Manager in Training

Bridgestone Americas; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 26,174 - 39,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onboarding experience

Mentorship

CSR activities

Global work environment

Work-life balance

Diverse and inclusive team

Job summary

Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) in Des Plaines, IL seeks a Manager in Training (MIT) to support retail store operations and prepare for future leadership opportunities. The 90‑day program covers leadership development, training modules, and a formal evaluation, with potential promotion to Store Manager within the market.

Key duties include store operations, inventory, merchandising, and customer service, plus opportunities to lead and coach teammates as you progress toward management roles.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Interest in retail management and willingness to complete required training.

Responsibilities

• Support daily store operations including inventory, merchandising, and customer service.
• Learn to lead and coach teammates, assist with scheduling, and contribute to team development.
• Engage with customers to drive sales and ensure satisfaction.
• Participate in physical store duties such as unloading shipments, changing tires, and maintaining cleanliness.

Skills

Strong communication

Customer service

Valid driver’s license

Interest in retail management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Company Overview

Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) is part of Bridgestone Americas and employs over 22,000 teammates in North America. BSRO operates more than 2,200 company‑owned stores, including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus and Wheel Works locations. With locations across North America and more than $4.5 billion in tire and auto service sales, Bridgestone Retail Operations is the right place to build a career. Whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to Serve Society with Superior Quality. We start by offering each teammate more than just competitive pay. We provide formal training, performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, competitive healthcare packages for full‑time and part‑time employees, and a 401k plan to help build towards your future. We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole self to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need.

Job Category

Retail

Position Summary

We’re hiring a Manager in Training (MIT) to support retail store operations while preparing for future leadership opportunities. This hands‑on role provides experience in tire and automotive service sales, customer engagement, and operational excellence.

Pay Range: $19.25 - $28.93

Bridgestone is committed to fair and lawful compensation practices. All employees receive pay that meets or exceeds the applicable minimum wage requirements.

Responsibilities

Program Details: This is a structured 90‑day training program designed to prepare you for promotion to Store Manager. During this period, you’ll complete training modules, demonstrate leadership competencies, and participate in a formal evaluation. During this period, the MIT must:

• Successfully complete all required training modules
• Demonstrate the necessary competencies and leadership behaviors
• Participate in and pass a formal interview evaluation conducted by leadership

If all program requirements are met, you will be assigned to a Store Manager role, ideally within a reasonable distance of your geographical location or within the market (Area) where the MIT training program occurred. The ultimate location would be a mutual agreement between you and your manager. If there is not a location that is agreed upon at the time of placement consideration, you may be placed in a Professional Service Manager (PSM) role within the market.

If program requirements are not met, reassignment to a Professional Service Manager (PSM) role in the market may occur, which includes a pay adjustment. If all requirements are met but no Store Manager opening is available, you will remain in the MIT role until one becomes available.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support daily store operations including inventory, merchandising, and customer service.
• Learn to lead and coach teammates, assist with scheduling, and contribute to team development.
• Engage with customers to drive sales and ensure satisfaction.
• Participate in physical store duties such as unloading shipments, changing tires, and maintaining cleanliness.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Interest in retail management and willingness to complete required training

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior management experience
• Leadership & development experience with multi‑person direct reports
• Successful P&L track record

What We Offer

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long‑term well‑being.
• A diverse and inclusive team.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.