17 Multi Unit Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Multi-unit managers are responsible for the overall success of a business by overseeing multiple restaurant locations. This position is critical to the success of the restaurant and requires strong leadership and communication skills. Multi-unit managers are responsible for developing and implementing systems and procedures, ensuring compliance with company standards, and maintaining customer service and food quality.

If you’re looking to move up in the restaurant industry, you’ll likely need to go through a multi-unit manager interview. In this interview, you’ll be asked questions about your experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of the restaurant industry. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered some common multi-unit manager interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable managing a team of people?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with a team and how well you work with others. Use examples from your past to show that you are comfortable managing a team of people, but also that you know when to ask for help or guidance.

Example: “I am very comfortable leading a team of people because I’ve done it in my previous role as a multi unit manager. In this position, I had five managers reporting to me who managed their own teams of employees. I learned how to delegate tasks effectively so everyone could get their jobs done while still feeling like they were contributing to the overall success of the business.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a successful multilevel manager?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to the job.

Example: “I believe that one of the most important qualities for a successful multilevel manager is communication. I am always sure to communicate with my team members about any changes or updates so everyone has the same information. Another quality I think is important is organization. I keep detailed records of all financial transactions and regularly update my reports so I can monitor our progress. Finally, I think flexibility is an important quality because there are often unexpected situations that require quick solutions.”

How would you deal with a team member who is underperforming?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership style and how you handle conflict. In your answer, try to show that you value the opinions of others while also demonstrating your ability to make tough decisions.

Example: “If I had a team member who was underperforming, I would first meet with them one-on-one to discuss their performance. During this meeting, I would listen to their side of the story and understand why they are struggling. Then, I would set clear expectations for what is expected from them moving forward. If they continue to struggle after our meeting, I would consider letting them go.”

What is your experience with managing a budget?

A multi unit manager needs to be able to manage a budget for the entire property. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with managing budgets and can do so effectively. In your answer, explain how you create a budget and what steps you take to ensure it stays within the parameters of the company’s financial goals.

Example: “I’ve managed my own personal budget for many years now. I find that creating a monthly budget is the best way to stay on track financially. I start by determining how much money I need to spend each month. Then, I determine where that money will go. For example, I may allocate $500 per month for groceries, $300 for gas and $200 for entertainment. Once I know how much money I have to work with, I can plan out exactly how I’ll use it.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you make decisions and what your thought process is. This can be a great opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills, leadership qualities and ability to think critically.

Example: “In my previous role as a multi unit manager, I had to decide whether or not to hire additional staff for one of our locations that was experiencing higher than normal sales volume. While hiring more staff would have been beneficial in terms of customer service, it also meant an increase in payroll costs. Ultimately, I decided to hire two new employees to ensure we could provide excellent customer service while still maintaining profitability.”

If we were to look at your sales records, what would they show about your performance?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your sales record and how you’ve performed in previous roles. It’s important to highlight any records that show improvement or growth, as this can be an indicator of future success.

Example: “In my last position, I was able to increase revenue by 10% within six months of starting. This was due to implementing new marketing strategies and training our team on customer service techniques. These changes led to more positive reviews online and increased foot traffic.”

What would you do if you noticed that a large number of your salespeople were struggling with the same issue?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might handle a common problem in your industry. Use examples from previous experience to show that you have the ability to solve problems and implement solutions quickly.

Example: “If I noticed that many of my salespeople were struggling with customer service, I would first try to identify what was causing the issue. If it seemed like they weren’t following proper procedures, I would hold a training session on the company’s policies for interacting with customers. If it seemed like they simply needed more practice, I would schedule regular meetings where we could role-play different scenarios.”

How well do you understand our company’s products and services?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company’s products and services. It also shows that you have done some research on the company before the interview. When answering this question, make sure to mention at least one product or service and explain how it relates to you personally.

Example: “I am very familiar with your company’s products and services because I use them myself. For example, my family has been using your pest control services for years now. We have never had any issues with pests in our home, but we continue to use your services because we know they are safe and effective.”

