Sonic Drive-In General Manager

Friendswood, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $38,000.00 - $55,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement benefits

Employee Discounts

Bonuses

Job Description

SONIC Drive-In is a renowned fast-food restaurant chain known for its iconic drive-in concept where customers can enjoy quality food and refreshing beverages served quickly and efficiently in a nostalgic carhop style setting. With thousands of locations across the United States, SONIC Drive-In has established itself as a beloved destination for families and individuals seeking a unique dining experience that combines classic American fast food with friendly customer service. Operating under a franchise model, each drive-in reflects the brand's commitment to high standards of quality, cleanliness, safety, and operational excellence. SONIC Drive-In is dedicated to maintaining a fun and engaging environment not only for guests but also for its employees, who are vital to delivering the brand promise every day.

As a SONIC Drive-In General Manager, you play a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing all the daily operations of the drive-in restaurant. This full-time role requires you to ensure that every aspect of the restaurant runs smoothly and aligns with the company's quality standards. From managing staffing and training team members to controlling inventory and ensuring food safety compliance, you act as the driving force behind an efficient and guest-focused environment. The General Manager is the highest-ranking position within the store and holds full accountability for meeting financial goals, staffing needs, and operational requirements. The role demands a hands-on approach, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.

Your responsibilities include coaching and mentoring crew members, carhops, and skating carhops, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety. You are also responsible for scheduling work shifts, maintaining inventory levels, and placing orders in line with cost control guidelines. A critical part of the role involves monitoring payroll records, resolving guest complaints promptly and respectfully, and fostering a strong customer service mentality across the team.

Additionally, you will be involved in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff to maintain optimal staffing levels. You are expected to develop reports analyzing operational and financial performance and implement action plans to improve sales and profitability. Marketing initiatives to drive customer traffic and promote the restaurant are also within your purview. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of management experience in the restaurant or quick-service restaurant industry, a high school diploma or equivalent, with advanced studies in business or restaurant management being a plus.

The role requires availability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and at least a five-day workweek with multiple closing shifts. The salary ranges between $38,000 and $55,000 annually, reflecting your experience and ability to lead the drive-in to success. SONIC Drive-In values employees with high standards, resilience, a positive attitude under pressure, and eagerness to learn and grow professionally. Through your leadership, you will create an enjoyable guest experience while ensuring operational excellence to uphold SONIC’s reputation as a top choice for casual dining.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of two years restaurant management experience
Required to work a minimum 5 day workweek with 4 closing shifts including irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
Knowledge of recruiting, interviewing and selection practices
Knowledge of federal and state labor laws and local health and sanitation laws and regulations
Leadership and supervisory practices
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Basic accounting and computer skills
Ability to follow directions and work autonomously
Strong problem solving, decision-making and conflict-resolution skills
Willingness to abide by appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC
Driver's license

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of two years of restaurant management experience, preferably QSR
Knowledge of recruiting, interviewing and selection practices
Knowledge of federal and state labor laws, local health and sanitation regulations
Leadership and supervisory skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Basic accounting and computer skills
Ability to follow directions and work independently
Strong problem solving, decision-making and conflict-resolution skills
Positive attitude and resiliency
Willingness to work irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays
Associate's degree in Business or related field preferred

Job Duties

Manage, train, monitor and coach crew, team members, carhops and skating carhops
Direct and assign drive-in restaurant employees to ensure all aspects of food service meet operational standards
Adhere to and monitor employee compliance with the drive-in employee handbook, policies and practices
Perform restaurant opening and/or closing duties
Prepare employee work schedules and adjust staffing levels as needed
Monitor and maintain restaurant inventory levels, place orders within cost control procedures
Complete and maintain employment and payroll records
Reinforce a customer service mentality and ensure employees focus on serving customers
Resolve guest requests respectfully and report complaints to supervisors
Interview and hire new staff to achieve proper staffing
Prepare operational reports and develop action plans to address financial and sales trends
Develop and implement marketing plans