PO

Manager, Field HR

Job summary

Chicago
HR

Work model

Remote first
Only US
3 weeks ago
Job description

Manager, Field HR

Salary Range: $110,000 - $125,000 base salary + annual bonus potential! Location: 100% remote, must reside in the Chicago, IL market.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is seeking a friendly and outgoing individual to join our team in a fast-paced, welcoming environment. We pride ourselves on fostering great vibes and great careers. From humble beginnings as a small antique store in 1977, Potbelly has grown into a renowned national sandwich shop with over 400 locations. Our success is driven by our exceptional people. Are you ready to become part of the Potbelly Nation?

What's In It For You:

  • Competitive pay with performance-based annual raises
  • Medical, Dental, and 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

Note: All eligibility requirements must be met and maintained to qualify for the position.

Job Title: Field Human Resources Manager Department/Function: Human Resources Location: Field-based Reports to: Director, Field Human Resources Job Level: 2 Job Band: Manager Employment Type: Full-Time -- Exempt Travel Requirements: Moderate

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Field Human Resources Manager is an integral part of the Field Human Resources Support team, dedicated to achieving outstanding people-related results in retention, internal selection and development, staffing, cultural leadership, and the effective execution of Human Resources initiatives. This role serves as a key thought partner and trusted advisor to the Operations Team, driving success in people management. The Field Human Resources Manager champions succession development and planning, maintains an operations-focused approach, and embodies the Potbelly Way culture. Utilizing strong interpersonal, communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills, this individual brings positive energy, fun, and friendliness to the role. They are responsible for elevating leadership at all levels to maintain high performance standards. This role involves providing feedback to shape HR processes, policies, and procedures, including performance appraisals, documentation, legal compliance, and employee relations. Success will be measured by goals related to turnover, the timely and effective handling of employee relations matters, and succession bench results.

FOCUS AREAS:

Staffing/Selection

  • Understand and address the staffing needs of field regional teams.
  • Maintain high standards for candidate selection.
  • Coach and advise managers on appropriate staffing models.
  • Collaborate with the Talent Acquisition team to share staffing information.
  • Participate in the internal selection process.
  • Coach managers on talent identification and selection.

Bench (Succession Planning)

  • Drive succession development and planning initiatives.
  • Participate in Quarterly Regional People Calls and monthly Regional meetings to assess capabilities and identify development needs.
  • Drive the internal management development process and support field management personnel.

Retention

  • Analyze monthly and quarterly turnover data across all levels.
  • Implement retention strategies through direct coaching for field teams.
  • Analyze employee engagement survey data and recommend action plans to management for operational improvements.
  • Collaborate with Talent Acquisition and Training teams to enhance the Potbelly employee experience throughout the employment lifecycle.

Employee Relations

  • Serve as a strategic advisor and coach to General Managers, District Managers, and Regional Directors on employee relations issues, including development, performance management, morale, and conflict resolution.
  • Foster collaborative relationships with Operations and Support Center teams.
  • Lead with integrity, respect, high personal standards, and credibility.
  • Manage and respond to employee relations issues to mitigate risk and litigation.
  • Monitor, audit, and investigate HR-related matters and regulations (e.g., harassment, discrimination, ADA, FLMA, Wage & Hour, EEOC, DOL).
  • Proactively balance risk by considering employee, business, and company perspectives.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

  • Ability to work a minimum of 50 hours per week.
  • Strong work ethic and sense of urgency.
  • Up to 30% of time spent in shops, including travel.
  • Frequent reaching, feeling, bending, stooping, carrying, fine manipulation, and data entry.
  • Ability to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors and outdoors.
  • Tolerance for potential allergens: peanut products, eggs, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood, and shellfish.
  • Engage in problem-solving to identify and resolve field issues.
  • Proactively communicate extensively with Operations employees and the Support Center via telephone, email, and in-person.
  • Ability to remain calm and manage effectively in a fast-paced, potentially stressful environment.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND BEHAVIORS

  • Must embody The Potbelly Way mission, vision, and values.
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of five years of progressive HR experience, with at least two years in a Human Resources Manager or strategic HR role.
  • PHR or SPHR certification is a plus.
  • Multi-unit, multi-state experience in the restaurant or retail industry is desired.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Ability to coach and develop leaders with credibility.
  • High level of interpersonal skills for handling sensitive and confidential situations.
  • Well-organized, detail-oriented, with excellent documentation abilities.
  • Skilled in detailed fact-finding for employee relations matters and following through to resolution.
  • Effective leader capable of influencing individuals at all organizational levels.
  • Preference for candidates based in the Chicago Metro or Washington, DC Metro areas; other locations may be considered.

Potbelly is committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects and embraces diversity in all its forms. We believe diversity strengthens our culture and operations.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by [8/31/2026] to be considered. This posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified before the deadline.