General Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A General Manager, or Senior Manager, is responsible for overseeing an organisation’s daily operations and managing the business aspects of the company. Their primary duties include reviewing and implementing operational procedures, assisting departmental heads and managing company finances.

 

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General Manager duties and responsibilities

A General Manager’s duties vary across industries and organisations. General Manager main duties and responsibilities are:

  • Preparing and reviewing standard procedural documents for daily operations
  • Supervising staff performance across all levels
  • Reviewing and approving departmental budgets 
  • Releasing requested funds for company expenditure
  • Overseeing procurement and staff recruitment
  • Overseeing staff training and development programs
  • Reviewing periodic reports and adjusting operations to better meet company goals
  • Conducting periodic employee appraisals

 

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General Manager Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

We're recruiting for a General Manager to join the Dobbies family. You'll bring exceptional retail management expertise with proven experience of leading multiple direct reports and their teams. You will thrive in a hands-on retail environment and have the drive, confidence and strategic commercial thinking to oversee the end to end business operation, taking full responsibility for putting our customers first and delivering outstanding results. About the role Taking full ownership of the centre management ensuring everything is in place to hit commercial targets with responsive management of the centre budget and cost controls. Overseeing the complete business operation, maximising profitable sales and growth while creating a unique customer focussed environment. Taking the lead in creating a great place to work for everyone on a day to day basis whilst thinking ahead to ensure your team have a development journey with Dobbies. Sparking your team’s passion for delivering the best customer experience possible by creating a brilliant customer journey. Observing your teams service levels, identifying ways in which they can improve and finding the best way to suit that individual in coaching them to improve. Working closely with our central support teams, maintaining top notch communication, stock supply and response. Ensuring all centre compliance and health and safety regulations are carried out, whilst caring for employee and customers welfare at all times About You Retail management expertise with proven experience of leading multiple direct reports and their teams. Commercial awareness and understanding of budgets, profitability from driving retail sales and improved ways of working. Ability to identify training needs. You'll be effectively coaching and training all levels ensuring our teams are delivering a first-class customer experience. Excellent communication skills. You'll ensure that successful initiatives and actions are shared across the business and performance monitored. Adaptability. You'll act quickly and to changing priorities, workload and concepts. Positivity managing change, you'll lead the team through each season with care and motivation to deliver the best. Our offering Generous annual leave entitlement Fantastic team member discount to be enjoyed in the store, restaurant and foodhall Thriving culture; the Dobbies team are passionate, diverse and committed to our customer Stakeholder pension with shared employee and employer contribution.

Example 2

General information Reference 000043 Publication start date 26/05/2021 Job description Managers Post description General Manager Vacancy details Division Plant & Tools - Management Title General Manager - Bodmin Contract type Permanent Full Time Vacancy location Location United Kingdom, South West, St Austell Location Bodmin, PL30 5FF Employment Details Contract hours 44.50 About the role The Role Our nationwide Plant and Tool division hires a range of equipment including diggers, dumpers and small hand tools to companies within the construction, utilities and infrastructure sectors. As a General Manager at GAP Group you will develop and manage your depot team to drive performance and identify opportunities to increase revenue across new and existing customers. Quality and customer satisfaction are key drivers for GAP Group depots and the General Manager will ensure customers' expectations and needs are being met, through quality audits and customer visits. The General Manager also manage their own Profit Centre and will influence all aspects of Depot Operations – from staff recruitment and development to purchasing equipment and supplies. About You Successful applicants for the role should demonstrate the following:
  • Significant experience within an operational management role, preferably gained within the construction/hire industry
  • An understanding of Plant and Tool equipment, hire products and the customer base within the Middlesbrough area would be highly beneficial
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to develop a high-performing team who can deliver results and exceed customer's expectations
  • Previous experience and accountability for the profit and loss of business operations and a keen eye for business development opportunities
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and provide solutions for potential challenges within the workplace
  • Proficient in MS Office packages including Excel and Word
  • Full UK Driving Licence About Us GAP Hire Solutions now has 10 divisions offering the hire of equipment throughout the UK. We're looking to recruit the best talent the industry has to offer to help us grow even further. As a GAP employee, you'll enjoy loads of benefits such as profit share, loyalty holidays and a staff social fund. Our in-house Learning & Development Team are dedicated to giving you the skills you need to be your best and as a company we are always keen to promote internally. Benefits include:
  • Competitive salary and bonus scheme
  • Company vehicle
  • Employer contributory pension
  • 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Company vehicle and fully expensed fuel card(optional)
  • Staff social fund (money for team building exercises etc.)
  • Health & Wellness (annual flu jab, free eyesight tests etc.) So what next? If you think you fit the profile we would love to hear from you! All you have to do is apply with your CV to highlighting your current package and salary expectations and we can take it from there GAP GROUP IS AN EQUAL Opportunities Employer

