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 Full-Time Exempt Travel Requirements: Frequently GENERAL DESCRIPTION This role will design and project manage small construction projects refreshing interior and exterior designs to existing company shops and existing franchise shops to bring them up to current design standards. FOCUS Responsibilities Conduct on-site surveys, along with company or franchise operations teams, for all shops to identify scope of work needed for the interior, exterior and building signage while keeping budget and refresh scope level in mind. Create and coordinate refresh drawing sets including: Floor Plans, FF&E Plans, RCP, Elevations, Schedules & Details. Gaining approval from development, operations, and franchisees for design alignment and approvals. Use creative ability to transform existing shops to meet new design standards within design scope while still maintaining the feel of "The Neighborhood Sandwich Shop" Work with signage vendor, landlords and marketing to coordinate new exterior signage and exterior storefront design. Create colored elevations and purchase/place wall decor for shop interiors. Lead coordination and communication with shop teams with regular updates to clearly explain scope and duration of work for smooth completions and turnover of all refresh projects. Maintain 'Refresh Project Schedule' and project tracking documents with general contractor timelines/schedule while coordinating orders and deliveries for furniture, lighting, equipment and millwork. Maintain refresh costs and budgeting for each project including GC bids and vendor quotations. Maintain and coordinate updates for Refresh - PSW Prototypical Drawings, Design Manual and Specifications. Ensuring change management is communicated internally and to vendors and contractors. Perform such other related tasks as reasonably requested. Potential opportunity to assist and work on New Shop Opening projects as schedule allows. Skills Process-oriented with ability to execute tasks within the parameters outlined by Development Leadership Team. Highly organized self-starter with excellent time management skills with ability to multi-task through different phases of the design process and multiple projects at the same time. Able to prioritize duties and tasks with a sense of urgency. Creative problem solver and critical thinker, able to work through design & budget challenges with adaptability, resilience, and expertise. Detailed oriented with eye for delivering and ensuring high-quality workmanship and adherence to strict design policies. Able to identify emerging patterns, makes connections among data and issues, and appropriately react while develop contingency plans to deal with unexpected situations in the development process Strong communication skills, both written and oral. Strong presentation skills, in person and especially virtually on camera. Excellent collaborative skills that demonstrate teamwork, creativity, and innovation. Excellent computer design and presentation 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 and deadlines. Must be coachable, driven, focused, confident and a self-starter 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, Bluebeam/Revu and all Microsoft products. Knowledge of Revit a plus. Experience with CRM, FranDash (or similar), SmartSheet/PM for collaboration and communication Minimum of 5 years experience of in restaurant development and project management experience Must have experience performing in a fast pace environment Must strive for excellence and have only the highest integrity in their intentions Bachelor's degree 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