1

First Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Managing employee work schedules and contributing to workforce planning * Monitoring department ... First Line Supervisor is required to be on-site. * Work areas consist of office and non-office ...

Managing employee work schedules and contributing to workforce planning * Monitoring department ... First Line Supervisor is required to be on-site. * Work areas consist of office and non-office ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

First Manager information

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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various First Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% 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 10 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