    • Example 3

    General information Reference 000113 Publication start date 04/06/2021 Job description Managers Post description General Manager Vacancy details Division Plant & Tools - Management Title General Manager - Doncaster Contract type Permanent Full Time Vacancy location Location United Kingdom, North East, Doncaster Location Doncaster, DN4 5NG Employment Details Contract hours 44.50 About the role The Role Our team is the best in the industry – is it time for you to join us? The Role: Our nationwide Plant and Tool division hires a range of equipment including diggers, dumpers and small hand tools to companies within the construction, utilities and infrastructure sectors. As a General Manager at GAP Group you will develop and manage your depot team to drive performance and identify opportunities to increase revenue across new and existing customers. Quality and customer satisfaction are key drivers for GAP Group depots and the General Manager will ensure customers' expectations and needs are being met, through quality audits and customer visits. The General Manager also manage their own Profit Centre and will influence all aspects of Depot Operations – from staff recruitment and development to purchasing equipment and supplies. About You Successful applicants for the role should demonstrate the following:
  • Significant experience within an operational management role, preferably gained within the industry
  • An understanding of Plant and Tool equipment, hire products and the customer base within the Middlesbrough area would be highly beneficial
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to develop a high-performing team who can deliver results and exceed customer's expectations
  • Previous experience and accountability for the profit and loss of business operations and a keen eye for business development opportunities
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and provide solutions for potential challenges within the workplace
  • Proficient in MS Office packages including Excel and Word
  • Full UK Driving Licence GAP Hire Solutions now has 10 divisions offering the hire of equipment throughout the UK. We're looking to recruit the best talent the industry has to offer to help us grow even further. As a GAP employee, you'll enjoy loads of benefits such as profit share, loyalty holidays and a staff social fund. Our in-house Learning & Development Team are dedicated to giving you the skills you need to be your best and as a company we are always keen to promote internally. About Us Benefits include:
  • Competitive salary and bonus scheme
  • Company vehicle
  • Employer contributory pension
  • 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Company vehicle and fully expensed fuel card(optional)
  • Staff social fund (money for team building exercises etc.)
  • Health & Wellness (annual flu jab, free eyesight tests etc.) So what next? If you fit the profile and are up for the challenge, we would love to hear from you! To apply all you need to do is upload your CV and complete our short application form and we'll take it from there. GAP GROUP IS AN EQUAL Opportunities Employer

