Skip to main content

How to become a general manager

Shape the work environment with good strategy, great people, and effective governance.

Pathways to this career

  1. You need considerable work experience and a bachelor’s degree for most general manager roles.

  2. Complete a Bachelor of Business Administration

  3. Open more doors with postgraduate study, from a graduate certificate in business to a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

  4. Gain plenty experience across the management of people and processes within an organisation.

  5. Be sure you can demonstrate successful management of profit and loss within an organisation or business when seeking employment as a general manager.

What does a general manager do?

General Managers lead, plan, organise, direct and review the day-to-day operations of commercial, industrial, government and defence organisations.

Tasks and duties

  • Plan policy, set standards and objectives for organisations.

  • Provide day-to-day direction, endorse policy to fulfil objectives, achieve specific goals, and maximise profit and efficiency.

  • Consult with staff and departmental heads on methods of operation, equipment requirements, finance, sales and human resources.

  • Authorise funding of project and policy initiatives.

  • prepare reports, budgets and forecasts.

  • Select and manage the performance of senior staff.

Related jobs

Discover management courses online

Griffith University

Bachelor of Business

UndergraduateGRF-BUS-DEG

Get the professional skills employers are looking for

Learn how organisations work and visualise where you fit in. Get familiar with financial documents, risk, and business comms. This business course gives you a 360-degree view of business strategy. Specialisations include marketing and management. 

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Marketing
  • Human Resource Management
  • Management
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Sport Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • International Business
  • Political Science and International Relations
  • Contemporary Marketing
  • Strategic Communication (second major only)
University of Canberra

Bachelor of Business

UndergraduateUOC-BUS-DEG

Become an agile and multiskilled business manager

Develop core business skills and zoom-in on all things management. Your main focus will be managing people and services. Tackle innovation, decision making, and organisational change with confidence. Study online with a leading Australian business school.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Southern Queensland

Manage the challenges of cyber security in modern businesses

Leverage digital technologies to enhance and protect businesses. Get strategic with governance, risk, and compliance frameworks. You’ll cover key cyber security standards and frameworks, and gain skills to respond to and recover from cyber incidents.

Study method
100% online
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Newcastle

Foster psychologically healthy workplaces

Lead the way to organisational effectiveness with a safe and healthy workplace. You’ll unpack key issues that effect the physical and psychological health of your employees. Reduce absenteeism. Increase productivity. Build a workplace that thrives.

Study method
100% online
Duration
Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Explore management courses

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium
Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

  • Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.

  • Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.

  • Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Step up your career with these resources

The most asked about subjects

You’ve got an itch to to unlock your true potential, so you start browsing online courses. But with many choices on offer you wonder: “How do I choose the right one?” Senior Student Advisor Tandy reveals the most asked about subjects.

10 trending subjects that will help future proof your career

Enrolments for our first study period of the year are open! There’s a lot to choose from, so let’s narrow down your options. Check out these subjects if you want to boost your career with in-demand skills.

4 careers in sport that aren’t athlete

Fascinated by a career in high performance sport? There are a number of opportunities you can explore that don’t require you to compete—but are just as rewarding.

5 qualities that make you a leader vs a manager

While managers dole out tasks, leaders take things a step further by inspiring everyone around them. Discover how you can become this kind of leader, no matter where you work.