Restaurant GM - Lead Ops & Guest Experience

Sonic Drive-In; Knoxville (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonic Drive-In is seeking a General Manager to lead the drive-in's operations and people. You will recruit, train, and coach staff, oversee scheduling, and drive performance to deliver excellent guest experiences.

You will manage costs, inventory, and vendor relations while ensuring compliance with laws and company standards. Strong leadership and communication are essential in this on-site role.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Preferred: advanced studies in business or restaurant management.
• Experience: at least three years in restaurant management (QSR preferred).
• Experience running a restaurant shift without supervision.
• Experience recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and managing employees.
• Knowledge of labor and employment laws (federal, state, local).
• Knowledge of health and safety laws and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving, multi-tasking, leadership, time-management, and conflict-resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, manage, direct, coach, lead, schedule, assign, discipline, and terminate staff.
• Manage compensation levels per company guidelines.
• Oversee all drive-in operations to ensure optimal guest experience.
• Manage opening and closing duties.
• Handle guest and employee issues with proper escalation.
• Forecast and adjust food, labor, and inventory to control costs.
• Lead regular team meetings to maintain standards and service.
• Maintain drive-in records and prepare operational reports.
• Develop and manage local marketing and performance action plans.
• Ensure maintenance of drive-in and equipment.
• Supervise vendor performance and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time-management

Conflict-resolution

Problem-solving

Multi-tasking

Decision-making

Verbal/written communication

Reading skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Advanced studies in business/restaurant management

Job description

Sonic Drive-In is seeking a General Manager to lead the drive-in's operations and people. You will recruit, train, and coach staff, oversee scheduling, and drive performance to deliver excellent guest experiences.

You will manage costs, inventory, and vendor relations while ensuring compliance with laws and company standards. Strong leadership and communication are essential in this on-site role.