General Manager I - Store 7973 - Columbia, SC

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. The role requires understanding of store systems, automotive systems, and parts knowledge, with the ability to assist DIY customers through troubleshooting and project support. 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 building and holding the team accountable 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).
• Perform 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.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of automotive systems (preferred).
• Ability to speak and write 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.
• Experience reviewing and analyzing business reports, including profit and loss (P&L) statements.
• Ability to hold others accountable, inspect work quality, and provide inspiring feedback.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends.

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/business acumen.
• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• ASE Certification preferred but not required.

Skills

• Friendly communication and customer service.
• Ability to locate and stock parts efficiently.
• Safety knowledge and skills.
• ASE P2 certification or equivalent readiness.
• Advanced parts lookup and sourcing from multiple channels (special order, FDO, second source, etc.).
• Ability to train team members on operational processes, inventory systems, store equipment, POS, and parts lookup systems.
• Recruitment, hiring, and development of quality team members.
• Building and growing relationships with professional customers.

Physical Demands

The role involves predominantly walking or standing. The employee must be able to talk, hear, and use hands/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 places, toxic or caustic chemicals, electrical shock risks, explosives, and vibration. The noise level is usually moderate.

Schedule

General Managers work an average of 5-6 days per week, including 11-hour shifts with an hour for lunch. The schedule includes rotating nights and weekends, with additional hours required based on business needs, staffing, and sales targets.