Airline Lounges General Manager
Company : Sodexo
Location : Chicago, IL, 60666
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo Live!'s Airport Lounge Segment is seeking a General Manager for our premium client, Polish Airlines Lounge at O'hare International Airport in Chicago, IL. 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 Polish Airlines 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;
- 2-3 years of 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
Overseeing the Polish Airlines Lounge at O'Hare involves hands-on leadership with a focus on premium guest experiences, balancing food & beverage operations with strict financial controls. It demands expertise in high-volume service, union collaboration, and detailed attention to quality standards unique to a major international hub like Chicago.
Strong communication, team motivation, and multitasking abilities are vital. A successful manager must drive service excellence, navigate union environments, and maintain operational efficiency while adapting to the fast-paced nature of Chicago’s airport hospitality scene.
This position offers career advancement through managing complex operations, refining financial acumen, and developing high-level client relationships within the aviation hospitality sector, especially in a prominent location like Chicago O’Hare.
Sodexo supports continuous learning through tuition reimbursement and career development opportunities, enabling General Managers to sharpen their skills in food service management, safety compliance, and leadership tailored to premium airport lounge environments.
Managing a diverse team in a unionized setting while ensuring top-tier guest satisfaction and operational profitability at a busy international airport presents challenges like balancing labor regulations with high service standards and fluctuating passenger volumes.
Chicago’s status as a major aviation hub means strong competition for aviation management roles, with candidates often needing 5+ years of leadership experience and a proven track record in premium hospitality or airline lounge operations.
Typically, General Managers in Chicago overseeing airport lounges earn between $85,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications, reflecting the role’s complexity and the city’s cost of living.
Sodexo emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and employee respect, fostering a collaborative environment where General Managers can lead teams effectively, innovate guest experiences, and contribute to community engagement in Chicago’s multicultural setting.
Daily tasks include supervising food and beverage operations, coaching staff, ensuring safety compliance, managing budgets, and directly engaging with elite passengers to maintain a premium lounge atmosphere.
While a bachelor's degree is standard, certifications in hospitality management, food safety, or union labor relations can enhance candidacy, especially given Chicago’s regulatory environment and the specialized nature of airport lounge operations.