Who’re they: General managers are those who are responsible for the overall performance of the entity they manage; it can be a company or a business unit. If the functional manager specializes in a particular unit or department, then the general manager is responsible for some or all of the day-to-day functions and operations of the business. So, he has to communicate with all the departments to make sure the organization is operating properly. He strives to increase profits while managing the entire operation efficiently. His duties include overseeing budgets, developing marketing strategies, overseeing operations, and managing staff.
What are the roles and responsibilities of the general manager?
General managers focus on the organization as a whole. They have duties and responsibilities such as formulating policies and overseeing day-to-day operations. They oversee most or all business functions such as marketing and operations or other functions such as cost and profit centers. And they are involved in planning, coordinating, assigning, organizing, and making decisions. Planning materials, equipment, and human resources are their other responsibility.
A general manager has several subordinates. He oversees lower-level managers and oversees their hiring, training, and coaching. In addition, lower-level managers may oversee several smaller divisions but report directly to him.
What is the difference between a general manager and a functional manager?
Both may require the same skills to effectively carry out the role, such as interpersonal and multitasking skills. However, functional managers often focus on specific functional areas such as operations, finance, and human resources. They are responsible to the executive in each function. For example, the operations manager reports to the chief operating officer (COO) or director of operations.
Meanwhile, general managers focus on a wider area. They oversee and provide specific direction to several functions, especially those that are cost and profit centers for the organization.
Take McDonald’s as an example. The company has a functional manager at the company level. They are responsible for aspects such as marketing strategy and business expansion. Meanwhile, the general manager runs the individual stores. They focus on their stores’ service quality, operational efficiency, and local tastes.
What to read next
- Top-Level Management: Examples, Roles and Responsibilities, Skills
- Middle-Level Management: Examples, Roles, Skills
- Lower-Level Management: Examples, Roles and Skills
- Management Level: Why It Matters, 3 Levels
- Management: Meaning, Five Main Functions
- Manager: Definition, Interests, Types, Functions
- General Manager: Definition and Brief
- Functional Manager: Roles and Responsibilities, Required Skills
