What Does a General Manager Do?
A general manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and long-term success of a business unit, department, or facility. This leadership role involves managing budgets, supervising staff, developing operational strategies, and verifying that the organization meets performance goals. The general manager serves as the primary decision-maker on key business functions, coordinating across departments to ensure alignment with company objectives.
General managers also handle employee development, resource allocation, vendor relations, and customer satisfaction. They are accountable for the overall health of the business segment they oversee, including profitability, efficiency, and compliance. Their work directly influences organizational growth, culture, and operational excellence.
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General Manager Core Responsibilities
- Oversee daily business operations across departments or locations
- Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting
- Monitor KPIs and take corrective action to meet performance targets
- Hire, train, and evaluate staff, fostering a productive work environment
- Develop and implement strategies to drive revenue and reduce costs
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners
- Lead cross-functional teams and support interdepartmental collaboration
- Analyze operational data to identify areas for improvement
- Report to executive leadership on business performance and strategic plans
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in operational management, budgeting, and performance tracking
- Experience with business management software (e.g., ERP, CRM, HRIS)
- Strong understanding of industry regulations and compliance requirements
- Data analysis and strategic planning capabilities
Soft skills
- Proven leadership and people management abilities
- Clear communication and presentation skills
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making aptitude
- Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field
Certifications
- Not typically required, but certifications such as PMP, Six Sigma, or industry-specific credentials may be preferred depending on the sector
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or advanced degree in business or management
- 5+ years of leadership experience in operations, finance, or general business management
- Experience scaling teams or leading change initiatives
National Average Salary
General manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a General Manager is:
$115,350
Sample Job Description Templates for General Managers
Assistant General Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring an Assistant General Manager to support daily operations, employee management, and customer service excellence. This role works closely with the General Manager to ensure smooth business performance and a strong team culture.
Responsibilities
- Oversee shift operations and ensure adherence to company policies
- Support hiring, onboarding, and team training initiatives
- Assist with scheduling, payroll, and timekeeping oversight
- Handle customer escalations and service recovery
- Monitor inventory levels and support procurement
- Prepare daily reports and communicate operational updates to leadership
- Ensure workplace safety and compliance with regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with scheduling and POS systems
- Basic knowledge of budgeting and inventory control
- Strong understanding of workplace compliance standards
Soft skills
- Leadership presence and ability to motivate teams
- Conflict resolution and active listening skills
- Strong multitasking and time management
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or a related field
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of supervisory experience
- Familiarity with customer service management or retail/hospitality tools
Senior General Manager
Position Overview
We are looking for a Senior General Manager to lead large-scale operations, drive business strategy, and manage performance across multiple departments or locations. This executive role is responsible for meeting financial targets, overseeing senior staff, and ensuring operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Lead long-term planning, budgeting, and revenue optimization
- Supervise department heads and hold teams accountable to KPIs
- Oversee compliance, training, and leadership development programs
- Analyze business performance and identify process improvements
- Collaborate with executives on strategic goals and business growth
- Represent the company in high-level vendor and client interactions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong P&L, forecasting, and multi-unit management experience
- Familiarity with ERP and business intelligence platforms
- Understanding of regulatory frameworks across departments
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and communication
- Ability to drive performance through vision and delegation
- High-level analytical and strategic planning skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or operations management
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or equivalent experience
- 7+ years in general management or multi-site leadership
Retail General Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a Retail General Manager to oversee store operations, drive sales performance, and lead the team in delivering an exceptional customer experience. This role is responsible for inventory, staffing, merchandising, and profitability.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily store operations and team supervision
- Set and achieve sales targets and conversion goals
- Oversee hiring, training, and staff scheduling
- Maintain visual merchandising and store layout standards
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment
- Ensure adherence to safety and loss prevention protocols
- Handle customer issues and in-store promotions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with POS, inventory, and workforce management systems
- Knowledge of retail KPIs such as UPT, AOV, and shrink control
- Strong understanding of retail operations and merchandising
Soft skills
- Customer-first mindset with a focus on service
- Motivational leadership style
- Efficient under pressure and results-oriented
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent; degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years in a retail management role
- Experience with multi-store or high-volume retail environments
Hotel General Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a Hotel General Manager to oversee all hotel operations including guest services, staff management, housekeeping, maintenance, and financial performance. This role ensures a superior guest experience while meeting profitability targets.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily hotel operations and department heads
- Monitor occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, and other performance metrics
- Oversee reservations, front desk, housekeeping, and F&B service
- Maintain compliance with health, safety, and brand standards
- Hire, train, and evaluate hotel staff
- Handle guest concerns and VIP experiences
- Coordinate with sales and marketing on promotions and events
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with property management systems (PMS), POS, and OTA platforms
- Strong understanding of hotel performance KPIs
- Operational experience across multiple hotel departments
Soft skills
- Leadership and team development skills
- Guest-focused service orientation
- Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving
Education
- Degree in hospitality management or a related field
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of hotel management experience
- Franchise or brand-standard experience (e.g., Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt)
Restaurant General Manager
Position Overview
We’re hiring a Restaurant General Manager to lead front and back-of-house operations, drive team performance, and ensure consistent food quality and customer service. This role oversees staffing, cost control, and health and safety compliance.
Responsibilities
- Supervise restaurant staff including FOH and BOH teams
- Manage food and labor costs within budget
- Monitor service quality and customer feedback
- Handle vendor relationships and inventory control
- Oversee hiring, training, and shift scheduling
- Enforce health code and workplace safety standards
- Manage daily reporting, cash handling, and compliance tasks
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with POS, inventory, and scheduling software
- Familiarity with food safety regulations and kitchen operations
- Ability to read and manage P&L statements
Soft skills
- Strong leadership in high-paced environments
- Customer-focused with high attention to detail
- Coaching and conflict resolution abilities
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent; degree in hospitality a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of restaurant leadership experience
- ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety training