Department Manager Jobs in California

Department Manager jobs in California are in high demand, with openings concentrated in retail, healthcare, logistics, and consumer goods across one of the most active hiring markets in the country. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego lead in volume, where large employers like Target, Kaiser Permanente, and Amazon operate extensive California footprints and hire department managers at every level from first-line supervisor to senior operations leader. The most sought-after specialties are operations management, retail department oversight, and supply chain coordination. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.

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Overview

Open roles167+
Top employerWhole Foods Market
Top citySan Diego, CA
Cities hiring79
Work type72% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 167+ Department Manager jobs

Whole Foods Market
New Store Produce Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager) - Westlake Village, CA - Fall 2026
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Whole Foods Market
New 19h ago
New Store Produce Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager) - Westlake Village, CA - Fall 2026
Whole Foods Market
Westlake Village, California
Accounting
$21.55 - $35/hr
10,000+

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Whole Foods Market
Meat & Seafood Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager)
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Whole Foods Market
New 19h ago
Meat & Seafood Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager)
Whole Foods Market
Berkeley, California
Business Development
Customer Success
Growth Marketing
$22.55 - $36.08/hr
10,000+

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Whole Foods Market
Whole Body Associate Team Leader (Body Care, Makeup, Vitamins, Nutrition Assistant Department Manager)
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Whole Foods Market
New 19h ago
Whole Body Associate Team Leader (Body Care, Makeup, Vitamins, Nutrition Assistant Department Manager)
Whole Foods Market
Sonoma, California
Accounting
$21.55 - $35/hr
10,000+

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Whole Foods Market
New Store Bakery Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager) - Westlake Village, CA - Fall 2026
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Whole Foods Market
New 19h ago
New Store Bakery Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager) - Westlake Village, CA - Fall 2026
Whole Foods Market
Westlake Village, California
Accounting
$21.55 - $35/hr
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Whole Foods Market
Meat & Seafood Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager)
We won't show you this job again
Whole Foods Market
New 19h ago
Meat & Seafood Associate Team Leader (Assistant Department Manager)
Whole Foods Market
Mill Valley, California
Business Development
Customer Success
Growth Marketing
$21.55 - $35/hr
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

See All 167+ Department Manager Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Department Manager Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Diego
14 jobs
San Francisco
10 jobs
Los Angeles
8 jobs
San Jose
7 jobs
Berkeley
5 jobs
Santa Clara
5 jobs
Porter Ranch
5 jobs
Westlake Village
5 jobs
San Leandro
4 jobs

Department Manager Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Whole Foods Market
    Whole Foods Market33
  • Floor & Decor
    Floor & Decor20
  • Anthropologie
    Anthropologie7
  • 99 Ranch Market
    99 Ranch Market7
  • D
    Department of Motor Vehicles California6

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Consulting & Professional Services
  • Retail
  • Distribution & Wholesale
  • Non-Profit & Social Services

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in department manager jobs across California.

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field
  • Three or more years of supervisory or team leadership experience
  • Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and meet department performance targets
  • Strong knowledge of California labor law, including meal break and overtime requirements
  • Experience with inventory management, scheduling, and operational reporting systems
  • Proficiency in workforce management software and standard productivity tools

Department Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a department manager in California?

Most department manager roles in California require a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field combined with several years of supervisory experience. California does not issue a state license specific to department managers, but roles in regulated industries such as healthcare or food service may require additional California Department of Public Health or industry-specific certifications. Large California employers commonly promote internally from lead or assistant manager positions.

Which companies hire department managers in California?

Companies currently hiring department managers in California include Whole Foods Market, Floor & Decor, and Anthropologie, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's scale across retail, healthcare, and technology means established employers here maintain ongoing department manager pipelines rather than hiring only for backfill.

Which California cities have the most department manager jobs?

San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles have the most department manager openings in California. Los Angeles dominates due to its retail, logistics, and healthcare concentration, while San Francisco and San Diego draw volume from technology campuses, hospital systems, and large distribution operations that each maintain multi-department management structures year-round.

Are there remote department manager jobs in California?

Yes, but they're rare. Department manager work is largely on-site because the role involves direct oversight of staff, inventory, and day-to-day operations. About 28% of department manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in e-commerce operations, digital retail, or administrative management functions where physical presence is less critical.

How can I get hired as a department manager in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is a step-up from a team lead, shift supervisor, or assistant manager role at a California retailer, healthcare facility, or logistics operator. Target, Kaiser Permanente, and Amazon all run California-based supervisor development programs that advance high-performing hourly or associate employees into department manager tracks. A California community college certificate in business management or operations strengthens a candidate's file when direct management experience is limited.

Where can I find and apply to department manager jobs in California?

You can find and apply to department manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated in real time. Search the listings, identify the roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 167+ Department Manager Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Department Manager Jobs