General Manager

The Club

As the landscape of Downtown Los Angeles has evolved, The California Club (“the Club”) has remained the City’s premier social and business club – a prestigious position held by the Club for well over a century. Appealing to L.A.’s leaders, innovators and influencers, members appreciate a retreat from the bustling outside world. Combined with a sense of tradition, distinct decorum and mutual respect, the Club serves as a home-away-from-home for members and their guests.

Offering an experience that transcends generations, the Club’s legacy honors the history that defines it while aiming to serve its members with the highest standards. The Club provides an intimate sanctuary of supportive membership, meaningful relationships and incomparable camaraderie while upholding the city’s finest experience of elegance.

Club History

The Club has a rich and storied history that is deeply intertwined with the growth and evolution of the vibrant City of Los Angeles. Founded in 1887, it has not only witnessed the City's transformation, but has actively contributed to shaping the social and commercial fabric of this metropolis. This Club is more than just a place of leisure; it is a living testament to the resilience and adaptability of an institution that has stood the test of time.

The Club has long served as a beacon for individuals seeking to leave their mark on the burgeoning Los Angeles landscape. As the City attracted newcomers in droves, the Club emerged as a hub for community, culture and commerce. From its inception, the Club's role extended beyond that of a social institution. It was a crucible of networking, fostering connections and collaborations that would play a pivotal role in the City's development.

A significant milestone was reached in 1904 when the Club constructed a five-story Italian Renaissance structure at Fifth and Hill streets. This move showcased the Club's commitment to providing a refined and elegant environment for its members while continuing to embrace Los Angeles' cultural diversity. The most substantial change came in 1929 when the Club settled at 538 South Flower Street, marking almost a century at its present location. This new facility, five times larger than its previous home, demonstrated the Club's dedication to the City and aspirations of its members.

Total annual Gross revenues total $24M with annual Food and Beverage revenues at $12M. There are 1,060 members.

The Opportunity

The General Manager who reports to the President of the Board of Directors will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight while preserving the Club’s distinguished history, traditions, and culture. Serving as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors and its committees, this individual will foster strong governance relationships, provide informed recommendations, and align operational priorities with the Club’s long-term vision.

A highly visible and engaging leader, the GM will cultivate meaningful member relationships and deliver exceptional experiences across all amenities, including dining, social programming, and overnight accommodations. A commitment to personalized service, effective communication, and thoughtful programming will preserve the warmth, graciousness, and familial atmosphere that define the Club.

This individual will inspire and empower a high-performing management team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence. Key priorities include operational consistency, employee development, talent retention, and productive union relationships while positioning the Club as an employer of choice.

With strong financial acumen, the GM will oversee business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and capital investments. Working closely with the Board, this leader will guide capital improvements, preserve the Club’s historic facilities, and ensure responsible financial stewardship that supports long-term sustainability and an exceptional member experience.

Direct reports are the Executive Chef, Assistant General Manager, Chief Engineer (outsourced role), Clubhouse Manager, Director of Club Experiences/Catering, HR Director, Director of Finance, Administrative Assistant, Assistant Director of F&B, Wine Director and Director of Membership.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION:

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or equivalent is preferred, with an advanced degree considered highly desirable.
• Professional certifications (CCM, CCE) or similar professional development achievements are highly desired.

THE CANDIDATE: KEY SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES, AND EXPERIENCES

• No less than a decade of progressively advancing senior leadership roles in club service or broader hospitality management, ideally culminating in a General Manager role at a respected private club, hotel, or resort with a comparable scale and culture. Experienced Assistant General Managers will be given consideration.
• A professional career track record of achievement and employment stability.
• Experience in building budgets and managing business from financial metrics, managing workflow for expense processing, and course-correcting as necessary to attain financial goals.
• A record of success in the selection, training, development, and motivation of a high performing, service-oriented staff. Experience leading and developing a team to materially improve service across departments, demonstrated through exceptional survey results.
• Strong food and beverage knowledge, including fine dining and wine, and experience in shaping and developing excellent dining programming that resonates with the needs and desires of the membership. Direct experience improving member and guest satisfaction with food and beverage/dining operations.
• Knowledgeable about club-related technologies both in application and infrastructure required to bring efficiencies, organization, and convenience to the operation and to the membership.