General Manager

General ManagerThe General Manager is the leader of the Potbelly shop. They should bring their good vibes every day to create an environment of belonging and teamwork in order to make Potbelly a fun place for our team members and customers, too.What's In It For YouCompetitive pay with performance-based annual raises!Medical, Dental & Vision InsuranceDomestic Partnership BenefitsPaid Parental LeaveFSA and HSA with Employer ContributionCommuter Benefit ProgramRetirement Savings 401(k) with company matchEmployee Assistance ProgramPaid Time OffDiscount ProgramFlexible Work ScheduleCareer growth opportunities**If hired, you must meet and maintain all eligibility requirements to qualify**What You Bring To The TableYou are at least 18 years of ageMinimum of at least 2 years as a General Manager in a restaurant or retail environment with P&L responsibility preferredYou meet all Food Safety requirements within your state. You must pass and obtain a Food Safety Certification. After 2 unsuccessful attempts to pass, you will no longer be eligible for a Leader roleA friendly, customer-first mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environmentYou have strong written and verbal communication skillsYou enjoy problem-solvingYou have open availabilityYou're able to maintain deadlines and prioritize while running an effective shiftYou have strong organizational skills and the ability to multitaskComfortable working in a bustling kitchen environment (knife skills are a big plus!)You can manage potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfishYou are able to build and develop strong teams and handle conflict resolutionYou have strong interviewing skillsYou're able to write effective schedules and maintain labor goalsYou have Microsoft Office skillsYou have a strong business acumenYou have the ability to understand and interpret financial reportsYou're able to stand/walk for 8-9 hours or as neededYou have the ability/stamina to work a minimum of 45 hours per weekYou're able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionallyIllinois Applicants - all IL employees are required to become food safety certified within 30 days of employmentJob Duties And FunctionsTrain, coach, and develop all shop team members to realize their potentialAssess staff abilities. Create and implement effective development plansInterview, select and hire great people who represent Potbelly ValuesDevelop and maintain Good Vibes culture that fosters strong attraction & retentionEffectively schedule Associates, Certified Trainers and Shift LeadersUpdate communication board with critical shop informationHold regular meetings with key shop staffEffectively delegate tasks to team and ensure a high standard of executionEnsure all security procedures are followedEnsure back-of-the-house procedural standards are metCount drawers and follow proper daily cash handling proceduresEffectively drive neighborhood shop marketing and promotions to maximize sales potential, including sourcing and blitzing outside of shop for recruiting and marketing purposesControl cost of goods, variances and inventories within the shopCreate a marketing plan. Lead local shop marketing to increase sales. A GM ideally is involved in the community, the school and local business, social and not-for-profit activitiesControl assigned P&L line itemsMust spend 80-90% of time on the shop floor in the Front of the HouseAbility to maintain deadlines and prioritize while running an effective shiftComply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safetyEffectively handle customer complaints/issuesOther duties as assignedDisclaimersAt 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 View email address on click.appcast.io Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 8/29/2026 to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.