General manager job description

A general manager plays an important role in business operations and strategic leadership, helping companies drive performance, scale efficiently, and achieve long-term business goals. This role is essential for companies looking to maintain operational excellence while adapting to a global, fast-paced market.

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Kickstart your hiring with our adaptable general manager job description template. Perfect for job boards or your careers page, this outline helps you clearly define the core responsibilities and desired qualifications. Tailor it to reflect your company’s culture, tools, and project workflows — and attract top global talent to your team.

General manager job template

[Company] is a respected [industry] organization with a strong commitment to [mission/goals]. We’re building a global team that thrives on [values], and we’re looking for a General Manager to help us scale our efforts.

About the role

As a general manager at [Company], you’ll be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and executing business strategy across departments. You’ll collaborate with leadership, finance, marketing, and operations teams to ensure company goals are met and business performance stays on track. This role is ideal for candidates who are highly organized, results-driven, and experienced in managing cross-functional teams.

General manager responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading strategic planning and performance management across business units
• Overseeing daily operations to ensure efficiency and alignment with goals
• Managing budgets, forecasts, and financial planning
• Driving company growth initiatives and market expansion
• Coordinating with HR on talent development and team performance
• Analyzing data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes
  
  

General manager qualifications

For this role, the ideal candidate will have: 

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or related field
• Proven experience in operations management or executive leadership
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting and forecasting
• Familiarity with remote work tools and cross-border team management
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• A results-driven and adaptable mindset
  
  

General manager skills

Commonly required skills include:

• Strategic planning and execution
• Financial and operational analysis
• Team leadership and conflict resolution
• Project management and multitasking
• Data-driven decision-making
• Strong collaboration and communication

Paths to becoming a general manager

Successful candidates often start in roles like operations manager or business analyst. A background in business administration and experience in team leadership or performance management can lead to strong candidacy. Executive training and global team experience help candidates stand out.

Typical career progression for a general manager

General managers can often progress to one or several of the following roles:

• Senior general manager
• Director of operations
• President of strategy or operations
• Chief Operating Officer (COO)
  
  

Other possible titles for this role

• Head of operations
• Director of business operations
• Country manager
• Regional operations lead