Airline Lounges General Manager
Company : Sodexo
Location : San Francisco, CA, 94128
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo Live!'s Airport Lounge Segment is seeking a General Manager for our premium client, British Airways Lounge at Harvey Milk International Airport in San Francisco, CA. Our premium lounges are dedicated space for elite passengers to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy food from the buffet or order beverages from the full-service bar. We are seeking a dynamic and energetic manager who is focused on elevating guest experience.
As the General Manager of the British Airways Lounge, you will have responsibility for daily operations and service staff including food and beverage operations managers, supervisors, bartenders and appearance care (custodial staff) for this club that serves their passengers daily.. This is a hands-on management role and will be very active in daily service operations. The ideal candidate will have food & beverage knowledge/experience, a strong eye for detail, overall excellent service standards and most important, be a true team leader. As the General Manager you will also be responsible for financials and cost controls.
What You'll Do
The successful candidate will:
- have oversight of daily food operations and deliver a high-quality product;
- achieve company and client financial targets and goals;
- develop and maintain client and customer relationships;
- motivate, coach, mentor and develop frontline (hourly) staff; and/or
- ensure Sodexo standards are met to include compliance with company food and physical safety programs.
- Fully versed in Profit and Loss, inventory and fiscal responsibilities of operating a stand alone business.
What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
Is this opportunity right for you? We are looking for candidates who:
- have a work history demonstrating strong leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively with all levels of the organization;
- have worked in a UNION environment;
- GM level experience in an elevated, to fine dining, concept or location;
- experience in premium suites/arenas services, cruise lines, premium high volume catering preferred;
- possess the ability to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate professional communication skills, and exhibit a passion for a high-level of customer service;
- exhibit flexibility to take on additional responsibilities as needed;
- demonstrate working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production and management systems;
- has experience in financials, preparation and oversight.
Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience – 5 yearsMinimum Functional Experience – 5 years
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Frequently asked questions
Strong interpersonal skills, decisive problem-solving, and the ability to inspire a diverse team are vital. Managing premium lounge operations demands attentiveness to guest experience and operational efficiency, so emotional intelligence combined with financial acumen sets top managers apart in this role.
Airline lounge management focuses heavily on high-touch service for elite travelers and quick adaptability to flight schedules, unlike hotels which emphasize long-term guest stays. This role requires nuanced coordination with airline operations and real-time problem solving tailored to aviation hospitality dynamics.
Handling fluctuating passenger volumes, ensuring seamless coordination with airline staff, and maintaining top-tier food and beverage standards under tight timelines are common hurdles. Additionally, managing unionized teams and balancing cost controls with premium guest experience add layers of complexity.
While no single certification is mandatory, credentials in hospitality management, food safety, and union labor relations are valued. Given San Francisco's strict regulatory environment, knowledge of local health codes and experience with automated food inventory systems also enhance candidacy.
Demand for skilled airline lounge general managers in the Bay Area remains robust due to growing air travel recovery. Employers like Sodexo seek candidates with multi-disciplinary expertise, reflecting competitive hiring where candidates with aviation and premium service backgrounds are highly sought.
At Sodexo, the General Manager is a pivotal leader who upholds the company’s values of diversity and service excellence. They foster inclusive teamwork and drive operational success while ensuring the premium lounge environment reflects Sodexo’s commitment to quality and community impact.
Sodexo offers tuition reimbursement and leadership development programs tailored for hospitality managers. This investment in continuous learning encourages upward mobility within the company, empowering general managers to expand their expertise across diverse food and facilities management sectors.
Compensation typically ranges from $85,000 to $110,000 annually, reflecting the specialized skill set required and San Francisco’s cost of living. Salary offers also factor in experience, education, and demonstrated leadership within premium hospitality and aviation operations.
This role blends hospitality finesse with aviation insight, demanding proficiency in guest services, food & beverage oversight, and union labor management. Unlike broader aviation operations roles, it requires hands-on daily involvement in delivering luxury experiences tailored to elite travelers.
Prior leadership in upscale hospitality, especially within fine dining or premium lounge environments, is key. Experience managing food & beverage teams, unionized staff, and budgetary responsibilities in fast-paced, customer-centric settings greatly enhances readiness for this position.