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Restaurant Shift Leader

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Exact $19.75
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

competitive pay
Tips
flexible scheduling
Employee Discounts
Training and development opportunities
Supportive team environment
Career growth potential

Job Description

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a well-established and beloved fast-casual restaurant chain that began in 1977 as a small antique shop before transforming into a beloved neighborhood sandwich destination. With over 400 locations across the United States, Potbelly has grown to become a recognized name for delicious sandwiches served in a fun and inviting environment. The company's culture centers on creating good vibes and delivering great careers, reflecting their commitment to both customer experience and team member growth. Potbelly's mission is to make people happy by combining quality food with a friendly atmosphere that invites repeat visits and fosters community connections. Known for its unique blend of hot sandwiches and a vibrant, upbeat workplace, Potbelly continues to innovate while preserving the welcoming charm that has made it a popular choice for dining out or quick meals.

The role of Shift Leader at Potbelly Sandwich Shop involves leading team members during shifts to deliver outstanding product quality and exceptional customer service. This management position emphasizes operational excellence, people development, and cost control. A Shift Leader supports and follows Potbelly’s core values and policies, ensuring all employees perform their roles efficiently while maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for both customers and staff. This position requires hands-on leadership skills, effective communication, and an ability to manage a fast-paced work setting typically found in food service. Shift Leaders assign tasks, provide feedback and training, and take on responsibilities such as opening and closing the store. They are also essential in upholding food safety standards, resolving customer issues, and controlling shift costs including labor, food, and cash handling processes.

Candidates for this role must be prepared to work approximately 40 hours a week with physical endurance to stand and walk for several hours, lift moderately heavy items, and work both indoors and outdoors in varying temperature and noise conditions. The Shift Leader is expected to embody the Potbelly Advantage and values, demonstrating leadership qualities that motivate and guide associates effectively. Experience in a supervisory role within a restaurant or retail setting is required, alongside the ability to communicate clearly and provide excellent customer service. Certification in food safety is mandatory, reflecting the company’s dedication to health and compliance. As part of a franchise-operated Potbelly location, the employment terms including wage and benefits may vary according to the local franchisee.

This role offers competitive pay starting at $19.75 per hour plus tips, highlighting Potbelly’s commitment to rewarding employees for their contribution. If you thrive in energetic, customer-focused environments and wish to be part of a brand that values good vibes and great sandwiches, joining Potbelly as a Shift Leader offers a dynamic and fulfilling career opportunity. Embrace the chance to lead a team, build customer loyalty, and support a vibrant workplace that prioritizes growth, cooperation, and community engagement.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum one year supervisory experience in restaurant or retail
  • Ability to work a minimum of 2 opening or closing shifts per week
  • Food safety certification required and must be maintained
  • Ability to stand walk for 8-9 hours and sit for 1-2 hours a day
  • Ability to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally
  • Must tolerate noisy and varied temperature work environment
  • Ability to handle allergens such as peanut egg dairy gluten soy seafood and shellfish
  • Must have stamina to work at least 40 hours per week
  • Ability to oversee fast-paced high volume restaurant operations through scheduling problem-solving maintaining cleanliness training employees and providing great customer service

Job Qualifications

  • Minimum of 1 year supervisory experience in a restaurant or retail environment
  • High school degree
  • Ability to comprehend and communicate in English both verbally and in writing
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Strong communication skills both written and verbal
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to train and coach others
  • Strong leadership skills and team-player mentality
  • Ability to manage a fast-paced high-volume environment while providing excellent customer service
  • Must be trained and pass a food safety certification course such as ServSafe

Job Duties

  • Lead associates on shifts including assigning tasks cleaning line duties opening and closing duties providing feedback and training
  • Know and support appropriate personnel policies labor laws and safety procedures
  • Ensure all security procedures are executed safe procedures open close procedures
  • Transition into opening and closing duties
  • Make customers really happy
  • Resolve customer complaints issues
  • Empower associates to make sure all customers leave happy
  • Execute and support all food safety requirements and practices
  • Lead associates to open transition and close shifts without supervision
  • Manage and organize the line and delegate duties to associates
  • Know and uphold standards for product quality
  • Work the line as needed
  • Ensure back-of-the-house procedural standards are met
  • Promote sales on the shift through executing the marketing plan within the four walls
  • Control food costs labor waste and cash on the shift
  • Count drawers and follow proper daily cash handling procedures

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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