General Manager I - Store 1825 Fort Wayne IN

About the Role

A General Manager must be committed to inspiring the team, helping customers succeed, and growing the business with integrity. This professional-level sales and management position supports both retail and professional customer functions, requiring knowledge of store systems, automotive systems, and parts. The role involves identifying, troubleshooting, and assisting with DIY projects, as well as developing and maintaining professional customer relationships. The position is exempt and typically requires 50-55 hours per week, including rotating nights, weekends, and 11-hour shifts.

Responsibilities

• Achieve overall store sales goals and service objectives.
• Manage and grow professional customer relationships and sales, including team accountability for executing customer action plans.
• Oversee selection, hiring, development, performance management, coaching, scheduling, and engagement of store team members.
• Ensure execution of all inventory and operational standards.
• Coach team members to deliver on customer expectations (DIY and professional).
• Handle manager-on-duty responsibilities, including coaching, floor/phone management, task assignment, safety, and open/close duties.
• Lead change management initiatives.
• Foster a respectful and diverse environment for customers and team members.
• Provide DIY services such as battery installation, testing, and wiper installation.
• Assist with district/region functions as requested.

Success Factors

• Friendly communication.
• Ability to locate and stock parts.
• Safety knowledge and skills.
• Ability to become ASE P2 certified or ASE-ready equivalent.
• Proficiency in executing and training project and product quality recommendations.
• Advanced parts lookup and sourcing from multiple channels, including special orders and second sources.
• Ability to execute and train on store operational processes, testing, and diagnostic equipment for DIY services.
• Proficiency in inventory systems, store equipment, POS, and parts lookup systems.
• Ability to review and analyze P&L statements.
• Strong recruitment, hiring, and team development skills.
• Ability to build and grow relationships with professional customers.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of automotive systems (preferred).
• Fluency in English (Spanish a plus); strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel required; PowerPoint preferred).
• Ability to calculate figures such as discounts, percentages, and gross profit percentages.
• Ability to review and analyze business reports, including P&L statements.
• Strong leadership skills, including holding others accountable and providing inspiring feedback.
• Willingness to work varied schedules, including evenings and weekends.
• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• ASE certification preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience managing a team of 10-20 members in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment.
• Proven experience managing profitability and demonstrated financial and business acumen.

Physical Demands

The role involves predominantly walking or standing. The employee must be able to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily indoors, but occasional outdoor tasks (e.g., battery and wiper blade installation) expose the employee to various weather conditions. The role may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, and vibration. The noise level is usually moderate.