Manager Operations Manager Jobs in Freeport, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Manager in Training (MIT) program prepares future store leaders by providing hands-on experience in all aspects of retail operations at Belle Tire. Working closely with a Store Manager mentor, you will learn to lead teams, drive sales, manage operations, and deliver premium customer service. This role combines training, observation, and direct leadership responsibility to develop the skills needed to successfully manage a store. You will act as a leader in training, learning the "Belle Tire Way" while contributing to daily operations and team success.

What You'll Do

Leadership & People Development

• Learn to lead, coach, and motivate a retail team to achieve business and customer goals.
• Develop leadership and communication skills that foster trust, accountability, and engagement.
• Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork while modeling Belle Tire's culture and values.
• Observe and assist in conducting team huddles, performance feedback, and training sessions.
• Apply strategic thinking by connecting daily tasks to broader store and company goals.

Sales & Customer Experience

• Learn and execute Belle Tire's 6-Step Sales Process to ensure consistent, customer-focused interactions.
• Support team members in identifying customer needs and offering effective solutions.
• Drive sales across all products and services while maintaining strong service standards.
• Build customer relationships and assist with resolving concerns or escalations.

Operational Management

• Gain hands-on experience with store operations including staffing, scheduling, inventory, facility, cleaning, and workflow management.
• Learn how to ensure compliance with company policies, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
• Assist in coordinating shop productivity and ensuring efficient communication between sales and technicians.
• Understand how operational decisions impact the overall customer experience and store performance.

Financial & Business Management

• Learn the fundamentals of P&L management, including sales, labor, and controllable expenses.
• Analyze financial reports under the guidance of the Store Manager to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Participate in executing company initiatives and strategies to achieve operational goals.
• Support accurate recordkeeping and inventory management practices.

Culture & Brand Leadership

• Serve as a role model for Belle Tire's beliefs, behaviors, and customer-first mindset.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture.
• Engage with the team and community to strengthen the Belle Tire brand.

Manager in Training (MIT) Program Expectations

• Successfully complete the structure training program, which integrates in-store hands-on experience, classroom instruction, digital learning modules, and assessments to demonstrate proficiency.
• Work closely with trainers and leaders to apply and strengthen your skills in sales, shop, and store operational processes.
• Demonstrate readiness for promotion through consistent individual performance, professional behavior, and alignment with Belle Tire's Values.
• Flexibility to travel to other stores and training centers to complete the full training experience.
• Open to travel or relocate for future store leadership opportunities as needed.

What We're Looking For

Minimum Qualifications:

• 18 years of age
• Valid drivers' license
• High school diploma or equivalent required;
• 3--5 years of leadership experience in a retail or related customer-facing environment.
• Desire to advance into a Store Manager role within 6--12 months.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Financial acumen and comfort with data-driven decision making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and point-of-sale systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor's degree preferred.

Work Environment

This position is based within a tire and automotive service retail store. Varying work hours, Monday through Saturday, with possible overtime. Fast-paced workshop setting with physical demands, including extended standing, lifting up to 75 pounds, and exposure to moderate noise, temperature changes, and shop conditions. Travel may be required for meetings, training, or multi-store support.

Benefits

We offer premium benefits to keep your life moving.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Short/Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(K) with company match
• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Closed Sundays and Holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
• Discounts on Products and Services
• Employee Referral Program
• Paid Training and Reimbursement for ASE Certifications
• Belle Tire Scholarship Program
• Career Growth Opportunities with a Growing Company
• Learn more at https://www.belletirecareers.com/benefits/

Compensation

$70,000 - $90,000 / year

About Us

At Belle Tire, we believe you deserve a better experience when it comes to tires and vehicle services. That starts with hiring people who genuinely care - that's the Belle Tire Difference. With over 180 locations and 3,000 dedicated employees across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, we are your one-stop shop for tires, wheels, and full-service automotive repairs. Our services include alignments, brakes, batteries, heating and cooling, oil changes, auto glass repair, and more.

Since 1922, we've done what it takes to keep life moving for our customers and employees. We live by a shared set of values: Customer Satisfaction is the Bottom Line, we always Do the Right Thing, we Set the Tone with a positive attitude, we believe We Are They - there is no "us" and "them" here, and we Walk the Walk by following through on our commitments. These beliefs shape a culture of trust, respect, and pride, making Belle Tire a great place to build your career.

We're not your ordinary tire shop, we're Changing Tires.

Belle Tire is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We ensure all individuals are considered for employment and advancement based on their qualifications, skills, achievements, and experience, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.