Restaurant Manager In Training (MIT)

Workstream; Rocky River (OH); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid vacation

Free meals during shifts

Uniforms provided

Structured leadership development

Mentorship and growth opportunities

Job summary

Old Carolina Barbecue Company in Ohio invites applicants to join our Manager in Training program. This full-time, hourly role provides hands-on leadership development in restaurant operations, guest experience, and financial performance.

You will work alongside seasoned managers to prepare for future Assistant Manager opportunities, with mentorship and a clear progression path in a growing Northeast Ohio BBQ company.

Qualifications

• Experience in restaurant supervisory roles or as a shift lead.
• Strong leadership and coaching abilities to develop a team.
• Excellent communication and guest service skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily restaurant operations and set the tone for guest service.
• Direct and support team members during shifts.
• Train, coach, and develop restaurant staff.
• Ensure service standards and hospitality are consistent.
• Support budget, labor management, and cost control initiatives.

Skills

Restaurant leadership

Team leadership

Coaching

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Restaurant Manager in Training (MIT) | Leadership Development Program | BBQ Restaurant

Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ)

Full-Time, Hourly Position

Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR RESTAURANT LEADERSHIP CAREER?

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is seeking motivated restaurant leaders who are ready to expand their management skills and prepare for future Assistant Manager opportunities.

Our Manager in Training (MIT) program is designed for high-performing supervisors and emerging leaders who have demonstrated strong operational knowledge, leadership ability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

As a Manager in Training, you'll receive hands‑on development in restaurant operations, financial management, team leadership, staffing, food safety, and business performance. Working alongside experienced Assistant Managers and General Managers, you'll gain the knowledge and experience needed to prepare for future Assistant Manager opportunities.

This position is intended as a leadership development role. Advancement to Assistant Manager is based on demonstrated performance, successful completion of training objectives, leadership readiness, and available opportunities within the company.

ABOUT OLD CAROLINA BARBECUE COMPANY

Old Carolina Barbecue Company was built on a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to great hospitality. Before opening our first restaurant in Massillon, Ohio, we started as a competitive BBQ team dedicated to perfecting the craft of slow-smoked barbecue.

While our home is in North Canton, Ohio, our recipes, traditions, and cooking techniques are inspired by the rich barbecue heritage of the Carolinas. Today, Old Carolina Barbecue Company proudly operates eight locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving authentic BBQ made with quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and a genuine commitment to our guests.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for leaders who are passionate about people, hospitality, and building a long-term career with a company that values development, teamwork, and operational excellence.

WHY JOIN OLD CAROLINA BARBECUE COMPANY?

• Competitive hourly pay of $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
• Additional tip income opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid vacation
• Free meals during shifts
• Company-provided uniforms
• Structured leadership development and mentorship
• Clear pathway toward future Assistant Manager opportunities
• Supportive and people-focused culture
• Growing BBQ restaurant company with long-term career opportunities

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

At Old Carolina Barbecue Company, we believe great leaders are developed, not simply hired.

As a Restaurant Manager in Training, you will receive hands‑on training and mentorship in:

• Restaurant operations management
• Shift leadership and execution
• Financial performance and profitability
• Labor management and scheduling
• Inventory control and food cost management
• Team building and talent development
• Recruiting and staffing
• Coaching and performance management
• Guest experience leadership
• Food safety and sanitation systems
• Business planning and execution

Successful completion of the program may lead to consideration for future Assistant Manager opportunities based on performance, readiness, and business needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Development

• Assist in leading daily BBQ restaurant operations
• Direct and support team members during shifts
• Help train, coach, and develop restaurant employees
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and hospitality
• Lead by example through professionalism, work ethic, and guest service
• Support leadership development initiatives within the restaurant

Guest Experience

• Deliver exceptional hospitality and guest satisfaction
• Resolve guest concerns professionally and promptly
• Create a welcoming and engaging dining experience
• Ensure Old Carolina Barbecue Company's service standards are consistently executed

Operations & Financial Performance

• Learn and support restaurant sales and profitability initiatives
• Assist with labor management and scheduling processes
• Learn inventory management, ordering, and cost control procedures
• Support compliance with company systems, policies, and operational standards
• Assist with reporting and administrative responsibilities

Food Quality & Safety

• Ensure all BBQ and menu items are prepared according to company standards
• Maintain food safety, sanitation and health department compliance
• Monitor product quality, consistency and presentation
• Promote cleanliness and operational excellence

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe environment for guests and team members
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations
• Follow cash handling, security, and loss prevention procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous restaurant supervisory, shift leader, team lead, or management experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate team members
• Strong communication, coaching, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced restaurant environment
• Desire to pursue a long-term career in restaurant leadership
• Experience with employee scheduling, labor management, inventory control, and coaching team members preferred
• ServSafe Manager Certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification
• High school diploma or GED preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast-paced restaurant environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests and team members

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a full-time hourly leadership development position. Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays is required based on business needs.

This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Over 20 years ago, high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug discovered a world of sights, aromas, and tastes on a road trip to “The Cradle of Q” — the Carolinas. They discovered a not‑so‑secret world where recipes and techniques have been passed down through the generations in smokehouses, pits, and shacks. They fell in love with the mystique and the method, so Brian and Tim decided to bring Carolina low and slow BBQ up north to their native Ohio. Everyone’s welcome at Old Carolina, and when you walk through the door you’re greeted by a smiling crew member ready to take your order. And with our “love at first bite or we’ll make it right” guarantee, we’ll do what it takes to ensure your meal is extraordinary. And when you leave, you’ll hear a “See ya next time!” Because after the first visit, you’re part of our family and we know you’ll be back.