Facilities Category Manager in Chicago, Illinois at Potbelly Corporate

Department/Function: Facilities

Location: SC

Reports to: VP of Facilities

Job Level: 2

Job Band: Manager

Full-Time

Exempt

Travel Requirements: Rarely

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Facilities Category Manager will play a key role in increasing brand image and driving our R&M expenses downward through the management of 3rd party vendors, aggressive and comprehensive planned maintenance programs, and bringing new and innovative ideas to the table. The Facilities Category Manager will report to the Vice President of Facilities with support being given to local Regional Managers and District Managers and the regional teams to maintain expedient resolution of Facilities related issues while securing quality service at a competitive rate.

The Potbelly Facilities Category Manager will develop strong vendor relationships, be responsible for category management as determined by VP of Facilities, assist in creating planned maintenance programs and budgets and develop and implement facility maintenance guidelines. He or she will also forge working partnerships with Facilities Team members, Operations, Accounting and Construction departments to assist in maintaining a facility that is cost effective during long term R&M life expectancy of both equipment and facility. The Facilities Category Manager will support and manage work order requests for repairs and the preventative maintenance program for the existing shop portfolio for both new and existing shops. He/She will act as back up to VP of Facilities, SR Facilities Operation/Property Manager, Facilities Category Manager and Facilities Specialist as needed.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Facilities Category Manager include managing the R&M budgets, planned maintenance programs, Assisting in Vendor selection, management, and vendor performance reviews, special projects, and facilitating overall communication to the field pertaining to facility management initiatives and updates.

This position is measured by time to complete open work orders, R&M budget and P&L line items.

FOCUS

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage the maintenance of fully functional and compliant facilities, as well as assist in the annual plan and budget for responsible categories and preventative maintenance program.
• Maintain tracking reports on budget management for regular repairs and unplanned maintenance, contractual maintenance programs, special projects, and review/approval of all proposals and invoices, within assigned approval limits, pertaining to the same.
• Match open work orders with warranties.
• Update, introduce and implement and maintain new or revised equipment preventative maintenance programs and equipment tracking or equipment monitoring programs as approved by VP of Facilities.
• Conduct vendor post-work verifications and regular vendor performance reviews.
• Manage services of third party contractors and assist the VP of Facilities and SR Facilities Operation/Property Manager with vendor reference checks, negotiations, vendor agreement review, as well as monitor their performance- to include at the minimum 2 Vendor Performance Reviews per year.
• Manage scheduling reports for preventive maintenance programs, assigned categories and assigned special projects.
• Become familiar with Facilities Team Standard Operation Procedures to include Workflow Management Platform.
• Ability to communicate with customers (operations team and field) and vendor community to identify specific and general facility needs to better service the shops.
• Working knowledge of applicable regulations, standards, and safety practices.
• Flexibility to travel to outer markets as requested.
• On call 24/7.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Must have the ability/stamina to work a minimum of 50 to 55 hours a week.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel in the field upon request.
• Will frequently reach, feel, bend, stoop, carry, finely manipulate and key in data.
• Must be able to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors and outdoors.
• Must be able to tolerate higher levels of noise from music, customer and employee traffic.
• Must be able to tolerate potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish.
• Ability to support several fast-paced, high-volume, customer-focused shops through organization and coordination of schedules, supervision of service providers, problem-solving, and providing great customer service to Facilities Customers – the shops.
• Must be able to engage in problem-solving skills to help identify and solve potential issues in the field.
• Must be able to communicate regularly with the Operators and the field, Rockwell, Facilities Team and Support Center and through telephone, virtual meetings (Teams, Zoom) e-mail and in-person communications.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS

• Must represent The Potbelly Advantage and Our Values.
• Education: High School diploma or equivalent, bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience: 5+ years in general facilities maintenance/management preferred, with restaurant industry experience being a definite a plus.
• Skills: Excellent organizational and time management skills, Ability and desire to work with minimal guidance; Strong initiative, Outgoing and enthusiastic and fun, Strong written and oral communication skills, Detail oriented. Basic Word, Excel, Pivot Tables, PowerPoint, Smart Sheet and Service Channel or equivalent work flow software.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to build strong relationships with vendors, Facilities Team, Operations and the Field.
• Ability to manage and adhere to budgets.
• Qualities: Passionate, energetic, caring, dedicated, reliable, flexible, highly motivated, problem solver and able to work independently.
• Must be willing to work non-traditional hours.

Potbelly Sandwich Works may use artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools as part of its hiring and recruitment process. These tools may collect and analyze data including questionnaire and assessment responses, resume content, and professional profile information. AI-assisted tools are used for all position types. All final employment decisions are made by people. Potbelly may also use additional AI-assisted tools from time to time in its hiring process.

If you have questions about how AI is used in connection with your application, or if you would like to request a reasonable accommodation related to the use of AI in the hiring process, please contact HumanResources1@potbelly.com.

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.

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by [11/30/2026] to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.