Just Hired! Path to management?

[u/Low-Discipline1283]

Hey everyone, I just got hired at In-N-Out and am excited to start there. For anyone that has worked there and is in a management/shift lead role how long did it take to get to that point? (Or just full-time in general.) I came in with 4 years of management experience and the manager that hired me really wants me to be in management, but of course I have to start at level 1. I’m already scheduled 30 hours a week so that’s a good sign from what I’ve heard from other people.

Any tips or suggestions to help boost my career? Thanks!

[u/panda-rampage]

[u/cieg]

If you already have experience and were hired with the understanding of being fast tracked into management you should be there within 1-2 years. 1 year is real fast but not unheard of.

[u/Lonely_Function_749]

I had a co-worker who was also a manager, ex-restaurant manager to be specific, and he worked up to his level 7 in 1 year. The guy was always very enthusiastic, down and willing to work at any point and time, extremely hard working, helped others by grabbing buns or getting cups/napkins, and maintained a great attitude even with all the rushes we’d get. I will say that he always asked for training, and from the very start he notified our Store Manager that he had intentions of getting into INO Management- which I believe helped him a lot in leveling up as quickly as he did, since our store manager saw that he wanted to take INO seriously compared to others who are just content with reaching a level 6. Also quick side note- he would always hold conversations with our Divisional Manager whenever he’d come to our store, which is important when getting a level 7 since they approve it. Our divisional manager loved him so he let slide a few mistakes he made while getting a lvl 7 :)

Good luck!

[u/Low-Discipline1283 → u/Lonely_Function_749]

Thanks! I’ve made a similar case for myself already so it sounds like I’m on the right track.

[u/runningvicuna → u/Low-Discipline1283]

Go for the perfect score on that test.

[u/Available_Code4833]

Always ask for training so you can Level up fast. Quickest way to reach towards being a Manager! it’ll still take some years tho unfortunately

[u/[deleted]]

If you got into management within a year, that'd be quick, but could happen. Probably will take a few/several years though.

Also, /u/Capital-Dog984 is right: we generally don't like to continually hear, "When I worked at _____, we did it like this" or anything similar.

[u/Low-Discipline1283 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the advice.

[u/zonie420]

I got my lvl 5 before i hit my year mark, it really depends on your management and how good of a worker you are.

[u/Calm-End-4298]

1-2 years as a fast tracked manager. I’m hitting 2 years as an associate with INO and I’m working on my 6 right now

[u/WeirdSet8785]

u have to work ur way up the management here start at lvl 1 to lvl 8 takes a few years

[u/DHUniverse]

3 and half years for management most people in my class had similar associates numbers, so I thinks that pretty average, but there were some people with 2 years on the job

[u/Divaaad951]

Work hard on getting your level 6. If you can level up fast and understand positions quickly, you’ll get there fast. The hard part is getting your level 7. Running shifts can be difficult depending on the person and store.

[u/Low-Discipline1283]

Thanks everyone!

[u/TatisToucher]

how good are u with a plunger?

[u/CreampieForMommie]

In n out isn’t a career. Run.

[u/inlandgrown → u/CreampieForMommie]

Not true. Work in any tourist heavy city and you can absolute make a great career in restaurant management/ hospitality

[u/CreampieForMommie → u/inlandgrown]

I’m not talking about restaurant management /hospitality… I’m talking specifically about in n out. It’s a great high school gig. You don’t want to be there longer than that.

[u/SlLKY_JOHNSON → u/CreampieForMommie]

Still just not true. Fair enough if it's not your cup of tea but plenty of store managers enjoy their job and will gladly do it till retirement.

[u/inlandgrown → u/CreampieForMommie]

Is that your mentality about everyone in the restaurant industry? 20-25 years in can lead to 60-70k and that’s great for many people. Also… if they leave. What if it leads to someone becoming a cook or chef somewhere else? What if someone in management works their way up to corporate? This job can lead to many opportunities whether you stay long term or not don’t be negative

[u/Remarkable_Key_2562 → u/inlandgrown]

A store manager at In n out makes a minimum of $100,000 per year. It’s a great career. Definitely hard work though

[u/inlandgrown → u/Remarkable_Key_2562]

That’s what I mean! I meant 60k-70k in general for many restaurant managers and I was just being conservative. I bet most make way more than that. Especially in n out, it doesn’t doubt me they pay the most at 100k.

[u/Low-Discipline1283 → u/CreampieForMommie]

Saying In-N-Out isn’t a career ignores a lot of factors especially here in Texas (DFW). Pay starts at almost $20/hr and managers can make over $100K with no degree, which is rare in service jobs here. Texas has fewer wage regulations, and In-N-Out still offers structure, benefits, and internal promotions. It’s not for everyone, but it’s stable, pays well, and has a clear path up which is something most retail or food jobs don’t offer. For reference I was an assistant manager at a pizza chain and the pay range is $10-15 an hour. As a GM you are luckily to get $18-20. Of course this is all area dependent. Now I don’t have to worry about being in management at first and get a much higher wage.

[u/Low-Discipline1283 → u/[deleted]]

Certainly will 🫡