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

A general manager is responsible for the overall performance of a company or organization, while a product manager is in charge of developing and marketing a specific product. Both positions are important for the success of businesses, but they have different duties and responsibilities. In this article, we compare and contrast the job titles of general manager and product manager, and we provide information on what you can expect from each role.

What is a General Manager?

A General Manager is responsible for the overall operation of a business or organization. They develop and implement strategies and plans to ensure that the organization meets its goals and objectives. General Managers also oversee the work of other managers and ensure that they are meeting targets. They may also be responsible for making decisions about hiring, firing and promotions. In some cases, General Managers may also be responsible for the financial wellbeing of the organization, including developing budgets and ensuring that the organization is profitable.

What is a Product Manager?

Product Managers are responsible for the strategic planning and execution of a company’s marketing and product development initiatives. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that products are developed and launched in a timely and efficient manner. Product Managers conduct market research to identify customer needs and pain points. They use this information to develop product roadmaps and requirements that guide the product development process. Product Managers also work with marketing teams to create go-to-market strategies and launch plans. They are responsible for ensuring that products are positioned correctly in the marketplace and that they meet customer needs.

General Manager vs. Product Manager

Here are the main differences between a general manager and a product manager.

Job Duties

General managers oversee all aspects of a business, so their job duties can vary based on the industry and size of the company. For example, a general manager for a restaurant may need to hire and train employees, develop marketing strategies and manage customer service issues. Product managers, however, focus solely on the product, so their job duties revolve around research, development, testing and deployment. They typically don’t involve themselves in customer service or marketing.

Job Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement for both general managers and product managers, though some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Common majors for these positions include business administration, marketing or economics. Additionally, both general managers and product managers need several years of experience in management or a related field before they can be considered for these roles. Some employers also require candidates to have experience in the specific industry they are applying to. For example, a product manager for a cosmetics company would ideally have experience working in the beauty industry.

Work Environment

General managers typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to visit locations where their products are sold. They often spend time interacting with employees and customers to understand how well a product is selling and what changes can be made to improve it. Product managers usually work in an office environment, but they may also travel to attend meetings or observe consumers using the product.

Skills

There are several similarities between the skills needed for a general manager and a product manager. Both roles require excellent communication skills, as they will need to interact with employees, customers and other stakeholders. They also both need to be able to think strategically, as they will need to make decisions that will impact the direction of their company or department. Additionally, both roles benefit from having strong organizational skills, as they will need to juggle multiple tasks and priorities at one time.

However, there are also some key differences between the skills needed for these two roles. A general manager needs to have a more well-rounded understanding of all aspects of business, as they will be responsible for overseeing multiple departments. In contrast, a product manager needs to have a deep understanding of the product they are responsible for managing and the market it is in. They also need to be able to use data to inform their decisions, as they will need to track the performance of their product and make changes accordingly.

Salary

The average salary for a general manager is $63,331 per year, while the average salary for a product manager is $98,439 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the industry in which you work and your level of experience.