    • Example 4

    General information Reference 000051 Publication start date 26/05/2021 Job description Managers Post description General Manager Vacancy details Division Survey - Management Title General Manager - Bristol Contract type Permanent Full Time Vacancy location Location United Kingdom, South West, Bristol Location Bristol Survey, BS11 9QD Employment Details Contract hours 44.50 About the role The Role Our team is the best in the industry – is it time for you to join us? GAP Survey & Safety Hire & Sales offers one of the largest ranges of survey & safety equipment and accessories in the industry. From range of equipment including Robotic and GPS equipment, the division has everything our customers in the construction, utilities, and infrastructure sectors need. As a General Manager at GAP Group you will develop and manage your depot team to drive performance and identify opportunities to increase revenue across new and existing customers. Quality and customer satisfaction are key drivers for GAP Group depots and the General Manager will ensure customers' expectations and needs are being met, through quality audits and customer visits. The General Manager also manage their own Profit Centre and will influence all aspects of Depot Operations – from staff recruitment and development to purchasing equipment and supplies. About You Successful applicants for the role should demonstrate the following:
  • Significant experience within an operational management role, preferably gained within the construction/hire industry
  • An understanding of Survey equipment, hire products and the customer base within the Bristol area would be highly beneficial
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to develop a high-performing team who can deliver results and exceed customer's expectations
  • Previous experience and accountability for the profit and loss of business operations and a keen eye for business development opportunities
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and provide solutions for potential challenges within the workplace
  • Proficient in MS Office packages including Excel and Word
  • Full UK Driving Licence About Us GAP Hire Solutions now has 10 divisions offering the hire of equipment throughout the UK. We're looking to recruit the best talent the industry has to offer to help us grow even further. As a GAP employee, you'll enjoy loads of benefits such as profit share, loyalty holidays and a staff social fund. Our in-house Learning & Development Team are dedicated to giving you the skills you need to be your best and as a company we are always keen to promote internally. Benefits include:
  • Competitive salary and bonus scheme
  • Company vehicle
  • Employer contributory pension
  • 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Company vehicle and fully expensed fuel card(optional)
  • Staff social fund (money for team building exercises etc.)
  • Health & Wellness (annual flu jab, free eyesight tests etc.) So what next? If you think you fit the profile we would love to hear from you! All you have to do is apply with your CV to highlighting your current package and salary expectations and we can take it from there. GAP GROUP IS AN EQUAL Opportunities Employer

    • What does a General Manager do?

    A General Manager handles the day-to-day running of a business. They manage the company’s personnel, physical and financial resources to improve the company’s bottom line. They are also responsible for overseeing customer interactions and resolving any issues. In addition, they interact with other Managers across the organisation and liaise with external contractors and vendors.

    General Managers work across industries including retail, hospitality, food and drink, finance and more. They are senior-level staff and could also be in executive management, depending on the company. General Managers have various names across industries. In banking, they are called Branch Managers or Regional Managers. In technology and IT, they are known as Product Managers or Operations Managers.

     

    General Manager skills and qualifications

    A successful General Managers candidate  will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications, these include:

    • Knowledge of the principles of business administration
    • Familiarity with process improvement principles
    • Performance management skills
    • Excellent leadership and delegation skills
    • Ability to communicate effectively
    • Patience and attention to detail
    • Working knowledge of marketing strategies
    • Financial analytics and numeracy skills

     

    General Manager experience requirements

    A General Manager must have some experience in management. They should have worked in the relevant industry for at least five years. Some companies require candidates to have been employed with them for a number of years before they get promoted to General Manager. Some companies may prefer a candidate who has experience being an Assistant Manager before moving to the General Manager position. 

     

    General Manager education and training requirements

    General Managers must have at least te minimum GCSEs and some higher education qualifications such as college diplomas. Depending on the company and industry they work in, many companies prefer a bachelors’ degree in business or a related field. Some companies require candidates to have a Master’s Degree, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Financial Management. 

    Some employers require prospective General Managers to complete a number of training programs, such as the Chartered Management Institute in Management and Leadership (Level 4 to 6), Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership Practice and Level 8 Strategic Direction and Leadership. Some employers also require candidates to obtain industry-specific certifications, such as the Certified Associate in Project Management and Project Management Professional certification, to prove their general understanding of management and leadership. 

     

    General Manager salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of General Managers in the UK is £38,557 per year. This figure varies depending on factors, including the years of experience needed for the position, the specific company and the geographical location of the job. 

     

    Job description samples for similar positions

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    General Manager job description FAQs

     

    What is the difference between a General Manager and a Managing Director?

    General Managers are more involved in the day-to-day operations of a company than a Managing Director. They are more hands-on with staff and clientele. Managing Directors are more focussed with strategic planning and creating policy, especially with regard to company spending and they ensure that the company complies with government regulation. In some cases, a General Manager may report to a Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO), while the Managing Director will report to the board or company President.

     

    Who reports to a General Manager?

    Since General Managers are at a higher position within a company, they have a variety of employees that report to them, including Assistant General Managers, Heads of Departments and Shift Supervisors.

     

    Do General Managers have different responsibilities in different industries?

    General Managers have the same basic responsibilities across industries. They also have more specific responsibilities unique to their industry. For instance, General Managers in small firms may carry out administrative tasks such as preparing payroll and other accounting activities. In larger corporations, this may be handled by a Human Resources Officer and an Accountant.

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