Manager in Training - West Hartford CT

VIP Auto•West Hartford, CT

About The Position

The Manager-in-Training (M.I.T.) learns VIP’s culture, management processes, and operating standards in preparation to lead a team and ensure effective operation at an assigned location. The role supports VIP’s mission to earn automotive customers for life by helping the team deliver an exceptional customer experience and achieve company programs and standards. The M.I.T. promotes safe working conditions and ensures operations comply with established policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations. The M.I.T. supports the Service Manager in achieving performance targets, develops and trains associates, helps schedule and communicate with the team, and supports customer service and workflow. The role also oversees facility and equipment readiness, cleanliness, and security, and enforces service ethics and applicable regulations. The standard schedule is five days and a minimum of 50 hours per week, with attendance for all hours scheduled by management.

Requirements

Strong people-management and leadership skills, including motivational, supportive, assertive, and decisive conduct.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Sound business judgment and the ability to analyze, prioritize, identify, and implement solutions.
Strong organization and time-management skills.
Comprehensive understanding of automotive servicing and the automotive industry.
Two years of related experience in automotive service management.
Current, valid driver’s license issued in the state of residence.
Equipment Safety Certification.
ASE Certification C1 – Service Consultant.
State Inspection License where applicable.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including the stated lifting and force-exertion requirements.
Wear protective eyewear in the service area at all times and protective back-support belts when performing strenuous physical activities involving lifting and exerting force.
Work a standard five-day schedule of at least 50 hours per week and all scheduled hours as directed by management.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a two-year college or technical school program is recommended.
ASE Certification P2 – Parts Specialist is recommended.
ASE Certification G1 – Maintenance and Light Repair is recommended.

Responsibilities

Make workplace safety the top priority by following safety policies, completing safety training, locking out unsafe equipment, and reporting unsafe conditions or actions.
Learn VIP’s team-building approach and management processes to prepare to lead a team and deliver a strong customer experience.
Recruit associates, develop the team, and ensure associates complete required LMS and vendor training.
Ensure associates complete T.I.A. basic automotive service certification and provide career-path coaching during structured sessions.
Sign up associates and provide study materials for applicable ASE certifications.
Schedule the team to meet customer needs during all hours of operation.
Communicate with the team throughout the day, including through daily huddles and bi-monthly store meetings.
Monitor email throughout the day for customer appointments and communications.
Train, support, and deliver the 5 for 5 process to explain vehicle conditions and discuss necessary solutions with customers.
Assign and dispatch work orders to technicians, following the guideline that the first available technician qualified to perform the work properly receives the order.
Attend off-site meetings and training sessions as needed, typically several times per year.
Maintain the facility’s appearance and condition in compliance with security, safety, and environmental codes and ordinances.
Maintain equipment and ensure the team has the resources needed to serve customers.
Oversee daily opening preparations for the location, service desk, and equipment, and secure the location and unclaimed customer vehicles at close.
Maintain a clean service department throughout the day and inspect the customer waiting area and parking lot for cleanliness before opening.
Enter facility or equipment issues into the appropriate database.
Enforce compliance with the service Code of Ethics and all applicable municipal, state, and federal regulations and procedures.
Communicate with other levels of management as needed to ensure compliance with service standards and company policies.
Serve as policy administrator at the assigned location.
Support the Service Manager in helping the team achieve performance targets reflected in daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
Perform other functions as required.