Senior Manager, Brand

$125,000 - $140,000 base salary range + annual bonus potential!100% remote in the United States, however, due to state-specific regulatory requirements, Potbelly does not currently support remote work from the following states: Alaska, California, and Hawaii. To be considered for this position, you must be able to perform the role from a state not listed above at the time of hire and for the duration of employment. 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 InsuranceDomestic Partnership BenefitsPaid Parental LeaveFSA and HSA with Employer ContributionCommuter Benefit ProgramRetirement Savings 401(k) WITH company matchEmployee Assistance ProgramPaid Time OffDiscount ProgramFlexible Work ScheduleCareer growth opportunities **If hired, you must meet and maintain all eligibility requirements to qualify** Job Title: Senior Manager, Brand Department/Function: Marketing Location: Support Center Reports to (Title): Senior Director, Brand Marketing Job Level: Manager Job Band: Sr Manager Full-Time - Exempt Travel Requirements: Moderately GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Senior Brand Manager is accountable for brand strategy, marketing calendar management, and creative oversight at Potbelly. Key responsibilities include building and stewarding an insights-led annual marketing calendar, developing compelling promotional and brand initiatives that populate the calendar, and bringing all activities to life across paid, owned, and earned channels with high-quality, effective execution. This position will also play a primary role in overseeing media and the relationship with the media agency. Reporting to the Senior Director of Brand Marketing, the Senior Brand Manager will manage two direct reports: Manager, Graphic Design & Art and Associate Manager, Brand Marketing. A Marketing Operations Associate will not report into this role but will partner closely to support execution. This is a critical position within the Marketing organization, accountable for both setting brand strategy and ensuring it is executed with excellence. The role is intentionally hands-on-the Senior Brand Manager is expected to lead, build, and deliver the work, not simply direct it. FOCUS Brand Strategy & StewardshipOwn brand positioning, messaging, tone, look and feel, and brand guardrailsEnsure consistent application of brand voice and visual identity across all channelsTranslate insights and performance into actionable brand strategiesAnnual Marketing Calendar LeadershipBuild and manage a 6+ month forward-looking marketing calendarEnsure the right balance of traffic-driving and brand-building initiatives to meet business goalsDefine initiative timing, sequencing, and success metrics Promotions & Campaign StrategyLead development of promotions and key initiatives across cross-functional teamsDefine offer strategy, messaging, and business objectivesEnsure campaigns align to brand strategy and deliver against business objectivesChannel Planning & Media IntegrationDefine channel roles across paid, owned, earned, and in-shop environmentsEnsure channel requirements, asset needs, and readiness timelines are clearPartner with media agency on planning, execution, and optimization Creative Leadership & DevelopmentOwn and develop clear, strategic creative briefs that translate strategy into executionLead end-to-end creative development across internal and external teamsProvide clear, consolidated feedback tied to strategy, brand standards, and performanceEnsure creative is developed for channel-specific formats and optimized for performance Agency & Partner ManagementManage creative agency roster, including partner selection, scope, and performancePartner with PR agency on earned media strategy and key momentsHold agency partners accountable for quality, performance, brand adherence, and timelines Cross-Functional Leadership & ExecutionPartner with Operations, Digital, Finance, and Field teams to align on initiativesDrive readiness, coordination, and execution across all functionsOperate as a hands-on leader-personally driving progress and solving problemsExperimentation & Performance OptimizationEstablish and lead a testing and learning agenda across campaigns and channelsUse data and insights to refine strategies, creative, and channel plansDrive continuous improvement without compromising brand consistency Reporting & Operational ExcellenceLead post-campaign analysis and translate findings into clear actionsProvide leadership visibility into performance and calendar healthBuild and maintain operating rhythms, processes, and governance Team LeadershipManage and develop direct reports across creative and brand/production functionsFoster a collaborative, high-performing team environmentEstablish clear expectations, processes, and development opportunities ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONSAbility to work extended hours as neededAbility to travel as requiredAbility to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periodsMust be able to communicate heavily through text, telephone, e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, and in-person communications EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORSBachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or related field preferred7-10+ years of progressive experience in brand, integrated, or category marketingExperience in QSR, food & beverage, retail, hospitality, or consumer brands preferredProven ability to lead brand strategy (positioning, messaging, voice, identity) and translate it into executionDemonstrated success building and managing high-velocity marketing calendars with 6+ month forward planningStrong creative leadership experience, including briefing, feedback, and overseeing development across internal and external teamsExperience managing creative, media, and PR agencies, including performance and ways of workingExperience overseeing production for brand content (photo/video) and/or in-shop creative ecosystems preferredStrong strategic thinker with ability to connect brand, creative, and business outcomesHighly hands-on operator who drives work from concept through executionClear and decisive communicator with strong judgment and prioritization skillsCollaborative cross-functional leader able to influence without direct authorityHigh level of organization with strong planning and calendar disciplineCreative judgment and ability to evaluate work against brand and performance goalsLearning mindset with focus on testing, iteration, and continuous improvementAbility to balance brand-building with performance-driven marketing At Potbelly, we are committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment where individuals are valued for their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and strengths. We believe that inclusion, collaboration, and mutual respect enhance the way we serve our customers and work together as a team. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. 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 [8/31/2026] to be considered for this position. The posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected before the deadline.