Manager in Training (MIT)

Manager In Training Position

The Manager in Training (MIT) position requires participation in a structured program designed to develop comprehensive knowledge of Sonic restaurant operations, including finance, staff management, and customer service, under the guidance of a General Manager. This program provides hands-on experience to prepare candidates for advancement to the General Manager role.

Key responsibilities include assisting the general manager with daily operations and driving revenue, overseeing daily store activities, ensuring cleanliness, managing inventory, and handling scheduling. Additionally, the role involves learning to interpret P&L statements, manage payroll, control expenses, and track revenue. The position also requires understanding how to use metrics to evaluate Drive-In performance and make necessary improvements.

The MIT will assist with recruiting, hiring, training, coaching, and developing team members. They will celebrate team successes and coach for better performance, set expectations, and provide clear and continuous feedback. Creating an upbeat, positive atmosphere that makes work fun is also part of the role, along with helping employees understand the big picture and their role by sharing the "why" behind tasks.

In partnership with the General Manager, the MIT will establish and support a community outreach program, making a difference, and growing sales for the Drive-In and the brand. They will enforce all federal, state, and local labor laws and uphold company food safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements to ensure the health and safety of our customers and employees. The role also includes performing other job-related duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications and skills include strong communication, math, and analytical abilities for handling scheduling, budgeting, and conflict resolution. The ability to maintain a positive leadership style, especially during rushes and stressful situations, is essential. Resiliency, the ability to prioritize and complete tasks accordingly, and availability of approximately 50 hours per week, including flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and closing shifts as needed, are also required.

Education and/or experience include a minimum of 2-3 years of general management experience in food service or hospitality, an associate degree in business or related field preferred, willingness to relocate to available store openings upon successful completion of training within a minimum of a 45-mile radius from home base, and current certifications (e.g., ServSafe).

Essential physical functions include the ability/stamina to work a minimum of 50 hours a week, ability to stand/walk for 8-10 hours per day on average, ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, frequently reaching, feeling, bending, stooping, carrying, finely manipulating, and keying in data, ability to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors and outdoors, and ability to tolerate higher levels of noise from music and customer traffic.