General Manager- Aviation Lounge - UphillGrowth Recruitment

Relocation Assistance! Offering a full array of benefits including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, 401K and access to ongoing training and development programs, tuition reimbursement, plus health and wellness programs. Paid Airport Parking.

Our client is in search of a General Manager (GM) with specific experience managing airport lounge operations at an upper level. 

This role demands previous GM-level or director experience in upscale lounge environments, ideally within airport settings. The successful candidate will undergo culture training with Virgin Atlantic, including a week at the Virgin headquarters in England and additional training at Virgin lounges on the East Coast (such as JFK). This is a highly hands-on position, where the GM is expected to manage all operational aspects, including payroll, HR, inventory, and daily guest interactions, without reliance solely on supervisory responsibilities. A strong background in upscale, but not overly fine-dining, service is required, where the GM is comfortable with active participation in all operations.

Job Description:

Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opening for a Club/Lounge General Manager at the brand-new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX, set to open in March 2025. This luxurious space is dedicated to elite passengers, providing them with the unique Virgin Atlantic experience, including à la carte dining, premium cocktails, and exclusive relaxation areas. As we prepare to mobilize the lounge, we are seeking a dynamic and energetic General Manager focused on elevating the guest experience to the highest standard.

This is a hands-on manager role, actively involved in daily service operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food, beverage, and culinary services, a strong attention to detail, and a deep commitment to customer service excellence, all while maintaining the signature Virgin Atlantic safety and service standards. You will also be responsible for managing financials and cost controls to meet both Sodexo and Virgin Atlantics business goals.

If you have experience managing food and beverage outlets at a high-end hotel, private club, or other upscale hospitality venue, we want to hear from you!

The successful candidate will:

• Oversee daily food operations, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality product in line with Virgin Atlantics premium standards, including a full à la carte dining experience.
• Achieve both company and client financial targets and goals, contributing to the ongoing success of Sodexo Live! and Virgin Atlantic.
• Develop and maintain strong client and customer relationships to ensure brand alignment with Virgin Atlantics service philosophy.
• Motivate, coach, mentor, and develop frontline (hourly) staff, embodying the spirit of Virgin Atlantics customer-focused culture.
• Ensure Sodexo standards are met, including compliance with company food and physical safety programs.

Is this opportunity right for you? We are looking for candidates who:

• Have a proven track record demonstrating strong leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively at all levels of the organization, maintaining Virgin Atlantics premium customer service ethos.
• Are able to manage multiple priorities, exhibit professional communication skills, and share a passion for delivering top-tier customer service.
• Exhibit flexibility to take on additional responsibilities as needed to support Virgin Atlantics brand and the evolving demands of elite travel.
• Have experience with automated food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems, as well as menu graphics programs.
• Must be able to pass a TSA background check and obtain an LAX Airport Badge.

UNIT DESCRIPTION

• Must have a work history demonstrating strong engagement leadership skills, as well as previous General Management experience, and have a passion for a high-level guest experience. The ideal candidate will have a Hospitality background.
• As a GM you will be responsible for all aspects of the following (included but not limited to) Operational Budgets and high-quality client and stakeholder communications.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations.
• Holding yourself and others accountable for quality assurance inspections, all regulatory & safety compliance, staff training, payroll, scheduling & guest satisfaction.
• Establishing and maintaining a positive Client relationship and highly impactful employee engagement standard will facilitate excellent outcomes.
• Control and ensure company and client financial targets and goals are achieved.
• Ensure the highest possible standards of food handling and preparation are achieved.
• Ensure compliance with California's Hour & Wage, rules & regulations.
• Are able to develop trust and build strong client relationships while maintaining the expectations of the client as well as Sodexo.
• Must be able to pass a TSA background check and obtain LAX Airport Badge.

Position Summary

Responsible for general management of an account/unit providing one or more core services (Core Services of: Lounge Operations and may include any of: Complementary Food and Bar, Food for Sale, Appearance Care, Credential Desk, Purchasing and Concierge Services. Senior-most person assigned to a one client account.

Basic Qualifications & Requirements

• Basic Education Requirement - Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience
• Basic Management Experience - 5 years
• Basic Functional Experience - 5 years

MUST HAVE

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of Management experience.
• 5 years of functional experience.
• Extensive experience in food, beverage, and culinary services.
• Experience managing food and beverage outlets at a high-end hotel, private club, or other upscale hospitality venue.
• Experience with automated food inventory, ordering, production, and management systems, as well as menu graphics programs.
• Must be able to pass a TSA background check and obtain an LAX Airport Badge.