Apprentice Branch Manager

Job Overview

Forge Truck Centers is a leading provider of high-quality Class 8 trucks, vocational vehicles, and specialized trailers, serving businesses nationwide. With a focus on reliability, performance, and customer partnership, Forge helps companies across industries keep their operations moving with dependable equipment and expert support.

As an Apprentice Branch Manager, you’ll step into a fast-track position designed to prepare you for branch leadership. You’ll learn every facet of how a Forge Truck Centers branch operates, including inventory flow, customer experience, sales strategy, logistics, and team management. This role is a launch pad for someone serious about running a location and leading people in the near future. You’ll train directly under senior management and learn the systems and standards that make Forge successful, with the clear expectation that you’ll eventually lead a branch.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage dealership workflows, and the operational and administrative teams to ensure efficient daily operations
• Oversee task delegation, address personnel matters, resolve operational challenges, and drive continuous improvement in team performance, productivity, and overall dealership efficiency
• Maintain overall responsibility for day-to-day branch efficiency, ensuring operational targets and KPIs, including service throughput, postings, and sales activity, are consistently met
• Manage the day-to-day operational workflow from when a unit is sold to when it is delivered to the customer, including all internal processes and final inspection videos
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the business’s technical processes, systems, and tools, such as various truck diagnostic software, to support daily operations and improve efficiency
• Manage post-sale customer communication by providing timely updates throughout the delivery process, including confirmation of shipment and notification when the truck has been dispatched
• Conduct final inspection videos for every serviced truck to verify compliance with DOT regulations and internal dealership service standards
• Provide operational support and backup to sales operations and administrative staff by assisting with essential dealership tasks and maintaining smooth daily operations
• Provide proactive support to the sales team by coordinating operational resources, resolving administrative challenges, and assisting with day-to-day needs to facilitate sales growth and ensure a seamless sales process
• Drive cross-departmental collaboration and communication to ensure seamless workflow and customer satisfaction
• Provide regular operational updates and performance metrics to senior leadership
• Oversee facility operations to ensure a clean, organized, and safe environment in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Oversee the end-to-end workflow to ensure trucks are prepped, detailed, photographed, accurately described, and posted to CDK, the website, and marketing platforms the same day
• Review all listings with the Administrative and Sales Operations team to ensure accuracy and adherence to brand standards prior to publication
• Ensure truck and parts inventory accuracy and disciplined parts processes to support service and sales performance
• Manage branch expenses and resources responsibly within the approved annual operating budget
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Proven track record of successfully leading people, managing performance, and driving consistent multi-department results
• Clear, confident communication skills with strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to deliver results, manage multiple priorities, and meet strict deadlines
• Valid Driver’s License is required
• Authorized to work in the United States

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods, with occasional walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 75 pounds
• Ability to travel as business requires
• Manage occasional exposure to a busy and noisy shop environment
• Ability to work in an environment with exposure to noise, dust, fames, and varying temperatures

Job Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Is mechanically inclined and understands how trucks and equipment work
• Prior leadership experience overseeing dealership or multi-department operations
• Prior experience in trucking, equipment, or diesel-related industries
• Demonstrated understanding of facility safety, protocols, operational compliance, and regulatory standards
• Proficiency in dealer management systems, ERP platforms, or similar operational software

Preferred Qualifications

• CDK experience is highly preferred
• Previous management experience within a commercial truck, automotive, or heavy equipment dealership environment is highly preferred
• Valid Class A CDL license

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• New Lenox, IL 60451 (Required)

Work Location: In person