General Manager duties and responsibilities
General Managers assist first-line managers to achieve their goals and also ensure that all teams within a unit are functioning well. Their specific duties and the scope of work of these professionals vary depending on the company and industry they work in, but may include:
- Developing key performance goals and managing the performance of staff
- Creating and implementing strategies for business growth
- Hiring new staff within a department or business unit
- Ensuring that departments or units deliver quality offerings to clients
- Working closely with account managers and other senior staff to retain clients
- Developing new solutions to meet client needs
- Improving internal processes for better productivity
- Overseeing large projects and interpreting performance reports
- Managing the budget and monitoring the financial health of a location or business unit
An effective General Manager needs a broad range of industry knowledge and soft skills, which include:
- Keen strategic thinking and planning
- Understanding of budget management and financial monitoring
- Excellent leadership skills, including goal setting, motivating, training and mentorship
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including writing, speaking and active listening
- Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Good organization and time management
- Comfortable in a fast-paced or high-pressure environment
- In-depth knowledge of their industry
