HR Business Partner

Job Title: Field Human Resources Business Partner

Location: Field-based

Department/Function: Human Resources

Reports to: Director, Field Human Resources

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Field HRBP is a key member of the Field Human Resources Support team. They are responsible for achieving great people results in retention, internal selection and development, staffing, cultural leadership and execution of the People Plan at the highest level. They will serve as key thought partners and trusted advisers to the Operations Team to achieve great People results. The Field HRBP owns succession development and planning, is front line focused and leads as Champion of the Potbelly Way culture. They will help ensure a fun, friendly and caring environment utilizing positive energy, communication, coaching and accountability. They are accountable for elevating leadership at all levels in support of setting and maintaining a high bar of performance. They will provide feedback to help shape HR processes, policies and procedures including but not limited to annual performance appraisals, documentation and any employee relations matters they are put on notice about promptly. Success will be measured by goals for turnover, trends of employee relations matters being handled timely and effectively and succession bench results.

FOCUS

Staffing/Selection

• Understands the staffing needs of their field regional teams. Responsible to demonstrate and maintain high standards for candidate selection. Coaches and advises managers on appropriate staffing models.
• Partners with Talent Acquisition team to share/transfer information regarding external/internal staffing needs.
• Partakes in our internal selection process at the Shift Leader level and above (indirect involvement with Shift Leaders and Assistant Managers direct involvement with General Managers, District Manager,).
• Coaches Managers on talent identification and selection

Bench

• Owns succession development and planning. Participates in monthly Regional meetings and District Manager meetings to assess capabilities and understand development and growth needs.
• Drives the internal management development process. Partners on the people support for all field management.

Retention

• Analyzes turnover at all levels on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis and drives retention efforts through direct coaching for the field.
• Analyzes employee engagement survey data and makes recommendations to the management team for action plans that drive continuous improvement in the operation.
• Works closely with the Talent Acquisition and Training teams to support excellence in the Potbelly employee experience throughout the entire employment lifecycle.

Employee Relations

• Serves as a strategic adviser and coach to the DMs, RDs and GMs on employee relations issues including employee development, performance management, employee morale and conflict resolution.
• Builds collaborative and productive working relationships
• Leads with integrity, respect, high personal standards, and personal credibility.
• Manages and responds to employee relations issues to avoid risk and litigation.
• Monitors, audits, and investigates HR related matters and regulations including, but not limited to sexual harassment, discrimination, ADA, FLMA, Wage & Hour, EEOC, DOL etc.
• Proactively helps balance risk, taking into account employee, business, and company perspectives

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Must have the ability/stamina to work a minimum of 50 hours a week.
• Will spend 30%-50% of time in the field.
• 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 potential allergens: peanut products, eggs, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood, and shellfish.
• Must be able to engage in problem-solving skills to help identify and solve potential issues in the field.
• Must be able to proactively communicate heavily with employees and Support Center through telephone, e-mail and in-person communications.

• Must represent The Potbelly Way mission, vision and values.
• BA/BS degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• Minimum of five years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years as an HRBP or in a strategic HR role
• PHR or SPHR certification a plus.
• Multi-unit, multi-state experience in restaurant or retail industry desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Has ability and credibility to coach and develop leaders.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Well organized and detail oriented with excellent documentation abilities.
• Detailed fact finding for employee relation matters and follow through to resolution.
• Effective leader that can influence people at all levels of the organization.
• Prefer to be based on the East Coast. Will consider other locations accordingly.

Company: Potbelly Corporate

Position: HR Business Partner

Status: Full Time

Shift: First (Day)

Req #: 10668983

Date Posted: July 08, 2025

Location: Chicago , Chicago,
US,
IL,
60611

Job Category: Corporate