Jobs › CarMax

Cross Functional Store Manager in Training

CarMax · Algonquin, IL · $72,400–$126,800 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This is a manager-in-training role. What do you expect to learn first, and how will you show you're ready to lead?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic view of the training path and take ownership of their own development.

Tell me about a time you led a team, formally or informally, toward a goal.

What they are checking: Their leadership experience and how they motivate others to deliver results.

Tell me about a time you used numbers to make a decision at work.

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable with metrics, since the role involves store budgets and performance targets.

Tell me about a time you trained someone. How did you know they had learned it?

What they are checking: Whether they check for real understanding, which matters in a store that values a culture of learning.

What does a world-class customer experience look like at a used car store?

What they are checking: Whether they can describe concrete service behaviors rather than general phrases about great service.

What would you do

You'd oversee associates in sales, business office and service. How would you learn the parts of the store you've never worked in?

What they are checking: Whether they are humble and curious enough to learn from associates who know more than they do.

A strong salesperson on your team is rude to coworkers. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they address behavior even from top performers, which shapes the culture they lead.

How would you plan a day's staffing when you expect a heavy afternoon of appraisals and test drives?

What they are checking: Their ability to plan operations ahead instead of reacting once customers are already waiting.

Two associates disagree about who gets credit for a sale. How do you resolve it?

What they are checking: Their fairness and judgment in conflicts that affect pay and team trust.

How do you make sure CarMax policies are followed when you're not on the floor?

What they are checking: Whether they build habits and accountability in the team rather than relying on watching people.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at CarMax from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by CarMax.

6125 - Algonquin - 2401 N. Huntington Dr., Algonquin, Illinois, 60102 CarMax, the way your career should be! Position Overview As a Cross Functional Store Manager in Training at CarMax, you will lead and develop a team of 10–15 associates across multiple business areas to deliver a world-class customer experience. This role is pivotal in driving sales performance, operational excellence, and associate engagement. You’ll stay actively involved in the sales process, foster a culture of learning through training, and ensure seamless execution of CarMax policies. By strategizing to meet store budgets and performance metrics, you will help shape the future of our customer experience while empowering your team to succeed. Why CarMax? At CarMax, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We’re rethinking the way people buy cars – and our associates help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. Whether you’re advancing your career or growing your skillset, we are here to drive you forward. Role Responsibilities • Develop and execute strategies to achieve store budgets and performance metrics aligned with corporate goals. • Plan and manage daily operations, monitor staffing levels and adjusting proactively, and ensuring associates have tools and training to deliver a seamless customer experience. • Analyze and present business results to the Location General Manager and other stakeholders. • Lead associate development and engagement, providing timely feedback and performance management. • Oversee training across sales, service, merchandising, and operations to maximize execution and minimize risk. • Ensure compliance with asset protection, risk management, and operational standards while driving process improvements. • Responsible for the Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) program for your department and/or location, including but not limited to self-inspections, hazardous waste disposal, workplace safety, and PPE. Required Qualifications • Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills to address complex challenges effectively. • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. • Exceptional communication skills for engaging associates and customers. • Proven ability to model and encourage exceptional team behaviors while making independent business decisions. • Flexibility to work rotating schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays. • Willingness to travel occasionally for meetings, training, and special assignments. • Valid driver’s license meeting CarMax safety standards. About CarMax At CarMax, we revolutionized the used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the process. Our commitment to customer experience, innovation, and community has made us the nation’s largest used car retailer. With over 250 store locations and over 30,000 associates, we are proud to have been recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and are committed to helping our communities thrive. As an associate, you are part of an innovative movement to empower the modern customer and drive progress. Your work fuels change—sparking ideas, overcoming challenges, and shaping what’s next. Join us in creating a better future– for our company, our customers, and the communities we call home. CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The annual salary for this position is: $72,400.00 - $126,800.00 May be eligible for bonus and equity. Benefits: Except as otherwise required by state law, CarMax Associates are entitled to the following paid sick, vacation, and holiday time. Associates that are considered full-time hourly or commission/incentive eligible: • To earn up to 48 hours of sick time per year accrued on a per pay period basis and between 80 hours and 200 hours per year of vacation time after a 90 day waiting period depending on years of continuous service with the Company. • For 8 hours of pay for each of a total of 6 paid scheduled holidays per year plus 1 floating holiday. If such an Associate does work on a scheduled holiday due to business need, they are eligible for Holiday Premium Pay. Associates considered full-time salaried are entitled to paid time away with no specified limit as needed for sick, vacation, bereavement, jury duty, holidays, floating holiday, etc. subject to manager approval. For more details about benefits, please visit our CarMax Benefits website. Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application .

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