General Manager Career Guide

What is a general manager?

A general manager is someone who manages pretty much everything at a company. They are in charge of many things like sales, marketing, customer service, and production. Their big job is to keep the company running smoothly and making money while ensuring everyone is happy and professional.

Duties and responsibilities

General managers lead the team that runs the business. They set goals for sales, plan out the business’s big moves, and hire and teach new people. They make sure everyone is working toward the same targets. They also check if the company is doing well and fix any big problems to keep the company growing.

A big part of their job is handling money. They set money goals, plan the budget, and make sure all parts of the company stick to these financial plans. They also talk to people important to the company, like clients, and deal with contracts and arguments, keeping the workplace positive and productive.

Work environment

General managers usually work in an office, but where exactly can vary. Some work in stores, hotels, or factories, while others might be in tech or healthcare. They spend a lot of time at their desk or in meetings, but they also travel for work like meeting clients or going to events.

Typical work hours

General managers work a lot more than just 9-to-5. They often stay late or work on weekends, especially when there’s a big project or problem. They might also need to be on call to handle emergencies anytime, which could mean sorting out big customer issues or team problems outside of regular hours. Anyone thinking about this job should be ready for a big time commitment.

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How to become a general manager

Want to be a general manager? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get there, from studying the right subjects to gaining the right experience.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree

Start by getting a bachelor’s degree in business management or something similar. This will teach you the basics of business, like finance, marketing, and how to manage people and projects.

Step 2: Gain experience

After college, dive into the workforce. Start with basic jobs in a company and learn how things work from the ground up. The more you know about different parts of a company, the better.

Step 3: Move up to management

Work toward getting a management position. Experience as a team leader or a department head is super useful. It shows you can handle responsibility and understand different parts of the business.

Step 4: Get a master’s degree (optional)

An MBA isn’t a must, but it can really help. It deepens your business knowledge and expands your network, which can make it easier to land a top job.

Step 5: Develop essential skills

Whether you go back to school or not, work on key skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. You can improve these skills through workshops, books, or even by getting a coach.

Step 6: Apply for jobs

Ready to go for it? Start applying for general manager jobs. Make sure your resume and cover letter show off your education, experience, and skills. Be ready to talk about how you can manage a business and lead a team during your job interviews.

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How much do general managers make?

General manager salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Their efficiency in overseeing operations, developing strategies and plans, and meeting goals can influence pay.

Highest paying industries

• Pharmaceuticals: $142,000
• Aerospace and Defense: $135,000
• Technology: $130,000
• Energy: $125,000
• Finance and Banking: $122,000

Browse general manager salary data by market

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Types of general managers

General managers work in different industries and have various specialties. Here’s a look at some common types and what they do:

Operations general manager

These managers handle the everyday work of companies in industries like retail or manufacturing. Their main jobs are to manage the staff, set goals, and ensure that daily tasks help the company reach its big goals. They also handle important stuff like the budget and making sure the company follows rules.

Hospitality general manager

In the hospitality world, like hotels and resorts, general managers make sure guests have a great experience. They manage everything from the front desk to room service. They also keep an eye on the budget and help the place make money while keeping guests happy.

Sales general manager

These managers lead the sales team in a company. They come up with plans to sell more products or services and gain new customers. They manage the sales team, keep up with competitors, and represent their team at big meetings.

Restaurant general manager

In restaurants, general managers run the show. They manage everything from hiring cooks and waitstaff to making sure the restaurant meets health standards. They need to know a lot about food and drinks and how to serve customers well.

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Top skills for general managers

Being a general manager means you’ll need a mix of skills to handle different challenges, no matter the industry. Here’s what you need to be good at:

Leadership skills

As the boss, your leadership is key. You need to motivate your team, make decisions, and set a good example. Being a good leader means knowing when to step in and when to let others take the lead.

Strategic thinking

You have to keep an eye on market trends and know how to set smart goals. Strategic thinking helps you plan ahead to keep your company competitive and successful.

Financial acumen

Understanding money matters is crucial. You’ll manage budgets and make financial plans. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about using financial info to make smart business choices.

Communication skills

You need to be great at sharing information. Whether it’s leading a meeting, talking to suppliers, or presenting to stakeholders, being clear and effective in your communication is a must.

Problem-solving ability

Problems pop up all the time. Being good at figuring out solutions quickly and effectively is essential. This means analyzing situations well and choosing the best actions to take.

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General manager career path options

As a general manager, you’ve got several ways to move up in your career. Here’s a look at some common next steps:

District or area manager

One way to level up is to become a district or area manager. This means you’d oversee several locations or departments. It’s a step up in responsibility and usually comes with better pay and benefits.

Director-level roles

You might also aim for a director position in an area you know well, like sales, operations, or human resources. This role focuses more on strategy and less on daily operations.

Vice president

Becoming a VP is another big step. VPs help plan the strategy for a part of the company. You’d need experience leading multiple teams and a strong ability to shape big-picture strategies.

CEO or other C-suite positions

The next level up from VP might be a chief executive officer (CEO) or another top executive role. These roles are all about making the biggest decisions that direct the entire company.

Board member

With a lot of experience, you could also aim to become a board member. Board members don’t manage day-to-day operations but provide guidance and oversight to the company’s leadership.

Business consultant or entrepreneur

After gaining a lot of experience, some general managers go on to become business consultants or start their own businesses. This can be a great way to use your knowledge to help other companies or to do something you’re passionate about on your own terms.

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Similar job titles

• Operations Manager
• Vice President of Sales
• Business Development Manager
• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Operating Officer
• Director of Operations
• Financial Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Chief of Staff

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Position trends and outlook for general managers

The job of a general manager is changing in many companies. Here’s what’s new and what to expect in the future:

• More teamwork, less hierarchy: Companies are moving away from strict, top-down leadership. Instead, they’re valuing managers who can work well with others and lead in a more cooperative, team-focused way.
• Tech skills are key: As technology changes how businesses operate, being good with data analytics, digital trends, and tech-based problem-solving is more important than ever. Managers who know how to use online marketing, e-commerce, and social media are in high demand.

Employment projections

Jobs for general and operations managers are expected to grow by 6% through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth rate is average, but it shows that these pros are still crucial in most companies.

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General manager career tips

Excel in financial management

Understanding how to manage finances is crucial. You should know how to budget and plan financially for your company. To improve, consider attending workshops, reading books, or taking online courses on financial management.

Master the art of strategic planning

Strategic planning is vital for making the big decisions that will shape your company’s future. Get involved in industry symposiums or take advanced courses that focus on strategic thinking and decision-making.

Hone your leadership skills

A big part of your job is leading and motivating teams, sometimes under tough conditions. Look into leadership development programs or find a mentor who can guide and develop your leadership abilities.

Build a professional network

Networking is key in the business world. It can open up new opportunities and provide valuable insights. Join professional groups like:

• American Management Association (AMA)
• Association for Executive and Administrative Professionals (AEAP)
• United States Chamber of Commerce

Strive for continuous learning

The business landscape is always changing. Keep up by engaging in continuous learning. Attend conferences, subscribe to journals, or consider further education like an MBA or a DBA to stay ahead.

Prioritize certification

Certifications can boost your reputation and show that you’re committed to your role. Look into certifications like the Certified Manager (CM) from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers or the Certified Business Manager (CBM) from the Association of Professionals in Business Management.

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FAQs