Updated June 05, 2023
A general manager is the head of a division or unit within a firm. The general manager will have substantial independence and oversee most aspects of that division, including budgeting, strategy and staffing. In turn, the general manager will be responsible to higher-level executives within the company. General managers typically have substantial experience before assuming the role.
Salary (Median Pay)
For general and operations managers:
- Salary: $103,650/yr
- Hourly Rate: $49.83/hr
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop growth strategy and metrics;
- Head up day-to-day operations for unit;
- Establish budget and financing;
- Ensure adequate staffing to meet goals;
- Assess and verify team progress toward objectives;
- Oversee new programs to meet project’s evolving needs;
- Periodically report to company executives; and
- Identify candidates for future leadership.
Qualifications
- Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and/or several years in management position;
- Familiarity with budgeting and finance;
- Analytic approach to problem solving;
- Motivational and dispute resolution abilities;
- Capacity to communicate with many different types of coworkers; and
- Ability to know when to delegate, when to lead.