Shift Leader

Shift Leader

Pay transparency: Earn between $15.75 and $16.25 plus digital tips!

Do you hunger for more? Potbelly Sandwich Shop is looking for friendly and outgoing people who enjoy working in a fast-paced, friendly environment. 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.

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 4/3/2026 to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.