Shift leader, Restaurant​/Food Service

Join to apply for the Shift Leader role at Potbelly Sandwich Works
.

Pay: $17.25 – $17.75 per hour + digital tips.

Potbelly Sandwich Work 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. Toasty sandwiches are only as good as the people behind them, and we have the best.

• 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

• 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 can handle higher levels of noise from music, customers, and employee traffic.
• You love working in a fast‑paced environment.
• You can manage potential allergens: peanut, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood, and shellfish.
• You can handle kitchen heat – knife skills are a plus.
• You’re at least 18 years old.
• A minimum of one year supervisory experience in a restaurant or retail environment is 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 must become food safety certified within 30 days of employment.

• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 Serv Safe, the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, or the National Environmental Health Association. Failure to pass the certification requirements after two attempts results in ineligibility to continue in a Shift Leader or Management capacity.

Potbelly cannot make guarantees about tip earnings.

We’re an equal‑opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need, and are made 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.

Final date to receive applications: [2/16/2026] (the posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline).

Location:

Chicago, IL