Assistant Manager

Sonic-Drive--in; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

SONIC Drive-In is hiring an Assistant Manager in a fast-paced restaurant setting in Chicago. You will work closely with the General Manager to oversee drive-in operations, staff training, and daily administrative tasks.

The role requires leading a team, maintaining quality food service, and upholding safety and hygiene standards, with irregular hours including nights and weekends. A background in restaurant management or retail leadership is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six months of restaurant management experience (QSR) or one year entry level retail management experience.
• Ability to train and coach team members and direct operations to meet standards.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills to ensure guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Assist General Manager in managing drive-in operations and staffing.
• Train and support Team Members, Carhops, and other staff to ensure quality service.
• Monitor inventory levels and food costs; assist with opening/closing duties.
• Address guest requests and resolve complaints in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with policies, hygiene, and uniform standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Food service knowledge

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Tools

POS system

Inventory management software

Excel

Job description

There are two kinds of people in this world: SONIC employees and those who wish they were SONIC employees. This elite group gets to work with awesome people, earn great pay, and sport the cool uniform.

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry Banana Split Molten Cake Sundae. You’ll assist the drive-in restaurant’s General Manager in managing drive-in operations. You will also be involved in training and supporting other employees to ensure we provide quality food in a clean, safe and efficient manner. We want every guest to have an enjoyable dining experience every time they come to SONIC.

Basic job duties for the drive-in restaurant’s Assistant Manager include:

• Manages, trains, monitors and coaches Team / Crew Members, Carhops and Skating Carhops
• Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service meet operational standards
• Adheres to and monitors employee compliance of the drive-in restaurant employee handbook, policies and practices
• Performs restaurant opening and/or closing duties
• Monitors and makes appropriate adjustments to staffing levels, inventory levels and food cost control
• Completes weekly inventory as needed
• Assists in administrative duties including maintaining files, records and all required documentation
• Reinforces a customer service mentality and ensures all employees are focused on serving the customer at all times.
• Immediately and respectfully responds to guest requests. Reports guest complaints to immediate supervisor and assists in resolving such complaints.

Requirements:

SONIC Drive-In Assistant Manager Requirements:

• Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
• General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations required
• Minimum of six months of restaurant management experience (QSR) or one year entry level retail management experience required. Experience running shifts without supervision
• Effective communication skills; basic math, reading and computer skills
• Ability to follow directions and work with autonomy once given directions; ability to multi-task and successfully solve problems
• Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC

Additional SONIC Drive-In Assistant Manager Qualifications…

• Friendly and smiling faces that enjoy providing courteous food service to our guests!
• Professional individuals who value people and demonstrate respect for others!
• A team player willing to meet and exceed drive-in goals and objectives.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and lead team members.
• Dedicated individuals with a proven track record of building sales, creative marketing, expense management and developing people into successful teams.

Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the Sonic Drive-In experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bee’s knees, cruisin’ . . . you get the picture! It’s downright sensational!!

SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Here at SONIC Drive-in, our priority isn’t just great service, it’s great experiences. Whether you’re coming for a Cherry Limeade on your lunch break or picking up Shakes with your team after a big win, we’re ready for you. That’s why our drive-in makes your burgers with 100% pure beef patties, prepares hand‑made onion rings, and serves real ice cream. Carhops deliver orders with a smile because “This is How We SONIC”. Download the SONIC app and order your favorites to enjoy exclusive perks and offers, including half price drinks and slushes any time. Stop by to treat yourself today!