ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Founding Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sports Clips

Licensed Salon Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

$17 - $32/hr

As the founding manager of our new Ontario location, you'll have the opportunity to shape the salon's culture, develop your team, and make a meaningful impact on the success of the business. We ...

Clera

Founding Product Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

About the Role A fast-moving, seed-stage B2B SaaS company building software and AI-powered tools for the home services and trades sector in Germany is looking for a Founding Product Manager to join ...

Clera

Founding Product Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

About the Role A fast-moving, seed-stage B2B SaaS company building software and AI-powered tools for the home services and trades sector in Germany is looking for a Founding Product Manager to join ...

Hyperscale

Founding Product Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Founding Product Manager to own product discovery, roadmap, and customer implementation, working closely with customers and engineering to drive product direction. Responsibilities ...

Dealops

Founding Account Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The opportunity As our Founding Account Manager, you'll own the post-sale relationship with the most innovative AI and enterprise software companies building on Dealops. Once a customer signs, you're ...

Clera

Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$97K - $129K/yr

Model and manage data using PostgreSQL and Supabase What We're Looking For Required: * Proficiency ... Ability to thrive in a founding-stage startup environment - owning features and shipping rapidly

Clera

Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$97K - $129K/yr

Model and manage data using PostgreSQL and Supabase What We're Looking For Required: * Proficiency ... Ability to thrive in a founding-stage startup environment -- owning features and shipping rapidly

Replicas

Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Replicas is a company focused on building infrastructure and tooling for managing AI coding agents. They are seeking a Founding Engineer to help tackle interesting engineering challenges and ...

Terac

Founding Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

You will work on the highest-priority problems in the company including managing key customer relationships, building out the founding team, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. You're ...

Listen Labs

Founding Product Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As the Founding Product Manager, you will own core parts of the product, partnering closely with engineering, design, research, and GTM to build a foundational product that drives decision-making ...

Talentrix AI INC

Founding Recruiter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Founding RecruiterIntroduction: We are looking for a Founding Recruiter & People Ops Associate with ... Manage benefits administration, payroll support, and open enrollment * Drive team culture -- plan ...

Terac

Founding Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

You will work on the highest-priority problems in the company including managing key customer relationships, building out the founding team, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. You're ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFounding JobsFounding Manager JobsFounding Manager Jobs in California

Founding Manager information

What is a founding manager?

A Founding Manager is one of the earliest leaders or executives in a startup or new company. They are responsible for helping to establish the organization’s vision, culture, and operational foundation. Their duties typically include overseeing daily operations, strategic planning, hiring initial team members, and driving early growth. Founding Managers often work closely with other founders to make critical decisions and set the direction for the company's future. Their role tends to be very hands-on and multifaceted, especially during the company's formative stages.

What is the difference between Founding Manager vs Project Manager?

AspectFounding ManagerProject Manager
CredentialsExperience in startup leadership, business developmentProject management certifications (PMP, CAPM), relevant industry experience
Work EnvironmentStartup or new business environment, high uncertaintyCorporate or organizational settings, structured projects
Employer & Industry UsageFounders, startups, new business venturesCompanies across industries managing specific projects
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in startupsManaging projects, timelines, and deliverables

The Founding Manager typically leads new business initiatives, focusing on startup growth and strategic direction, often with entrepreneurial experience. In contrast, a Project Manager oversees specific projects within established organizations, ensuring timely delivery and resource management. While both roles require leadership and organizational skills, the Founding Manager operates in a more dynamic, uncertain environment, whereas the Project Manager works within structured project frameworks.

What are some unique challenges a founding manager might face when building an early-stage team?

As a Founding Manager, you’ll often be tasked with assembling a team from the ground up, which can be both exciting and challenging. One common hurdle is recruiting and retaining top talent with limited resources and minimal brand recognition. You’ll also need to wear multiple hats, balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution, while fostering a collaborative culture in a fast-paced, uncertain environment. Flexibility, resilience, and strong communication skills are crucial for navigating these challenges and setting the foundation for long-term success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a founding manager?

To thrive as a Founding Manager, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and business development skills, often backed by entrepreneurial experience or a degree in business management. Familiarity with startup tools such as project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello), CRM platforms, and basic financial systems is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, resilience, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for navigating uncertainty and motivating early teams. These qualities enable a Founding Manager to drive growth, build a cohesive team, and successfully launch and scale new ventures.
What are the most commonly searched types of Founding jobs in California? The most popular types of Founding jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Founding Manager jobs in California? For Founding Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Founding Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Founding Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Founding Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Founding Manager job openings:
Founding Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Founding Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Licensed Salon Manager

Sports Clips

Ontario, CA • On-site

$17 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salon Manager - Sport Clips Haircuts | Ontario, CA
Lead a Winning Team. Build Your Career. Love What You Do.
Sport Clips Haircuts is looking for a motivated, licensed Salon Manager who is passionate about developing people, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and leading a high-performing team.
This is an exciting opportunity to help launch and grow a brand-new Sport Clips location in Ontario, California. As our Salon Manager, you'll play a key role in building the team, creating the culture, and establishing our salon as the premier destination for men's and boys' haircuts in the community.
At Sport Clips, you'll have the support of one of the nation's leading men's and boys' haircare brands, industry-leading education, and the opportunity to build a rewarding long-term career in leadership.
What You'll Do
  • Lead, coach, and inspire a team of licensed stylists and barbers.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service and create an outstanding experience for every guest.

  • Perform quality men's and boys' haircuts using Sport Clips' proven systems.
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and develop team members.

  • Conduct monthly team development meetings focused on leadership, customer service, technical skills, and professional growth.
  • Help build a positive, respectful, and high-performing salon culture.

  • Oversee daily salon operations, scheduling, inventory, cleanliness, and team accountability.
  • Help achieve salon performance goals while maintaining exceptional guest satisfaction.

What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly pay plus tips
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities

  • Instant clientele through Sport Clips' nationally recognized marketing
  • Paid, industry-leading technical and leadership training

  • Monthly leadership and team development sessions
  • Clear opportunities for career advancement

  • Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
  • Employee discounts

  • Recognition programs and performance incentives
  • A fun, supportive, team-oriented culture where your leadership is valued

Why Join Our Team?
This is more than a management position-it's an opportunity to help build something special from day one.
As the founding manager of our new Ontario location, you'll have the opportunity to shape the salon's culture, develop your team, and make a meaningful impact on the success of the business. We believe great leaders create great teams, and we're committed to providing the tools, training, and support you need to succeed.
Our salon is locally owned and operated, giving you direct access to ownership, faster decision-making, and a workplace where your ideas and leadership truly matter.
Qualifications
  • Current California Cosmetology or Barber License
  • Previous salon leadership or management experience preferred

  • Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills
  • Passion for developing others and building successful teams

  • Commitment to delivering outstanding customer service
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs

  • Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
    Compensation
    Competitive hourly pay plus tips and performance-based bonus opportunities.

Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and business needs.
About Sport Clips
Sport Clips Haircuts is the nation's leading haircare provider for men and boys. We combine a championship haircut experience with ongoing education, advanced career opportunities, and a team-focused culture where professionals can grow personally and professionally.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Sport Clips is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, California, or local law.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Location Information:
930 N. Haven Ave.
Ontario, CA 91764

Apply