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First Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clark's - Menlo Park

General Manager

West Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

Builder: you can point to people you've promoted from the floor into their first manager seat. * Communicator: pre-shifts, vendor emails, manager updates. Working Spanish a real advantage ...

a.k.a. Brands

Manager, AI & Automation

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... First manager or team lead experience; hired, mentored, or grown early-stage technical teams • Data warehousing (Snowflake) or analytics platform experience • Built internal tools, platforms, or ...

O'Reilly Auto Parts

First Assistant Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $25/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $18.45 - $25.00 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

O'Reilly Auto Parts

First Assistant Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $25/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $18.45 - $25.00 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

O'Reilly Auto Parts

First Assistant Manager

Union City, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $24.50/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $16.50 - $24.50 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

O'Reilly Auto Parts

First Assistant Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

$17.79 - $25/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $17.79 - $25.00 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

O'Reilly Auto Parts

First Assistant Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$17.95 - $24.50/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $17.95 - $24.50 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

O'Reilly Auto Parts

First Assistant Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$18.20 - $24.50/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $18.20 - $24.50 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

Portables USA

Retail Team Manager

San Pablo, CA · On-site

They teach and create leaders for the future, while making decisions to keep the Company's interests first. Managers are expected to create a productive work environment and are responsible for the ...

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First Manager information

What is the 30-60-90 rule for a new manager?

The 30-60-90 rule for a new manager outlines a plan to achieve specific goals in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, focusing on understanding team dynamics, setting priorities, and establishing performance expectations. It helps new managers build relationships, learn organizational processes, and demonstrate early results. This structured approach supports effective leadership development and team integration.

What is the difference between First Manager vs Team Lead?

AspectFirst ManagerTeam Lead
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple teams, manages department goals, strategic planningGuides a specific team, focuses on task execution, mentoring team members
Required CredentialsOften requires management experience, sometimes a degree in business or related fieldUsually requires experience in the specific team area, sometimes certifications in project management
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, cross-department collaboration, higher-level decision makingTeam-based environment, direct supervision, project-focused

The main difference between a First Manager and a Team Lead lies in scope and responsibilities. A First Manager typically oversees multiple teams and handles strategic planning, while a Team Lead focuses on guiding a specific team and executing tasks. Both roles require leadership skills, but the First Manager's role is broader and more strategic.

What is a first manager?

A first manager is an entry-level managerial position responsible for overseeing a team or department, implementing company policies, and ensuring team productivity. This role typically requires leadership skills, communication abilities, and sometimes relevant certifications or training. First managers often report to higher-level managers and play a key role in team development and operational success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Manager, you need strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a foundational understanding of business operations, typically supported by relevant managerial experience or a degree in management. Familiarity with project management software, HR systems, and performance evaluation tools is often required. Excellent communication, emotional intelligence, and team-building skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding teams, achieving organizational goals, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

What are First Managers?

First Managers, often referred to as first-line or frontline managers, are individuals who directly supervise non-managerial employees and are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a team or department. They act as a link between upper management and the workforce, implementing organizational policies and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. First Managers are typically responsible for training staff, monitoring performance, resolving conflicts, and providing feedback. Their role is crucial in translating company goals into actionable tasks and maintaining employee motivation and productivity.

What are the 7 levels of the job title hierarchy?

In a typical organizational hierarchy, the first manager level is often followed by senior manager, director, senior director, vice president, senior vice president, and executive vice president. These levels reflect increasing responsibility, scope, and leadership within a company. The specific titles and number of levels can vary depending on the organization and industry.

What are some common challenges a First Manager might face when transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role?

First Managers often find the shift from executing tasks individually to leading a team to be both rewarding and challenging. One of the most common hurdles is learning to delegate effectively while trusting team members to deliver quality work. Additionally, First Managers must develop strong communication skills to provide feedback, resolve conflicts, and motivate their teams. Balancing their own workload with new responsibilities like performance reviews and team development can also present a learning curve. Support from senior leaders and ongoing management training can help smooth this transition.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule for jobs typically refers to the expectation that new employees, including first managers, demonstrate their skills and adapt to the role within the first three months of employment. During this period, employers often evaluate performance, provide training, and determine if the employee is a good fit for the position and company culture.
What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in California? The most popular types of First jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for First Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most First Manager job openings:
First Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

General Manager

Clark's - Menlo Park

West Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

CLARK’S OYSTER BAR, MENLO PARK

General Manager

The Room. Clark’s Oyster Bar opened in Menlo Park in spring 2025. Our second Clark’s in California, with sister units in Montecito and Malibu. Just under 100 seats including a private dining room. Oysters, martinis, the lobster roll, champagne by the glass.

Why This Role. We’re hiring a long-tenure operator. The GM is the leader of the unit: team, room, guest experience, joint ownership of the P&L. The Executive Chef is your kitchen-side peer; together you run the restaurant. MML Hospitality, founded by Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman in 2006, operates 30+ concepts across Austin, Houston, Aspen, Montecito, Malibu, Dallas, and Menlo Park.

What You’ll Own

  • The P&L, run jointly with the Executive Chef. You own FOH labor and revenue; the EC owns BOH labor and food cost. Monthly variance commentary co-authored to the DO.
  • The team. Weekly leadership with the EC, monthly 1:1s with every salaried lead, joint quarterly reviews.
  • The room. Walk it three times per service. Own the pre-shift. Know our regulars.
  • The partnership. Joint hiring with the EC at the AGM and Sous level. Standing Culinary Director time with both of you.

Who You Are

  • 10+ years in restaurant management with at least five as GM at an upscale concept (oyster bar, brasserie, neighborhood bistro, or hotel restaurant). Fluent on California meal/rest breaks, AB 1228, overtime, no tip credit.
  • Peer model: you’ve run a restaurant as a true GM/EC partnership, not in a “GM is senior” shop.
  • Builder: you can point to people you’ve promoted from the floor into their first manager seat.
  • Communicator: pre-shifts, vendor emails, manager updates. Working Spanish a real advantage.
  • Long-term: you’re choosing Menlo Park for the long run.

Compensation

  • Base salary: $120,000 to $125,000
  • Milestone Bonuses offered
  • Two-week structured Austin HQ onboarding immersion before you take the seat
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, and 401(k)
  • MML property discounts (restaurants, retail, hotels); beverage education reimbursement; dining at sister properties

Schedule

Five days a week, evenings, weekends, holidays. The opening grind is real. Expect six-day weeks for the first quarter.

How to Apply

Send a resume and a short note about a service moment in the last year you’re proud of. Specific table, what happened, what you did. We read every one. Our process: a screen, a behavioral interview, a P&L case, a paid two-shift stage at Clark’s Austin (travel covered), conversations with our SVPs of Restaurants and HR, and reference triangulation. Three to four weeks end to end.

Equal-opportunity employer. Background check conducted per CA Fair Chance Act and ICRAA.

More detail about Clark's - Menlo Park part of MML Hospitality, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/670901-Clark%2527s---Menlo-Park