Controller Job Description
A general manager, sometimes simply called a GM, has broad, overall responsibility for a business or a business unit within a larger organization. The role is particularly common in large global or multinational organizations. A general manager is responsible for a company’s finances and daily operations. They are in charge of employees and assist with hiring, training, scheduling shifts and assigning tasks. A general manager may establish sales goals and objectives for each quarter and create a strategy to meet these. They must also report the company’s progress to upper management and adjust plans based on their feedback. As a General Manager you will plan, direct and coordinate the operations of an organisation or a business unit within an organisation. Rather than focusing on one functional area of management, such as HR, procurement or administration, you will oversee all aspects of the business or business unit.
General managers are often the highest-level employees in a business, and their authority is sometimes exceeded only by chief executive officers. Being at the top of the organization requires leadership skills. They must be able to coordinate resources, including money, time and people.
GMs must ensure the development and implementation of a clear strategic plan for an organization or business unit.They also need financial planning skills that help them look at the future of the business and making key investments and investment recommendations. GMs must be able to support the development of a healthy internal culture that retains key employees and encourages their professional development. Besides that, leadership skills are important in leading entire business units or divisions of an organization.
Most general managers have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management or a field related to their work. For example, engineering executives may have an electrical engineering degree. Many also have a Master’s of Business Administration, especially if they lead large organizations. Through college coursework and on-the-job training, general managers gain expertise in all aspects of business, including finance, logistics, marketing and human resources.
General Managers lead, plan, organise, direct and review the day-to-day operations of commercial, industrial, government and defence organisations.
