General Manager
What's it like to be a General Manager?
General Managers (GMs) are senior managers who plan and direct an organisation’s operations. In a large organisation they may manage multiple departments, while a GM in a smaller organisation may oversee all aspects of the operation. They often take some responsibility for budgeting, revenue generation and cost control. General Managers often work for national, multinational and global organisations with networks of teams and offices spread across multiple locations.
Tasks and duties
- Overseeing daily operations of the business unit or organisation such as the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
- Creating and implementing growth strategies.
- Setting key performance goals.
- Hiring key personnel and overseeing training programs.
- Evaluating and deciding upon investments in equipment, infrastructure, and people.
- Reporting key results to senior executives.
- Reviewing financial statements, sales or other performance data to measure productivity.
- Identifying areas needing cost reduction or process improvement.
- Directing sales, marketing, or customer service activities.
How to become a General Manager
While there is no set pathway to becoming a General Manager, extensive experience and a bachelor degree are usually required.
Complete a bachelor degree in business, commerce, economics, management or a related field. This usually takes three years of full-time study.
Gain industry experience through an internship and/or entry-level role.
Consider completing postgraduate study, such as a Master of Business Administration, or Postgraduate Certificate in Business.
Develop your experience across one or more managerial roles which includes responsibility for managing staff, processes, finances or business units.
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