Executive Manager vs. General Manager: What Are the Differences?

Executive managers and general managers are both responsible for overseeing the operations of a company. Though these positions share some similarities, there are several key differences between them. In this article, we discuss the differences between an executive manager and a general manager, and we provide additional management positions you may be interested in pursuing.

What is an Executive Manager?

Executive Managers are responsible for the overall management and operation of a company or organization. They develop and implement strategies and policies to ensure that the company meets its goals and objectives. Executive Managers also oversee the work of other managers and staff, and they make decisions on hiring, firing, and promotions. They also work with the Board of Directors to develop long-term plans for the company. In addition, Executive Managers are responsible for the financial management of the company, including developing the budget and ensuring that the company is profitable.

What is a General Manager?

General Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They develop and implement strategies and policies to ensure that the company meets its goals and objectives. General Managers also plan and direct the work of other managers and staff. They often delegate tasks and projects to subordinates and provide guidance and mentorship as needed. General Managers typically report to the company’s Board of Directors or senior management. In some cases, they may also be responsible for the company’s overall financial performance.

Executive Manager vs. General Manager

Here are the main differences between an executive manager and a general manager.

Job Duties

General managers oversee a company’s daily operations, while executive managers make strategic business decisions. The job duties of an executive manager depend on the type of industry their company is in and the goals they’ve set for themselves. For example, an executive manager might research new technology that could improve their company’s productivity or design marketing campaigns to increase customer loyalty. Executive managers spend most of their time in meetings with other high-level employees discussing important business decisions.

General managers are responsible for making sure the employees they oversee are performing their jobs correctly and providing good customer service. They do this by conducting regular performance reviews and meeting with staff members to discuss improvement strategies. General managers often work closely with their team members to provide support where necessary and ensure customers are satisfied with the products or services they receive.

Job Requirements

The job requirements for an executive manager are typically a bit more stringent than those for a general manager. Many executive managers have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or another related field, along with several years of experience working in management. They also tend to have strong leadership skills and be able to think strategically.

General managers may not need as much education or experience as executive managers. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field is often sufficient. Some general managers also have a master’s degree, but it is not always required. Additionally, general managers should have strong interpersonal and communication skills. They should also be able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Work Environment

General managers and executive managers often work in different environments. General managers typically work on the production floor, where they oversee daily operations and ensure that employees are completing their tasks correctly. They may also travel to other locations within their company or visit customers to observe how products are being used and determine what changes can be made to improve them.

Executive managers usually work in an office setting, although they may occasionally travel for meetings with clients or vendors. They spend most of their time working on administrative tasks such as creating budgets, reviewing reports and managing employee performance.

Skills

The specific skills used on the job by an executive manager and general manager can differ depending on the company, but there are some similarities between the two positions. Both types of managers typically need to have excellent communication skills, as they will be responsible for conveying information to employees, other managers and clients. They also both need to have strong organizational skills to keep track of deadlines, projects and goals.

An executive manager may need more strategic planning skills than a general manager, as they are often responsible for developing long-term plans for a company. They also may need to have more financial knowledge to create budgets and track spending. A general manager may need to have more operational knowledge to oversee day-to-day activities and ensure that processes are running smoothly.

Salary

The average salary for an executive manager is $76,445 per year, while the average salary for a general manager is $63,331 per year. The salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the industry in which the company operates and the level of experience the manager has.