UK Career Advice

General Manager: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a General Manager?

As a General Manager in the hospitality industry, your role would involve overseeing all operations of a hotel or similar establishment, including managing staff, organizing services like catering and entertainment, and ensuring guest satisfaction. You would also be responsible for strategic planning and budgeting to ensure the business runs smoothly and profitably.

How do I become a General Manager?

As a General Manager in the hospitality industry, your role would involve overseeing all operations of a hotel or similar establishment, including managing staff, organizing services like catering and entertainment, and ensuring guest satisfaction. You would also be responsible for strategic planning and budgeting to ensure the business runs smoothly and profitably.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an General Manager?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an General Manager

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Leadership and management skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • Financial management and budgeting skills
  • Customer service and guest satisfaction focus
  • Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations
  • Team building and staff development skills
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Flexibility and adaptability to changing industry trends and demands

Qualifications & Education

  • Entry possible with a variety of academic qualifications and/or relevant experience
  • BTEC/SQA award, a degree or equivalent qualification, or a professional qualification required for most candidates
  • Off- and on-the-job training provided
  • Large hotel chains offer management trainee schemes
  • NVQs/SVQs in management for hospitality, leisure and tourism available at Levels 3 and 4

Career Path

General Manager
CEO
Entrepreneur
Operations Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Sales Manager
Regional Sales Director
Marketing Manager
Brand Manager
Human Resources Manager
HR Director
Finance Manager
Chief Financial Officer
IT Manager
Chief Information Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to be general manager?

To become a general manager in the UK, you typically need a bachelor's degree and significant work experience. It is also beneficial to pursue postgraduate study, such as a graduate certificate in business or an MBA, to enhance your qualifications. Additionally, gaining experience in managing people and processes within an organization will help you in your career progression towards becoming a general manager.

What can I do after being a general manager?

After being a general manager, you can pursue various career paths such as becoming a store manager, operations manager, assistant manager, owner, vice president, sales manager, or operations director.

What is the career path of a general manager?

The career path of a general manager in the UK typically involves starting in lower level managerial or supervisory positions within the same firm and gradually moving up to the role of general manager. Experienced hires from related fields are also common, but they must have extensive experience in lower level supervisory or management roles.

Next: Interview Questions »