New

Design Manager

Potbelly
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, 401(k)
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Feb 05, 2026
Design Manager Chicago, IL $90,000 - $110,000 base salary range + annual bonus potential! 100% remote in the United States Do you hunger for more? Potbelly Sandwich Shop 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. 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? What's In It For You: Competitive pay with performance-based annual raises! 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 Department/Function: Development Location: Remote Reports to: Director of Design & Construction Job Level: TBD Job Band: TBD Full-Time Exempt Travel Requirements: Frequently GENERAL DESCRIPTION This role will provide support developing company stores and franchise stores in the coordination, planning and implementation of new shop design. This position will also support oversight and execution of refresh projects across the company's existing portfolio. FOCUS Responsibilities Utilize company's project management platform (FranConnect - Opener Module) to ensure that franchisees, A&E purveyors, FF&E vendors, and other cross-functional teams are aligned to support timely and cost-effective development. Daily responsibilities include: Ordering & coordination of site survey, review and coordination of design development drawings, color/material selection, decor purchasing and placement, signage placement, permit coordination and tracking, providing construction administration support to Construction Manager. Creatre and coordinate all shop test fits with preferred A&E vendor, operations, and franchisees for alignment and approvals Assist in coordination for smooth turnover of all new shops and remodel projects to the operations and training teams. Maintain all FF&E, millwork, and supplier installation schedules Maintain and coordinate updates for PSW Prototypical Drawings, Design Manual and Specifications. Ensuring change management is communicated internally, and to vendors and franchisees Creative ability to have vision for new and existing shops to create the 'Neighborhood Sandwich Shop' Optimize vendor and supplier pricing Perform such other related tasks as reasonably requested. Skills** Process-oriented with ability to execute within the parameters laid out by senior development team. Organized and good time management skills with ability to manage multiple tasks on a regular basis. Strong financial orientation and understanding of what drives store success. Creative problem solver, working through challenges with adaptability, resilience, and expertise Can develop contingency plans to deal with unexpected situations in the development process Able to prioritize duties and tasks with a sense of urgency Recognizes emerging patterns, makes connections among data and issues, and appropriately reacts Eye for delivering and ensuring high-quality workmanship and adherence to strict design policies Strong communication skills, both written and oral Strong presentation skills (in person and virtually) Strong collaborative skills that demonstrate teamwork, creativity, and innovation * Excellent computer skills ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS Must have the ability/stamina to work 45-50+ hours a week Must be able to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors and outdoors Must be able to engage in problem-solving skills to help identify and solve potential issues Ability to stand/walk for 9-10 hours per day and sit for 1-2 hours per day Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally Will frequently reach, feel, bend, stoop, carry, finely manipulate, and key in data EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS Must represent The Potbelly Values Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding goals/quotas Cool and collective under pressure Must be passionate about the food business in general and Potbelly in particular Proficient in Auto CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, knowledge of Revit a plus Self-starter who can work well with others as well as independently Must be highly organized with the ability to handle multiple projects at once Minimum of 5 years experience of restaurant development project management experience preferred Must be coachable, driven, focused, confident and a self-starter Must have experience performing in a highly competitive environment Must strive for excellence and have only the highest integrity in their intentions Experience with CRM, FranConnect, SmartSheet/PM, and all Microsoft products for collaboration and communication Bachelor's degree preferred in related field (BA or BS in Interior Design or Architecture) Application Deadline: We accept applications for this position until 05/31/2026. We encourage all individuals to submit their applications. Potbelly actively creates and promotes an environment that is inclusive of all people and their unique abilities, strengths, and differences. We respect and embrace diversity in each other, our customers, suppliers, and all others with whom we interact as an essential component in the way we do business. Diversity only strengthens our Potbelly vibe, who we are, and how we work. 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. Already applied? Go to TalentReef to see your application Position Information Company: Potbelly Corporate Position: Design Manager Status: Full Time Shift: First (Day) Req #: 10896455 Date Posted: February 05, 2026 Location: Chicago , Chicago, US, IL, 60611 Job Category: Corporate