General Manager

About the Role

The General Manager is the leader of the Potbelly shop, responsible for bringing good vibes every day to create an environment of belonging and teamwork. This role exists to make Potbelly a fun place for both team members and customers, fostering a culture that drives strong attraction and retention.

As the face of the shop, you will spend 80-90% of your time on the shop floor in the Front of the House. Your day involves training and coaching team members to realize their potential, developing effective schedules, and leading local marketing efforts to maximize sales. You will be the hub of communication, holding regular meetings with key staff, updating communication boards, and ensuring all security and procedural standards are met. The role requires a blend of business acumen and hands-on leadership, from interpreting financial reports and controlling P&L line items to handling customer complaints and resolving conflicts.

Hiring Process

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 a candidate fail to pass the certification requirements after two attempts, they will not be qualified to continue in a management capacity.

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. All final employment decisions are made by people. 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 HumanResources1@potbelly.com.

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.

Our Culture & Commitment

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.