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

A career in management can be both rewarding and challenging. If you’re interested in this field, you may be wondering if a general manager or project manager position is right for you. Though both roles have similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between general managers and project managers, and we’ll provide some tips to help you decide which role is right for you.

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 objectives to ensure that the company meets its goals. General Managers also develop budgets, track progress and performance, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the company. They delegate tasks to employees and managers, and they resolve conflicts between employees. General Managers also develop marketing plans and create policies to ensure the company runs smoothly.

What is a Project Manager?

Project managers are responsible for leading and coordinating a team of employees to complete a specific goal or project within a certain timeline. They develop project plans, track progress, and ensure that the project stays on schedule and within budget. Project managers also work with clients to understand their needs and ensure that the project meets their expectations. They typically have a background in business administration or management.

General Manager vs. Project Manager

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

Job Duties

General managers and project managers share some job duties, but there are differences in the types of tasks they carry out. A general manager oversees an entire business unit or department. They’re responsible for setting goals for that department and ensuring employees meet those goals.

A project manager is more focused on a specific project. They oversee the creation and completion of a product or service. Their responsibilities include creating a detailed project plan, delegating tasks to team members and providing direction to team members.

Job Requirements

General managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or another related field. Many also have a master’s degree, such as an MBA. Additionally, general managers often have several years of experience working in management roles before being promoted to a general manager position.

Project managers also usually need a bachelor’s degree, but their field of study can vary more widely. Some project managers have degrees in business administration, while others have degrees in engineering or even liberal arts. Project managers also benefit from having experience leading teams and completing projects on time and within budget. Many project managers also pursue certifications through the Project Management Institute (PMI) to improve their job prospects.

Work Environment

General managers typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to visit different locations and meet with clients. They often have a lot of responsibility for the overall success of their company or department, so they may spend most of their time working on strategic plans and thinking about ways to improve their business.

Project managers usually work in an office environment as well, although some project management positions involve traveling to construction sites or other locations where projects are taking place. Project managers may need to be available at all times to respond to issues that arise during a project, so they may work long hours and weekends.

Skills

There are several similarities between the skills needed for a general manager and a project manager. Both roles require excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills. They also both need to be able to think strategically, set goals and delegate tasks.

However, there are some key differences in the skills needed for these two jobs. A general manager needs to have a broad understanding of all aspects of their company and be able to make decisions that will impact the overall direction of the business. A project manager, on the other hand, needs to be very detail-oriented and have a deep understanding of the specific project they are working on. They also need to be skilled at managing timelines, budgets and resources.

Salary

The average salary for a general manager is $63,331 per year, while the average salary for a project manager is $87,628 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the industry in which you work and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.