Leadership Development Program – Automotive Retail (Management Trainee)
Rice Lake, WI Executive
Job Type
Full-time
Description

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.