Manager In Training - Ellsworth, ME

Manager-in-Training (M.I.T.)

The Manager-in-Training (M.I.T.) learns the VIP culture and management processes to lead a team that ensures effective operation and an exceptional customer experience while complying with safety, federal, and state regulations.

• Make sure workplace safety is priority #1: follow all safety policies, complete safety‑related training, lock out unsafe equipment, and report unsafe conditions.
• Learn and execute VIP’s processes, including:
  • Hire the best associates in the area.
  • Develop a superior team: ensure all associates complete required LMS and vendor training, hold T.I.A automotive service certification, provide career path coaching, and support ASE certification study materials.
  • Properly schedule the team to meet all customer needs during all hours of operation.
  • Communicate with the team throughout the day via daily huddles and bi‑monthly store meetings.
  • Monitor e‑mail for customer appointments and communication.
  • Train, support, and deliver the 5‑for‑5 process to educate customers about vehicle conditions and solutions.
  • Control dispatching and assignment of work orders, assigning the first available technician capable of the work.
  • Attend off‑site meetings and training sessions as required, typically several times per year.
• Facility and Equipment Maintenance:
• Ensure satisfactory maintenance, appearance, and condition of facility and equipment to comply with security, safety, and environmental codes.
• Prepare the location, service desk, and equipment daily before business begins and secure the location and unclaimed vehicles at close.
• Maintain a clean service department throughout the business day and keep the customer waiting area and parking lot clean before opening.
• Record any facility or equipment issues in the database.
• Procedural Compliance: enforce strict compliance with the service Code of Ethics and all municipal, state, and federal regulations and procedures.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  • Communicate with other management levels to ensure compliance with service standards and company policies.
  • Serve as policy administrator in the assigned location.

The M.I.T. supports the Service Manager to help the team achieve all targeted levels of performance as outlined by leadership through daily, weekly, and monthly reports.

• Schedule:
  
  5‑day work week with a minimum of 50 hours per week.
• Attendance: arrive prior to each shift, be ready to perform duties at shift start, and work all scheduled hours as directed by the management team.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong people‑management and leadership skills: motivational, supportive, assertive, and decisive.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Sound business sense with the ability to analyze, prioritize, identify, and implement solutions.
  • Strong organization and time‑management skills.
  • Comprehensive understanding of automotive servicing and the industry.
• Minimum Education/Experience
  • Two years related experience in automotive service management.
  • Completion of a two‑year college or technical school program recommended.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations
  • Current, valid driver’s license issued in state of residence.
  • ASE Certification P2 – Parts Specialist (recommended).
  • ASE Certification G1 – Maintenance and light repair (recommended).
  • State Inspection License required where applicable.

• Standing, walking, pushing/pulling, climbing, kneeling; less than 1/3 of time: reaching; more than 2/3 of time: lifting more than 21 lbs.
• Must wear protective eyewear at all times in the service area.