Do you have any experience training new employees?

This question can help the interviewer understand your leadership skills and how you might train new employees in their role. Use examples from past experience to highlight your communication, training and coaching abilities.

Example: “In my current position as a multi unit manager, I have hired several new managers for our locations. In this role, I trained them on company policies, procedures and expectations. I also helped them develop their management style by providing feedback on their performance and helping them create development plans. This process has helped me learn more about different management styles and techniques.”

When was the last time you tried something new in your work?

Employers ask this question to see if you are open to new ideas and ways of doing things. They want to know that you can adapt to change, which is important in a management role. In your answer, share an example of something you tried recently at work or school. Explain why you decided to try it and what the results were.

Example: “At my last job, I noticed we had some customers who would call us with questions about our products. We offered free customer service calls for all of our customers, but many of these people called multiple times asking the same questions. I decided to start offering a paid support option so we could better serve our customers. It was successful, and we saw a decrease in repeat calls.”

We want our managers to be forward-thinking. How would you approach a situation where you needed to think outside the box?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach challenges and whether your skills are a good fit for their company. Use examples from previous experience to show that you’re willing to think outside of the box when needed.

Example: “In my last role, we had an issue with one of our units where the tenant was having issues paying rent on time. I spoke with them about it and found out they were struggling financially because of some unexpected medical bills. We worked together to find a solution so they could pay us back over time without getting evicted. It helped both parties in the long run.”

Describe your process for solving problems.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to collaborate with others and ability to make decisions quickly.

Example: “When I encounter a problem, my first step is to gather as much information about it as possible. Then, I try to determine what caused the issue and who’s involved in it. Next, I decide on an appropriate solution for the situation based on the facts I’ve gathered. Finally, I implement the solution and monitor its progress to ensure that it’s working effectively.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that relate to this position. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any transferable skills or knowledge you have.

Example: “I am passionate about property management and customer service. I know that residents are the most important part of my job, so I always go above and beyond to ensure they’re happy with their living situation. In my previous role as a single-unit manager, I received many compliments from residents for going out of my way to help them. This made me feel like I was doing something right.”

Which industries do you have the most experience in?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your background and experience. It’s important to highlight the industries you have worked in, but it’s also beneficial to include any other skills or experiences that are relevant to this position.

Example: “I’ve spent most of my career working in residential communities, however I am very familiar with commercial properties as well. In fact, I was promoted to my current role after only one year because of my success managing a large apartment complex. My ability to manage multiple units at once has been an asset to me throughout my career.”

What do you think is the most important thing a multilevel manager can do to help their team succeed?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your leadership style and how you think about helping others succeed. Your answer should include an example from your experience that shows how you helped someone on your team achieve success.

Example: “I believe it’s important for multilevel managers to be available to their teams, especially when they need guidance or feedback. In my last role as a property manager, I had a leasing agent who was new to the industry. She asked me questions about her job frequently, which I always answered. After a few weeks, she started asking more complex questions about the company and our policies. I realized she needed more one-on-one training, so I scheduled time with her to go over some of the basics of leasing and property management.”

How often do you check in with your team members?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you use your time and how often you communicate with others. Your answer should show that you value communication and are willing to make an effort to check in with your team members regularly.

Example: “I try to check in with my team at least once a week, but I know some of my team members prefer daily contact. If someone prefers less frequent communication, I respect their wishes and only reach out when necessary. However, I do encourage all of my team members to let me know if they would like more or less communication so we can find a balance that works for everyone.”

There is a conflict between two members of your team. How do you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle interpersonal conflicts and whether you have a plan for resolving them. Use your answer to highlight your conflict resolution skills, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

Example: “I would first make sure that both parties are present when I speak with them about the issue. Then, I would listen carefully to each person’s side of the story before asking clarifying questions if needed. After gathering all the information, I would determine which party is in the right and offer solutions to resolve the situation. If either party feels like they were treated unfairly, I would apologize and try to rectify the situation.”