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General Manager

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Employee Discounts
401(k)
Training and development opportunities
flexible scheduling

Job Description

SONIC Drive-In is a well-established American fast-food restaurant chain known for its iconic drive-in service and a diverse menu featuring burgers, hot dogs, breakfast items, and a variety of beverages. As a household name in the quick-service restaurant industry, SONIC Drive-In prides itself on delivering a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals served directly to their cars by friendly carhops. The company has built its reputation on quality, convenience, and a fun atmosphere, making it a popular choice among families, young adults, and individuals seeking quick yet satisfying food options. With a strong presence across the United States, SONIC Drive-In continues to grow and innovate, maintaining high standards for food safety, customer service, and employee development.

The General Manager role at SONIC Drive-In is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing daily operations to ensure the Drive-In consistently delivers quality food in a clean, safe, and efficient manner. As the highest management authority within the location, the General Manager has full accountability for the restaurant's performance, staff management, and overall guest experience. This role requires a dynamic leader capable of balancing business acumen with a passion for hospitality and team building.

Key responsibilities include hiring, training, supervising, and developing a team of dedicated employees committed to providing a SuperSONIC experience for every guest. The General Manager must exhibit a leadership style that is fair, firm, and fun, setting a positive example for the team to follow. Financial responsibility is paramount, as the manager will be charged with managing profit and loss statements to exceed business expectations consistently.

Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to swiftly address employee concerns, celebrate team successes, and coach for improved performance. The manager is expected to create an upbeat and positive work environment that motivates employees and fosters teamwork. Educating team members about their roles and the overall business goals is also critical to ensure everyone understands the 'why' behind their tasks.

In addition to people management, the General Manager must utilize performance metrics to evaluate the Drive-In's operations and implement necessary improvements. Community involvement and brand promotion are part of the role, encouraging growth in sales and enhancing SONIC's reputation locally. Ensuring compliance with all safety, sanitation, and legal standards is a non-negotiable aspect of the position, emphasizing responsibility and integrity in operations.

This role offers the opportunity for professional growth within a respected company in the fast-food industry. SONIC Drive-In values leaders who are eager to learn, resilient in facing challenges, and committed to excellence. While an associate's degree in business or a related field is preferred, relevant management experience and leadership skills are paramount. The position may require working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, reflecting the nature of the restaurant business.

SONIC Drive-In franchise organizations support diversity and inclusion, making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. As independent employers, franchises handle specific employment decisions, ensuring a supportive and equitable work environment. Joining SONIC as a General Manager means leading a team in a vibrant setting, driving business success, and contributing to a brand that values both its customers and its people.

Job Requirements

  • Prior management experience
  • High standards for self and the team
  • Positive attitude especially during rushes or stressful situations
  • Resiliency trying different approaches to solve a problem
  • Eagerness to learn and grow professionally and personally
  • Ability to prioritize and complete tasks accordingly
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills
  • Associate's degree in business or related field preferred
  • Willingness to work irregular hours including nights weekends and holidays

Job Qualifications

  • Prior management experience
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills
  • Associate's degree in business or related field preferred
  • Positive attitude especially during rushes or stressful situations
  • High standards for self and the team
  • Resiliency and eagerness to learn and grow
  • Ability to prioritize and complete tasks accordingly

Job Duties

  • Hiring training managing supervising directing and developing great people ready to serve a supersonic experience to every guest
  • Demonstrating a fair firm fun leadership approach and leading by example
  • Managing a profit and loss statement to exceed expectations every week month and year
  • Swiftly resolving employee concerns with a thoughtful approach
  • Celebrating team successes and coaching for better performance
  • Setting expectations and providing clear and continuous feedback
  • Creating an upbeat positive atmosphere during the shift that makes work fun
  • Helping employees understand the big picture and their role by sharing the why behind tasks
  • Understanding how to use metrics to evaluate drive-in performance and make necessary improvements
  • Getting out in the community making a difference and growing sales for your drive-in and the brand
  • Maintaining and enforcing sonic safety and sanitation standards
  • Relentlessly complying with all federal state and local laws and regulations

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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