What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager in Training (MIT) – Leadership Development Program position at Stress-Free?
Location: Various
Program Type: Full-time, multi-year leadership track
Career Path: MIT → Assistant GM → General Manager → Senior GM → District Manager
Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, 401(k) with 4% company match, and up to $50,000 in student loan forgiveness in the first two years
About the Program
The Manager in Training (MIT) program is a fast-paced pathway designed to develop high-potential leaders into multi-location operators and regional executives. You’ll learn how to run a modern, tech-forward auto repair shop, lead teams, manage financial performance, and drive operational excellence. High performers can progress quickly into senior roles with significant earning potential.
Career Path Overview
Program Type: Full-time, multi-year leadership track
Career Path: MIT → Assistant GM → General Manager → Senior GM → District Manager
Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, 401(k) with 4% company match, and up to $50,000 in student loan forgiveness in the first two years
About the Program
The Manager in Training (MIT) program is a fast-paced pathway designed to develop high-potential leaders into multi-location operators and regional executives. You’ll learn how to run a modern, tech-forward auto repair shop, lead teams, manage financial performance, and drive operational excellence. High performers can progress quickly into senior roles with significant earning potential.
Career Path Overview
- Manager in Training → Assistant General Manager (Year 1)
- Learn core shop operations, leadership fundamentals, scheduling, workflow management, customer experience, and sales execution. Successful MITs advance into the Assistant GM role.
- Benefit milestone: Eligible for $25,000 student loan forgiveness at the end of Year 1.
- Assistant GM → General Manager (Year 2)
- Begin taking ownership of operations. As a General Manager, you’ll lead a full shop, own P&L performance, manage teams, and drive revenue growth.
- Top GMs earn $150,000 annually.
- Benefit milestone: Earn an additional $25,000 student loan forgiveness at the end of Year 2.
- General Manager → Senior GM (Years 3–4)
- Lead multiple locations, coach Assistant GMs, mentor MITs, and support new shop launches. Operate like an entrepreneur across several high-performing shops.
- Senior GM → District Manager (Year 5 )
- Oversee a district of 6 shops, manage General Managers, build regional strategy, scale teams, and partner directly with the Head of Operations.
- Top District Managers earn $300,000 annually.
- Learn and execute all aspects of modern auto repair shop operations
- Lead teams of technicians and service advisors
- Manage scheduling, staffing, and daily workflow
- Deliver world-class customer experience at scale
- Drive sales performance and meet operational KPIs
- Support hiring, training, and ongoing talent development
- Transition into full P&L ownership as you advance
- Improve shop efficiency through data-driven decision making
- Lead multiple locations as you progress through the career path
- Bachelor’s degree required (Business, Operations, Management, Engineering, or related field preferred)
- 0–3 years of professional experience (leadership, customer service, operations, sales, or internship experience a plus)
- Strong leadership potential and desire for rapid career advancement
- Excellent communication skills and customer-service orientation
- High level of adaptability; comfortable in fast-paced, hands-on environments
- Analytical thinker with the ability to learn financial and operational metrics
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a bias toward action
- Willingness to relocate for advancement (preferred but not required)
- Structured leadership development with rapid promotion opportunities
- Significant earning potential at each stage of the career path
- Hands-on operations experience from day one
- Up to $50,000 in student loan forgiveness in the first two years
- A people-first culture focused on coaching, growth, and operational excellence
Salary : $25,000 - $300,000
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