What are the responsibilities and job description for the Leadership Development Program – Automotive Retail (Management Trainee) position at Don Johnson Motors?
Future General Manager Track
Don Johnson Auto Group | Northwest Wisconsin
Start at the Ground Level. Build Toward Leadership.
Most entry-level roles teach you a job.
This program builds a career path to General Management.
We’re looking for high-potential college students and recent graduates who want to lead a business someday—and are willing to start on the front lines to earn it.
What You’ll Do
You’ll begin in a customer-facing role and learn the business from the inside out:
- Sales Consultant
- Service Advisor
- Collision Repair Estimator
From there, you’ll gain exposure across all major departments and build toward leadership responsibility.
Career Path & Timeline
This is a multi-year development path, not a short-term program.
Years 1–2: Foundations
- Master customer experience and daily execution
- Build discipline, accountability, and consistency
Years 2–4: Cross-Department Development
- Sales & F&I
- Service & Parts
- Collision Center
- Learn how the business drives profit and performance
Years 3–5 : Leadership Development
- Lead initiatives and mentor others
- Take on increasing responsibility
- Prepare for department management roles
Long-Term Path:
Department Manager ? General Manager ? Potential Partner
A Day in the Life
- Working directly with customers to solve problems and create strong experiences
- Collaborating with your team to hit daily and monthly goals
- Learning how inventory, service flow, and operations work together
- Receiving real-time coaching from experienced leaders
What We’re Looking For
- Strong work ethic and willingness to start at the ground level
- Desire to build a long-term career in leadership
- Competitive, goal-oriented mindset
- Strong communication and people skills
- Coachable, humble, and accountable
Great fits include:
- College students or recent graduates
- Business, marketing, sales, or operations backgrounds
- Student-athletes or individuals with leadership experience
Compensation & Benefits
- $42,000–$70,000 total compensation (depending on role and performance)
- Paid position with performance incentives
- Full-time career path with advancement opportunities
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Paid training and development
- No-cost college degree opportunities for you and your family
- Employee discounts and a family-oriented culture
Why Don Johnson Auto Group
- Fifth-generation, family-owned (est. 1915)
- Named one of the Best Dealerships to Work For
- Wisconsin Family Business of the Year
- Culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous growth
- Proven track record of developing leaders from within
Apply Today
If you’re looking for a long-term career path and are willing to put in the work to grow into leadership, we want to meet you.
Salary : $42,000 - $70,000