Manager in Training

Description

The Manager in Training (MIT) program at Gelati Celesti is a structured, hands‑on pathway designed to develop the next generation of General Managers from the inside out.

This is not a shadow program. From day one, you will be working - scooping, leading shifts, learning our operations, and building the skills and relationships that will make you a great GM. You will rotate through our regional locations across Hampton Roads and Richmond, working alongside experienced General Managers who will serve as your mentors and guide your development at every stage.

Advancement through the program is based on demonstrated competency. You will work through defined training milestones, evaluated by your Retail Leader and mentor GM and when you are ready, you will be promoted into a General Manager role to lead your own Gelati Celesti location.

The right person for this role is eager, coachable, and ready to put in the work. You do not need prior management experience - but you need the mindset of someone who is serious about earning it.

Work every front‑line role alongside your team - scooping, serving, and holding the brand standards that make Gelati Celesti great.

Learn product knowledge inside and out: flavors, ingredients, allergens, portioning, and how to talk about what we make with genuine pride.

Master opening and closing procedures, daily cleaning and sanitation standards, and the routines that keep a store running smoothly.

Progress into running shifts - supervising team members, managing the floor, and taking accountability for the guest experience during your time on.

Practice real‑time coaching: giving feedback, redirecting behavior, and holding standards with the team in the moment.

Learn cash handling, daily sales reporting, and end‑of‑day reconciliation.

Learn the full scope of GM responsibilities alongside your mentor: hiring, onboarding, scheduling, inventory, ordering, and vendor management.

Develop a working understanding of store financials - how to read a labor report, manage food costs, and connect daily decisions to store performance.

Lead hiring conversations and onboard new team members with GM guidance, building the skills you will use as a GM every week.

Rotate through multiple locations across both markets to experience different store dynamics, team cultures, and operational challenges.

Build relationships with GMs and Retail Leaders across the organization - the network you build as an MIT will serve you well as a GM.

Every MIT is paired with a mentor General Manager an experienced leader who is invested in your growth and will be a consistent presence throughout your program. Your mentor GM will work alongside you on the floor, give you real feedback, and help you navigate the challenges of learning to lead.

You will also have regular check‑ins with your Retail Leader to track your progress, talk through what is working, and plan your next steps. You will never wonder where you stand or what is expected we will make that clear from day one and keep the conversation going throughout.

• Hungry to grow. You are not looking for a job - you are looking for a career. You want to learn, earn responsibility, and lead your own team.
• Coachable. You take feedback well, act on it, and ask good questions. You know growth comes from being open, not defensive.
• A natural with people. Guests love you, teammates trust you, and managers notice you. Building relationships comes naturally.
• Hardworking and reliable. You show up ready to work and hold yourself to the same standards you will eventually hold others to.
• Adaptable. New store, new team,…