General Manager job description: Duties, skills and responsibilities

The role of a General Manager is critical in steering an organisation towards success. Balancing leadership, strategic thinking and operational oversight, General Managers ensure the seamless functioning of daily operations while aligning growth strategies with business objectives.

Here’s how you can craft a compelling job description to attract top-tier professionals equipped to drive your company’s success.

General Manager job duties and responsibilities

General Managers wear many hats, supervising departments, guiding teams and setting the pace for organisational goals. Their oversight stretches across operations, finance, strategy and stakeholder relationships.

General Manager roles can vary significantly per industry and work environment. Make sure you align any descriptions with the expectations of your workplace. 

• Strategic leadership
  • Develop and implement comprehensive business strategies to achieve company objectives.
  • Align business plans with market trends, customer demands and operational capabilities.
  • Collaborate with department heads to establish cohesive, goal-driven initiatives.
• Operational oversight 
  • Supervise daily administrative and operational tasks to ensure smooth workflows. 
  • Monitor key functions, from supply chain management to service delivery standards. 
  • Identify areas to improve efficiency and implement cost-saving measures.
• Financial management 
  • Oversee budget planning processes and ensure financial targets are met. 
  • Analyse financial data regularly to inform decisions and report findings to stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and legal obligations.
• Team development
  • Lead, motivate and mentor leadership teams to enhance their efficiency and morale. 
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor staff productivity and accountability. 
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and professional growth across the organisation.
• Stakeholder liaison
  • Represent the organisation in meetings with key stakeholders, such as investors, vendors and government bodies. 
  • Cultivate and maintain strong business partnerships to support growth and reputation. 
  • Address and resolve escalated employee or customer concerns decisively.
• Performance monitoring and reporting 
  • Provide in-depth reports on operational performance and business growth to executive teams. 
  • Track progress towards milestones and adjust strategies to meet objectives effectively. 
  • Use data-driven insights to ensure informed decision-making at every level.

A skilled General Manager blends strategic vision with practical decision-making, ensuring both short-term wins and sustainable long-term outcomes.

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What should be included in a General Manager job description?

A comprehensive job description allows your organisation to attract highly qualified candidates by clearly defining the role’s scope and expectations. Be sure to include:

• Job overview: Provide a compelling summary of the impact and significance of the General Manager role.
• Core responsibilities: Detail operational and strategic priorities, highlighting the skills necessary for success.
• Skills and competencies: Define required abilities, from leadership and strategic planning to financial management and communication.
• Qualifications: Specify educational and professional experience benchmarks, such as years in leadership positions or industry knowledge.
• Job environment: Mention travel expectations or the working environment, such as hybrid and on-site requirements.

By ensuring clarity and inclusivity, your job description will resonate with experienced professionals seeking challenging leadership positions.

Example of a job description

We are seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead our organisation through its next phase of growth and success. This senior role requires a results-oriented leader who combines operational excellence, strategic acumen, and a passion for innovation.

Key responsibilities:

• Formulate and oversee the implementation of strategic goals to achieve long-term business growth.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring efficiency across all departments.
• Assess annual budgets, forecasts and financial metrics to guide resource allocation.
• Mentor department heads and leadership teams to enhance collaboration and results.
• Act as the primary liaison for stakeholders, partners and external regulators.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Finance or a related field. 
• Proven experience of at least 8 years in senior leadership or management roles. 
• Strong aptitude for financial oversight, organisational planning and risk management. 
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, both internally and externally. 
• Demonstrated ability to deliver strategic initiatives and measurable outcomes.

Work environment:

• Hybrid work opportunities, with occasional travel to meet with stakeholders. 
• Full-time role with flexibility for critical operational demands. 

If you are a visionary leader committed to operational excellence and long-term success, we encourage you to apply today.

What is the best way to screen candidates?

To find a General Manager capable of driving change and advancing your organisation, a structured screening process is essential. Use the following approaches:

• Resume assessment: Look for executive-level roles with measurable achievements, such as increased revenue, cost reductions or successful expansions. Note any leadership certifications or educational qualifications.
• Scenario-based testing: Pose real-life challenges, such as managing team conflicts or responding to a sudden drop in revenue, to understand candidates’ problem-solving skills. Ask about their approach to implementing company-wide strategies in uncertain market conditions.
• Skills assessments: Test financial acumen with tasks involving budgeting or forecasting models. Evaluate leadership through scenarios requiring alignment of multi-departmental goals.
• Culture fit analysis: Assess communication style and adaptability to your company ethos during interviews. Discuss their history of mentoring teams and influencing positive workplace cultures.

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What skills should a General Manager have?

For success in the role, General Managers need a versatile skill set that balances leadership, governance, and operational insight. Key skills for this role include: 

• Strategic thinking: Proven ability to set long-term objectives and allocate resources effectively. 
• Financial acumen: Expertise in managing budgets, forecasting, and ensuring legal compliance. 
• Leadership: Experience in fostering teamwork, mentoring employees, and resolving conflicts. 

The ideal candidate will also possess key soft skills, including strong coordination and interpersonal skills for effective cross-departmental communication, demonstrating resilience under pressure and sound judgment when handling critical issues. Their adaptability to evolving market and organisational conditions is also essential.

Tailor your job description to prioritise the skills most relevant to your industry and operations.

What qualifications should a General Manager have?

Though direct experience carries significant weight, certain qualifications enhance a candidate’s suitability for the position. Common expectations include:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance or similar. 
• Experience: Minimum 5–10 years of experience in leadership roles, with demonstrable results in scaling businesses. 
• Professional certifications: Certifications in leadership, management or finance (e.g., PMP, CPA) can provide an additional edge.

Clearly define your expectations to optimise candidate alignment with your needs.

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