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

A general manager and an operations manager are both responsible for the overall success of a company. However, their roles and responsibilities differ in several ways. In this article, we compare and contrast the job titles of general manager and operations manager, and we provide additional information on what you can do to succeed in each role.

What is a General Manager?

A General Manager is responsible for the overall performance of a company or organization. They develop and implement strategies and objectives to ensure that the company or organization meets its goals. General Managers also develop budgets and oversee financial planning. They hire, train and motivate employees. They also handle customer relations and resolve complaints. General Managers typically report to the Board of Directors.

What is an Operations Manager?

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They oversee and coordinate the activities of the company’s employees to ensure that they are working efficiently and effectively to meet the company’s goals. Operations Managers develop and implement operational plans and procedures, and they monitor the organization’s performance to identify areas of improvement. They also develop budgets and manage the organization’s finances. In addition, Operations Managers liaise with other departments within the organization to ensure that they are working together efficiently and effectively.

General Manager vs. Operations Manager

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

Job Duties

General managers oversee the business as a whole, while operations managers handle specific functions within it. The duties of a general manager include creating and implementing company policies, evaluating employee performance and conducting employee training. Operations managers make decisions about production processes, devise methods for improving efficiency and supervise employees who perform certain tasks. They also communicate with other departments to ensure that products meet standards for quality and customer satisfaction.

Job Requirements

To become a general manager or operations manager, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management or a related field. For some positions, employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field. Additionally, many general managers and operations managers have several years of experience working in management or a related field before being promoted to a leadership position.

Work Environment

General managers typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to visit different locations. They often oversee multiple locations and departments within a company. Operations managers usually work in the workplace where their team is located. They may spend most of their time at that location, but they can also travel to other sites if necessary.

Skills

There are several similarities in the skills used by general managers and operations managers. Both roles require excellent communication skills, as they need to be able to interact with employees, clients and other stakeholders. They also both need to have strong organizational skills to manage their time effectively and keep track of multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, both general managers and operations managers need to be able to make decisions quickly and under pressure.

However, there are some differences in the specific skills used by these two types of managers. General managers benefit from having a broad understanding of all aspects of business, including finance, marketing, human resources and production. This allows them to make informed decisions about the direction of the company. Operations managers, on the other hand, tend to have a more specialized knowledge of one particular area of business, such as manufacturing or logistics. They use this knowledge to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their department.

Salary

The average salary for a general manager is $63,331 per year, while the average salary for an operations manager is $75,844 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company, the industry in which you work and the level of experience you have.