Store Manager In Training (Smit) The Store Manager in Training (SMIT) role is a developmental position designed to prepare future Store Managers within our Dunkin' network. SMITs receive comprehensive, hands-on training across all store functions and leadership levels. Once trained, SMITs support various locations across the network until a Store Manager (SM) position becomes available. In the absence of a Store Manager, the SMIT fulfills all responsibilities of the role, driving daily operations, supporting team development, and ensuring brand and operational excellence.
Key behaviors include the ability to lead change and work closely with a Store Manager, proactively identifying and recruiting top talent for the team. SMITs take ownership of training and developing new staff to standard, leading daily operations with a focus on driving sales and guest satisfaction. They coach team members to meet and exceed brand standards and operational benchmarks, maintaining a high-energy, supportive atmosphere that encourages growth and accountability.
Core values include teamwork, excellence, and growth. SMITs foster a welcoming, positive work environment that promotes accountability and guest satisfaction. They collaborate with Store Managers to drive team performance and maintain high morale, leading by example in supporting the restaurant's values, policies, and brand standards.
Operational excellence includes executing all crew member responsibilities at a high level, ensuring execution of Dunkin' brand standards, recipes, and systems. SMITs monitor and maintain food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards, support and manage training, onboarding, and certification of new hires and shift leaders, assist in deploying staff, maintaining scheduling standards, and ensuring adequate coverage. They oversee inventory processes, including periodic counts and vendor orders, execute new product rollouts, and participate in promotions and sampling efforts. They conduct guest experience assessments and implement improvement plans.
Accountability and performance evaluation include supporting Store Managers with labor schedules and store budget adherence, conducting self-assessments and implementing actionable follow-ups, managing cash handling practices and ensuring compliance with franchisee standards, and assisting in conducting performance evaluations and offering coaching for development.
Qualifications include prior leadership experience in restaurant, retail, or hospitality, proficiency in basic computer functions and POS systems, fluency in spoken and written English, demonstrated skills in basic math, financial reporting, and time management, and a strong desire to grow and transition into a full-time Store Manager role.
Key competencies include strong analytical thinking and business acumen, working well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, being dependable, honest, and upbeat, open to learning and adaptable to change, effective at coaching and motivating others, committed to delivering an outstanding guest experience, and excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Physical demands and working conditions include standing for extended periods, repetitive movements, including bending, reaching, and lifting, carrying packages and supplies, wearing a headset and operating POS systems, thriving in a high-energy, fast-paced environment, and the ability to lift 50 pounds.
This is a structured training position designed to develop future Store Managers by focusing on the individual's growth, the improvement of store operations, and the development of people across the network. The SMIT plays a critical support role in store execution and leadership, helping strengthen team performance while preparing to take on full store management responsibilities. This role reports directly to the District Manager and is a key part of our leadership pipeline.
Company IntroductionFounded in 1950, Dunkin' is America's favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin' is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced regular/decaf/flavored coffee, donut, bagel, and muffin categories. Dunkin' has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 14 years running. The company has more than 13,100 restaurants in 41 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin' is part of the Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. family of companies.
