What is a General Manager (GM)?
Summary
A General Manager (GM) is traditionally responsible for overseeing all operations within a company or for a specific business department. They are required to manage business operations, set long-term strategies, meet business objectives, and maintain profitability. General Managers often lead and support both the senior-level team and mid-level staff by communicating various day-to-day requirements, long-term goals, and business objectives. They often need to demonstrate strong leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, team-work skills, and communication skills.
Key Responsibilities of a General Manager
The tasks performed by a General Manager can slightly differ depending on the industry, business size, number of departments, and location. However, most General Managers are required to:
- Plan, develop, and execute business strategies that align with the company’s objectives and long-term goals.
- Build and maintain relationships with the people who manage various business departments, including Human Resources, the Operations Manager, the WHS Manager, and the Sales and Marketing Manager.
- Oversee and manage business resources on a day-to-day basis to ensure that all processes are running smoothly. This involves the development of action plans, workflow strategies, and conducting regular staff meetings.
- Make important business decisions when it comes to managing finances, staffing, marketing, supply chain partnerships, and product development.
- Report and track operational performance by identifying any issues or concerns in relation to achieving set objectives, such as reducing costs, improving productivity, and limiting waste production.
- Lead and motivate staff to boost employee engagement, build a positive workplace, and promote the company culture.
- Create a safe workplace by maintaining effective OH&S procedures and attending regular audits with the compliance team.
Types of General Managers
General Managers are often found in a commercial setting, however they can specalise in many different industries, including:
- Manufacturing/Production: Sometimes referred to as the Operations Manager, they are responsible for making sure that business operations are running smoothly. They are required to coordinate employees, manage resources, improve productivity, and meet business deadlines.
- Construction – In the construction industry, the role of a General Manager often interlinks with the job function of a Site Supervisor and/or Construction Manager, who are required to coordinate the construction of buildings and civil projects by managing physical and human resources.
- Sales: As part of a sales team, the General Manager is responsible for driving sales growth, leading sales teams, and managing client relationships.
- Hospitality/Retail: For a customer service-based business, the General Manager is focused on delivering quality customer service, which is achieved by managing staff, controlling stock, and measuring sales targets.
How to Get a Job as a General Manager in Australia
- Score the right education: In most industries, to be a General Manager you will need to obtain a degree in business management, business administration, or human resources. For various industry sectors, it may also be necessary for a General Manager to have an academic certification in a relevant field. Such as engineering, sales, healthcare, or manufacturing.
- Get some real-world experience: Before becoming the General Manager, you are typically required to gain experience in a mid-level leadership or training position, such as, a safety officer, administration officer, marketing coordinator, or human resource officer. This role typically requires extensive experience in management or leadership positions.
- Demonstrate a strong skillset: It is essential for a General Manager to harness strong leadership skills, decision-making abilities, strategic thinking skills, and excellent communication skills. Although many hard skills such as Microsoft Office proficiency and financial literacy are important, soft skills are significantly valuable to hiring managers when recruiting a General Manager.
- Reach out: If you are a qualified General Manager, partnering with an agency that specialises in placing business experts can significantly boost career potential. Using LinkedIn or Seek to network with likeminded people can also lead to more job opportunities.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What education do I need to get hired as a General Manager?
In Australia, most management positions require the candidate to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or business administration. However, this isn’t always the case, especially if you have extensive industry knowledge and experience that supports the company.
What is the average salary for a General Manager?
A General Manager can expect to earn an annual income upwards of $120,000. But this is reliant on the industry, job requirements and company size. Senior-level General Managers in Engineering or Finance can earn impressive salaries.
What industries hire General Managers in Australia?
General Managers are found across a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, sales, and finance.
*This is to be used as a guide only and is not a representation of the roles we currently have available.
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