Sonic Drive-In logo

General Manager

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $51,200.00 - $76,600.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Employee meal discounts
401(k) Plan
flexible scheduling
Career development opportunities

Job Description

SONIC Drive-In is a well-known and beloved American fast-food restaurant chain that prides itself on offering an exceptional dining experience through its iconic drive-in concept. Established as a leader in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, SONIC has a rich history of serving high-quality, tasty food in a fun and welcoming environment. The company values its employees as partners, recognizing their crucial role in delivering unparalleled customer service and maintaining operational excellence. As a company, SONIC emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and a strong community connection, striving to create workplaces where employees feel valued, motivated, and excited about their roles.

The role of a General Manager at SONIC Drive-In is an exciting leadership opportunity that goes beyond typical management duties. This position is the highest management role within the drive-in location, responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations and employee management. As a General Manager, you will lead a dedicated team to ensure that every guest receives an enjoyable and seamless experience, from greeting them to delivering delicious meals efficiently and safely. Your leadership directly impacts the success and reputation of the restaurant.

In this role, you will be involved in recruiting, hiring, training, coaching, and managing employees, including assistant managers, to maintain high service standards. You'll play a pivotal role in scheduling and staffing to create an efficient operation that meets customer demand while controlling costs. The General Manager ensures all food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards are strictly followed and that the facility and equipment are well-maintained. Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding labor and health is a critical part of your responsibilities.

Your daily tasks include managing payroll, inventory, and operational expenses to maximize profitability. You will handle and escalate guest and employee concerns appropriately, fostering a positive workplace culture and maintaining guest satisfaction. Conducting regular team meetings and maintaining detailed operational records and reports will be key to monitoring performance and implementing improvements.

The position is dynamic and requires flexibility, including working a minimum of 50 hours per week with irregular shifts that can include nights, weekends, and holidays. It demands strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Working at SONIC means embracing the company’s values and culture while striving to deliver an infinitely more delicious food service experience. As a General Manager, you will lead the charge in creating a vibrant, efficient, and customer-focused restaurant where every team member can excel and every guest leaves satisfied. This job is perfect for individuals passionate about restaurant management who want to grow professionally in a supportive and rewarding environment.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • minimum of three years restaurant management experience
  • experience running a restaurant shift independently
  • knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws
  • knowledge of health and safety laws and regulations
  • ability to manage and lead a team
  • strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • ability to work a minimum of 50 hours per week including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • physical ability to stand, bend, reach, move, stoop, stretch, and lift up to 50 pounds
  • willingness to perform cleaning and sanitation duties

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • advanced studies in business, restaurant management, or related fields preferred
  • at least three years of restaurant management experience
  • experience running a restaurant shift without supervision
  • experience recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and managing employees
  • knowledge of labor and employment laws
  • knowledge of health and safety laws and regulations
  • basic computer, math, accounting, and reading skills
  • effective verbal and written communication skills
  • problem-solving, multi-tasking, decision-making, leadership, time-management, and conflict-resolution skills

Job Duties

  • Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, manage, direct, coach, lead, schedule, assign, discipline, and terminate assistant managers and employees
  • manage employees' compensation levels
  • supervise and manage all aspects of drive-in operations
  • manage opening and closing duties
  • handle and escalate guest issues and concerns
  • handle and escalate employee issues and concerns
  • manage, plan, forecast, and adjust food, labor, paper, and inventory
  • lead regular team meetings
  • manage and maintain all drive-in recordkeeping
  • prepare and maintain operational reports
  • develop and manage local marketing and business performance plans
  • ensure proper maintenance of drive-in and equipment
  • supervise and manage vendor performance
  • comply with all company policies and operational standards
  • ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws
  • manage regular cleaning and sanitation duties
  • perform other job-related duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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