Managing Director Jobs in California

Managing Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, finance, and professional services, with openings at every level from newly promoted leaders to seasoned executives overseeing large divisions. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established employers like Wells Fargo, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Salesforce maintain significant leadership pipelines. The most in-demand specialties include strategic operations, business development, and P&L management across multi-site organizations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles77
Top employerCiti
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring14
Work type56% On-site
Top industryAccounting

Showing 5 of 77+ Managing Director jobs

CBRE
Managing Director
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CBRE
Added 1d ago
Managing Director
CBRE
Palo Alto, California
Business Development
Customer Success
Program Management
Project Management
$175k - $200k/yr
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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Xponential Fitness
Managing Director, BFT
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Xponential Fitness
Added 2d ago
Managing Director, BFT
Xponential Fitness
Irvine, California
Customer Service
Customer Success
Customer Support
$200k - $235k/yr

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Vaco
Managing Director, Accounting & Finance Interim Solutions
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Vaco
Added 4d ago
Managing Director, Accounting & Finance Interim Solutions
Vaco
San Francisco, California
Consulting & Professional Services
Solutions Engineering & Architecture
Technical Product & Program Management
$100k - $175k/yr
Master's degree in business administration
5,001-10,000

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State Street
Technology Delivery Lead – Managing Director
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State Street
Added 1w ago
Technology Delivery Lead – Managing Director
State Street
Irvine, California
Business Operations
Business Strategy
Project Management
$170k - $283k/yr
On-Site
10,000+

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Stanford University
Managing Director of Research and Campus Engagement
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Stanford University
Added 1w ago
Managing Director of Research and Campus Engagement
Stanford University
Stanford, California
Business Strategy
Consulting & Professional Services
Strategy & Corporate Development
$207k - $262k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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See All 77 Managing Director Jobs in California

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Managing Director Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Irvine
5 jobs
Palo Alto
4 jobs
Stanford
3 jobs
San Diego
3 jobs
Beverly Hills
3 jobs
Costa Mesa
2 jobs
Oakland
1 job

Managing Director Job Market in California

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

Who's Hiring

  • Citi
    Citi15
  • BDO
    BDO5
  • Stanford University
    Stanford University3
  • Aon
    Aon2
  • KPMG
    KPMG2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Accounting & Auditing13
  • Investment & Asset Management11
  • Consulting & Professional Services11
  • Technology & Software10
  • Banking & Financial Services10

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in managing director jobs across California.

  • Bachelor's degree required, MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred by most California employers
  • Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience with direct P&L responsibility
  • Demonstrated ability to build and lead cross-functional teams in a California market context
  • Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships including boards, investors, and regulators
  • Proven success driving revenue growth and operational efficiency in a competitive industry
  • Strong background in California's compliance environment including labor law and regulatory reporting

Managing Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a managing director in California?

Becoming a managing director in California typically requires a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field, with most employers preferring an MBA. The path runs through senior management roles such as director, vice president, or division head, with consistent P&L ownership along the way. California does not require a state-issued license for the managing director title itself, but roles in regulated industries like banking, real estate, or healthcare require relevant California-specific credentials or registrations.

How much do managing directors make in California?

Managing directors in California earn a median of about $124,390 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,370 for the lowest 10% to over $293,810 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.

Which companies hire managing directors in California?

Employers hiring managing directors in California right now include Citi, BDO, and Stanford University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, entertainment studios, and major financial institutions makes it one of the deepest markets in the country for senior leadership roles.

Which California cities have the most managing director jobs?

San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Irvine account for the most managing director openings in California. Los Angeles draws heavily from entertainment, media, and consumer brands, San Francisco and its surrounding Bay Area reflect the concentration of technology and venture-backed companies, and San Diego's openings are anchored by defense contractors, biotech firms, and financial services companies operating from the region.

Are there remote managing director jobs in California?

Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical or individual-contributor roles, since managing directors typically oversee teams, facilities, or client relationships that require a physical presence. About 44% of managing director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. The functions most likely to be conducted remotely are strategy, business development, and roles within technology companies that have embraced distributed leadership models.

How can I get hired as a managing director in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic path for candidates without direct managing director experience is to build a strong record in a director-level or senior manager role and pursue internal promotion. Large California employers in technology and financial services such as major Bay Area firms and Los Angeles-based banks often develop talent through leadership rotational programs and high-potential initiatives. Adjacent roles like senior director, regional manager, or head of operations serve as natural bridges, and an MBA from a California institution can accelerate consideration for the step up.

Where can I find and apply to managing director jobs in California?

You can find and apply to managing director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and metro areas. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 77 Managing Director Jobs in California

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

Find Managing Director Jobs