Manager in Training (MIT)

Manager in Training (MIT)

JOB TITLE: Manager-in-Training

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

JOB STATUS: Full Time

LOCATION: Site

REPORTS TO: Site Manager

DIRECT/INDIRECT REPORTS: None

EFFECTIVE DATE: 6/1/2025

Position Overview

The Manager-in-Training (MIT) role at Spotless Brands is a developmental position for team members selected to participate in a structured, hands-on training program designed to prepare high-potential talent for future Site Manager roles. Under the guidance of the Site Manager, the MIT supports daily operational tasks, learns key business processes, and assists with customer service, team performance and site profitability all while gaining the competencies needed to lead a site in the future.

While this is not a supervisory role, MIT works side-by-side with the Site Managers and Assistant Site Managers to learn how to lead and support team members, drive membership growth, maintain site standards, and resolve operational challenges. The ultimate goal of this position is to successfully complete the official Manager-in-Training Program and demonstrate a readiness to step into a leadership role.

Essential Functions (Other Duties as Assigned)

Operational Development & Site Support

• Assist the Site Manager with daily operations to support safety, profitability, staffing, and customer experience
• Help maintain smooth daily operations in the absence of the Site Manager or Assistant Manager by supporting team communication, monitoring workflows, and escalating issues to leadership as needed; this role does not include formal supervisory responsibilities
• Learn and participate in opening and closing procedures, including cash handling and daily reporting
• Support membership growth and sales initiatives by engaging customers and promoting services
• Maintain site cleanliness, equipment operation, and inventory levels (e.g., chemical, uniforms, office supplies)
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and the needs of the business

Customer Service & Conflict Resolution

• Interact with customers to resolve complaints or concerns professionally and promptly
• Escalate unresolved issues to the Site Manager or District Manager as needed
• Model respectful, service-first behavior in all customer interactions

Financial & Inventory Support

• Help with labor scheduling, payroll tracking, invoice reconciliation, and daily deposits
• Participate in inventory tracking and ordering under the direction of the Site Manager
• Observe and support site-level cost controls and revenue-driving activities

Equipment & Maintenance Awareness

• Develop a working understanding of all site equipment and car wash systems
• Perform minor equipment troubleshooting and coordinate with the appropriate support teams when needed

Training & Leadership Development

• Actively participate in the Spotless Brands Manager-in-Training program
• Follow a structured development plan focused on building operational, leadership, and business skills
• Provide feedback and recommendations to the Site Manager regarding staffing, performance, and process improvements
• Learn to coach, mentor, and support frontline team members under the guidance of site leadership
• Participate in safety audits and ensure compliance with company safety standards and policies

Site Type Variations

The core responsibilities of the Manager-in-Training remain consistent across all locations and while core duties do not change, the operational emphasis may vary slightly depending on the site type:

• Express Sites: Prioritize high-throughput exterior wash operations with a strong focus on speed, automation, and membership sales. These sites typically operate with smaller, leaner teams where direct leadership is
• Full-Service Sites: Include both exterior and interior vehicle cleaning, requiring greater labor coordination and a higher-touch customer experience.
• Flex Sites: Combine full-service and express wash models and may include additional profit centers such as convenience store and/or lube center, requiring cross-functional coordination, broader staffing needs, and inventory management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Basic knowledge of customer service, retail operations, or automotive services
• Understanding of point-of-sale (POS) systems and cash handling
• Willingness to learn operational procedures and business systems

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Basic technical aptitude for learning site equipment functions and troubleshooting
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use email, navigate spreadsheets (e.g., MS Excel) and perform standard data entry tasks

Abilities

• Willingness and ability to complete a comprehensive training program
• Ability to lead by example and always demonstrate professionalism
• Physically able to perform job duties, including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in outdoor conditions
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to learn quickly and apply new procedures and/or operational tools

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• 1+ years of experience in retail, hospitality, automotive, or customer service environments preferred
• Demonstrated interest in leadership and career advancement
• Minimum of 18 years of age required due to equipment and/or fuel handling responsibilities (where applicable)
• Valid driver's license required; must be able to safely operate customer vehicles as part of site operations (where applicable)
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check in accordance with company policies and applicable laws

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, and move, often uneven, moving and/or wet surfaces through site
• Ability to stoop, crouch, bend frequently, and constantly using fingers, hands, and arms including occasional ascending and descending a ladder
• Ability to twist, carry, reach, push, and pull frequently
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds without assistance for work-related materials
• Ability to work outdoors and be efficient in all weather conditions
• Ability to work on your feet in a fast-paced, physically active environment
• Must be able to work in an environment with varying noise levels, including loud sounds from machinery, tools, or high-traffic areas
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as business needs or emergencies arise

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Spotless Brands and its subsidiaries comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources department and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting.

Spotless Brands and its affiliate brands are Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employers. Spotless Brands invites all qualified interested applicants to apply for career opportunities. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran, disabled status or any other protected group status as defined by and subject to applicable federal, state and local laws. We use E-Verify to check employment eligibility.