Assistant Manager

Leeds West Groups•Des Moines, IA

5d•$55,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Store Manager supports the Store Manager in daily automotive retail and repair operations, applying professional integrity, leadership, business acumen, and knowledge of automotive practices to deliver quality work, excellent customer service, and business results. The role exercises discretion and independent judgment on matters that significantly affect business operations. It supervises employees and serves as Manager on Duty when the Store Manager is absent. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt, on-site position requiring at least 50 hours per week. Business hours and schedules vary by location and business needs. The role regularly involves long hours and frequent weekend work, with up to 50% travel between local stores; overnight travel is less than 5% unless required for a particular assignment. The work takes place in a fast-paced automotive retail and repair environment, with exposure to indoor and outdoor climates, changing temperatures, tools, equipment, fluids, and chemicals. Proper PPE, uniform standards, and OSHA safety practices are required.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Active, unrestricted driver's license.
High school diploma or equivalent.
At least three years of related experience.
Legally authorized to work in the United States while employed by Leeds West Groups.
Satisfactory completion of any job-related background screening required for the position, consistent with applicable law.
Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record check and ability to maintain a driving record that meets company requirements.
Strong integrity, people-management skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to balance empathy with accountability.
Strong analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, active-listening, communication, interpersonal, supervisory, diplomatic, and leadership skills.
Strong sales and customer-service skills and knowledge of automotive retail and service operations, business management, financial principles, procedures, and industry practices.
Working knowledge of automotive systems, services, diagnostics, and repair processes sufficient to support customer service, workflow management, quality oversight, and safe operations.
Strong organizational, detail-oriented, and time-management skills.
Proficiency with technology and business software, including Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI), and with inventory and expense management.
Ability to work in a fast-paced sales environment, give and receive constructive feedback, manage priorities and multiple tasks, and complete objectives with minimal supervision.
Ability to meet consistent attendance expectations.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including effective communication and visual inspection of the work environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business management or a related field.
Three years of leadership, supervisory, or management experience.

Responsibilities

Assist the Store Manager with daily operations, including scheduling, staffing, customer satisfaction, and workflow optimization.
Ensure services are completed efficiently and accurately in compliance with company, safety, and industry standards.
Monitor and analyze KPIs and shop performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Help develop and implement customer-retention and business-growth strategies to achieve sales, profitability, and other business objectives.
Deliver excellent customer service, including effective customer communications, sales and promotion practices, financing options, quality repair services, post-service follow-up, review generation, and prompt resolution of customer concerns.
Assist with managing inventory, shrinkage, costs, expenses, P-Card use, payroll, and injury and damage claims in support of business objectives and budgets.
Serve as a facility key holder and complete opening and closing procedures, including deposits, system close-outs, and responses to after-hours alarms or security concerns.
Help reduce workplace safety concerns, injuries, and damages through training, enforcement, and compliance with OSHA and company safety policies and industry practices.
Ensure test drives comply with company policies, procedures, safety practices, and traffic laws.
Ensure employees maintain a clean, organized, and safe workplace in accordance with company policies and OSHA regulations.
Stay current on automotive industry trends, technology advancements, and regulatory changes affecting repair and safety.
Collaborate with the Store Manager and senior management on business plans, directives, initiatives, programs, and budgets.
Supervise, direct, train, develop, mentor, support, evaluate, and discipline employees in collaboration with the Store Manager.
Provide recommendations that receive particular weight in decisions concerning hiring, firing, advancement, promotion, and other employee status changes.
Communicate and collaborate with the Store Manager before significant employment decisions are made or communicated.
Support an inclusive, respectful, high-performing team culture and the development of employees and future leaders.
Lead by example, set clear expectations, coach and provide feedback, recognize strong performance, and address concerns promptly and fairly.
Implement and champion business and leadership initiatives, policies, procedures, best practices, and programs through meetings, training, audits, and other leadership activities.
Manage employee workflow, work quality, and schedules in coordination with the Store Manager.
Act as Manager on Duty when the Store Manager is absent.
Perform other duties as assigned.