Manager

Waterway Carwash; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 56,999 - 69,666; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

College Tuition Assistance

Referral Bonus Program

Free car washes and fuel discounts

Job summary

Waterway Carwash is seeking candidates for its Manager Training and Development Program in the Chicago area. As a Manager, you will learn to run Waterway locations while working outdoors and leading a team. The position offers a structured training program with defined objectives and competitive compensation starting at $63,333.

Responsibilities include delivering customer service excellence, managing daily operations, and coaching employees. Candidates must have an associate's degree or equivalent experience and be able to work a retail schedule.

Qualifications

• Current and valid driver’s license.
• At least 2 years of experience in management, sales, or military leadership.
• Available to work 45 hours including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service through leading by example.
• Coordinate daily store production and staffing based on business needs.
• Lead, coach, and mentor employees to enhance performance.

Skills

Customer service excellence

Leadership

Team management

Sales experience

Education

Associate's degree or above

Job description

Waterway is hiring for its renowned Manager Training and Development Program in the Chicago Area. You don’t have to sit at a desk to earn good money and learn how to effectively manage and run a business. You can do that while being active and outdoors as a Manager at Waterway Carwash. Our Learn to Lead ® Manager Development Program teaches you how to run our business so that you can run any business.

Program Features

• Highly structured – distinct levels with defined training and objectives – you always know exactly what you need to do to get promoted!
• Mentored every step of the way – we help you get better every day.
• Learn how to run a Waterway location (or any business) and fast‑track up the VERY TALL Waterway ladder!
• Be one of the managers running the location and leading a large team of hourly team members.
• Learn to lead! Be the coach! Be the mentor! Be the role model! Be the boss!

Target Compensation (based on 45 hours per week)

• $63,333 year one. $68,000 year two. $74,667 year three.
• Paid per hour – the more you work the more you get paid!
• Typical schedule is 45 hours each week (5 working days and 2 days off).

Benefits & Perks

• Paid Time Off (PTO) – up to 12 days earned the first year.
• Medical Benefits – Health, Dental and Vision Insurance coverage starts within 60 days.
• Long‑term Investment Matching Program.
• College Tuition Assistance Program – up to $4,000 in tuition expenses covered.
• Very generous Referral Bonus Program.
• Casual Waterway Manager uniforms provided.
• Stay active in an outdoor, fast‑paced work environment (NOT a desk job!).
• Free car washes & fuel discounts.

Locations

• Highland Park – 64 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035
• Northbrook – 2300 Waukegan Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
• Skokie – 9208 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077
• Vernon Hills – 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Responsibilities

While completing the L2L® training program, Waterway Managers have a variety of responsibilities running the store:

Provide excellent customer service

• Lead by example in delivering outstanding customer service. Positively and enthusiastically greet customers, identify needs, and sell car wash services, memberships, and other services.
• Identify, address, and correct any customer concern or dissatisfaction.
• Build customer satisfaction, repeat business, and loyalty through delivery of great service and a positive customer experience.
• Effectively manage daily operations, lead and manage team to meet customer expectations.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment to ensure a positive visit for every customer, including outside areas such as gas pump islands, payment terminal, entrance to tunnel, and customer waiting areas.

Manage daily operations

• Coordinate daily store production through planning and execution. Staff store based on forecasted business needs and adjust in response to changes in demand.
• Ensure store is opened and staffed correctly. When closing, ensure that all closing procedures are followed, and all assets are adequately secured.
• Maintain high service standards by managing quality and customer service standards. Perform quality checks to verify results, coach team to improve results, identify trends and recommend improvements.
• Complete all required administrative tasks punctually and accurately.
• Respond to and effectively resolve customer and employee concerns and issues. Troubleshoot equipment breakdowns or failures. Monitor and manage store inventories.
• Complete regular audits and ensure the store meets appearance and safety standards.

Lead, manage, and supervise employees

• Provide daily direction and coaching to employees to enhance performance and employee satisfaction.
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees. Provide effective orientation, training, and feedback to develop employees.
• Create and maintain a positive, professional, and safe work environment that is aligned with Waterway’s culture, mission, and core values.
• Create weekly employee schedules that ensure sufficient labor coverage for all key positions, meet business demands, and the needs of employees.
• Perform other safety, cleaning, and maintenance tasks as needed.
• Be trained and able to perform essential functions of all hourly positions.
• Support, enforce, and follow Waterway policies, procedures, guidance, and instructions, including and especially those related to safety. Report any damage or injury report in a timely manner, following all established procedures.
• Various other functions as identified and directed by management.

Qualifications

• Current and valid driver’s license.
• Must have an associate’s degree or above (or a current college senior) OR at least 2 years’ experience in any of the following:
  • Supervisory or management experience, preferably in a retail or hospitality setting.
  • Professional Sales (B2B or B2C).
  • Military Leadership.
• Available to work a retail schedule (5 of 7 days, 45 hours, including weekend and holidays).
• At least 16 years of age.
• Authorized to work in the US and not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Physical Requirements

• Environmental – will work outdoors year‑round and be exposed to wide temperature variations, sunshine, wet weather (rain, snow), humidity, wet surfaces, gasoline and exhaust fumes, machinery and moving parts, and brief exposure to car wash tunnel noise.
• Physical – periods of extended standing, bending, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, drive vehicles, reach above and below shoulder level. Complete tasks at a fast pace, sustain consistent physical effort, sustain continuous and prolonged standing and movement. Work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment and maintain a calm and professional disposition in all circumstances.
• Vision and Hearing – far and near visual acuity, peripheral vision and depth perception. Hear, understand, and distinguish speech from other sounds (e.g., alarms, horns, vehicles, and equipment).
• Language – must be able to fluently speak and understand English when communicating with other team members, managers, and customers for business‑related purposes.
• Attendance – maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance. Work as assigned schedule which may be irregular and include weekends, extended hours, overtime, and holidays.

EEO Statement

If an accommodation is needed to participate in the application process, you may request one by contacting our Recruiting Department ([e-mail]). Waterway is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate against an applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender identity, pregnancy, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship or immigration status, or legally protected status.