Airline Lounges General Manager

Sodexo Live! is seeking a dynamic and service-driven General Manager to lead the daily operations of the Korean Airlines Lounge at LAX in Los Angeles, CA.  This leader will be responsible for delivering an elevated guest experience while developing a high-performing team culture focused on hospitality, operational excellence, and client satisfaction.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on hospitality leader with strong people leadership capabilities, experience managing within a fast-paced luxury or premium environment, and a passion for coaching and developing teams. Flexibility in schedule is required, as operational needs dictate a non-traditional schedule including a mix of mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and potential overnight (past 12 midnight) support.

Bilingual Korean/English strongly preferred.

Premium Guest Experience

• Ensure delivery of a luxury-level guest experience aligned with client and brand expectations.
• Actively engage with guests to resolve concerns, anticipate needs, and create memorable experiences.
• Promote a hospitality-first culture centered on professionalism, service recovery, and attention to detail.
• Monitor lounge presentation, food & beverage standards, cleanliness, and overall operational readiness.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily lounge operations including staffing, scheduling, service execution, and compliance.
• Maintain operational standards in alignment with airport security, health & safety, and company policies.
• Support operational metrics, guest feedback, and financial performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with culinary, operations, HR, and support teams to achieve business objectives and client expectations.
• Lead by example in a fast-paced, highly visible, client-facing environment.

Client & Business Partnership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with client partners and airport stakeholders.
• Support business initiatives, operational changes, and strategic goals while minimizing disruption to service.
• Participate in leadership meetings, reporting, and business reviews as required.

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.

• 5 years of progressive hospitality or premium service leadership experience required.
• Experience within airport lounges, luxury hotels, premium dining, or upscale hospitality strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead large teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong employee relations, coaching, and performance management experience.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends, holidays, and shifts that run past midnight. 
• Bilingual Korean/English preferred.
• Must be able to pass a TSA/SIDA background check and obtain an airport badge. 

Preferred Leadership Competencies

• Executive presence and professionalism
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
• Passion for developing and mentoring talent
• Ability to influence and build relationships across all levels
• Operational agility and decision-making under pressure
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and team engagement

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.

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience – 5 years
Minimum Functional Experience – 5 years