Service Manager in Training

Groundworks, North America's leading and fastest-growing foundation repair and water management specialist, is growing and we’re looking for leaders who want more than a title—they want ownership, influence, and the opportunity to build something that lasts.

At Groundworks, we invest in people who are ready to lead, grow, and make an impact. Our Branch Manager Training Program (BMTP) is a six-month immersive development experience designed to prepare high-potential leaders to run a Groundworks branch and drive exceptional results for customers, employees, and the business.

You'll gain hands-on experience across sales, operations, and production while learning the Groundworks culture, business model, and leadership principles. Upon completion, you'll be placed into a Branch Manager role at one of our 80+ locations.

This program requires travel during training and a willingness to relocate for your Branch Manager placement.

If you're motivated by growth, leadership, and opportunity, Groundworks is ready to invest in your future.

Job Purpose

The Service Manager in Training (SMIT) is a developmental leadership role designed to prepare future Service Managers through structured, hands-on learning and progressive leadership responsibilities. Working under the guidance of a Service Manager and branch leadership, the SMIT develops the technical, operational, financial, and leadership skills necessary to successfully lead a service department.

Throughout the training program, the Service Manager in Training partners closely with Service Managers, Service Technicians, and Service Advisors to gain practical experience in team leadership, customer service, operational excellence, sales performance, and branch profitability. The role emphasizes continuous learning, accountability, and leadership development while supporting the daily operations of the service department.

Successful completion of the program prepares the employee for promotion into a Service Manager position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in all aspects of the Service Manager training program, completing required training modules and demonstrating proficiency in key leadership competencies.

• Support Service Managers in the day-to-day management of the service department.

• Learn to effectively coach, motivate, and develop Service Technicians and Service Advisors while promoting a positive, high-performance culture.

• Assist in monitoring technician productivity, service quality, customer satisfaction, and departmental performance metrics.

• Develop a strong working knowledge of company products, services, installation methods, repair standards, and industry best practices.

• Learn applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing residential construction and service operations while ensuring compliance with company policies.

• Support scheduling, workflow coordination, inventory management, and daily branch operations to maximize efficiency.

• Assist in reviewing inspections, repair recommendations, customer proposals, and completed work to ensure quality and consistency.

• Build strong customer relationships by assisting with customer concerns, resolving service issues, and promoting additional products and services when appropriate.

• Learn financial aspects of service operations, including budgeting, profitability, labor management, and key performance indicators.

• Participate in hiring activities, onboarding, coaching, performance discussions, and employee development as assigned.

• Complete leadership assignments designed to progressively increase ownership and independent decision making.

• Collaborate with branch leadership to identify operational improvement opportunities and implement best practices.

• Assist with administrative responsibilities necessary for the successful operation of the service department.

• Demonstrate increasing independence and leadership capability throughout the training program.

• It is an essential function of this position that the employee regularly and reliably reports to work on time each scheduled workday.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 2 to 4 years of leadership experience, preferably within residential construction, home services, sales, operations, or a related industry.

• Demonstrated leadership potential with a strong desire to pursue a career in operations management.

• Previous experience supervising or leading teams is preferred.

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.

• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills.

• Excellent organizational, problem solving, and decision making abilities.

• Ability to learn technical products, operational processes, and financial management concepts.

• Customer-focused mindset with strong relationship-building skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

Working Conditions

• Combination of branch office work and periodic site or warehouse visits to oversee business operations. 

• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment requiring flexibility and strong coordination skills. 

• May require occasional extended hours during peak periods, business audits, or special projects. 

• Full-time

• Onsite

What We Offer: 

• Competitive base pay, eligible to participate in the performance-based bonus program once training is completed and assigned to a branch
• Best-in-class Branch Manager in Training Program to help you start strong
• Continued support through professional development & annual Summits
• Company vehicle and fuel card once training is completed and assigned to a branch
• Performance opens doors to elite recognition, trips & events 

• Annual Tribe Appreciation Tour, holiday & volunteer events 

• Upward mobility - we promote from within 80% of the time 

• When you win, you own it—our Employee Ownership Program lets you share the upside. 

• Tuition Reimbursement Program - we invest in your development!  
• Work-life balance - 2 weeks PTO and 6 paid holidays
• US: Affordable and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long & short-term disability, company-paid life insurance, 401(k) and company match & paid maternity leave 

• Canada: Affordable and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, long & short-term disability, and company paid life insurance

The anticipated salary range is the expected hiring range for this role in Virginia is $61,934.20 - $77,417.74. Final compensation will be based on an evaluation of each candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, demonstrated capabilities, and work location.1741 Corporate Landing Pkwy
Virginia Beach, VA 23454