly cannot make guarantees about tip earnings*
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.
?Potbelly Sandwich Works may use artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools as part of its hiring and recruitment process. These tools may collect and analyze data including questionnaire and assessment responses, resume content, and professional profile information. AI-assisted tools are used for all position types. All final employment decisions are made by people. Potbelly may also use additional AI-assisted tools from time to time in its hiring process.
If you have questions about how AI is used in connection with your application, or if you would like to request a reasonable accommodation related to the use of AI in the hiring process, please contact


Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by [7/8/2026] to be considered for this position. xywuqvp The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.