What Is a General Manager?
A General Manager in hospitality is a senior executive responsible for managing the overall operations of a restaurant, hotel, or resort. They oversee both the front and back-of-house functions, ensuring that all aspects of the business run smoothly. From optimizing guest experiences to managing staff and finances, a General Manager is essential to achieving operational success.
General Manager Qualifications
An ideal General Manager in hospitality has at least 5+ years of industry experience, often with a degree in hospitality management or business administration. They possess strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills. A successful General Manager excels at managing budgets, leading staff, and ensuring smooth operations while maintaining high guest service standards and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced environment.
Duties of a General Manager
- Overseeing day-to-day operations and guest services.
- Hiring, training, and managing staff across departments.
- Creating and managing budgets, and maintaining profitability.
- Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
- Developing and implementing operational strategies to meet company goals.
- Managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.
- Analyzing business performance and adjusting operations accordingly.
Interview Questions to Ask When Hiring a General Manager
When interviewing for a General Manager, consider asking these key questions to assess the candidate’s adaptability, leadership skills, and operational expertise:
- How do you handle unexpected challenges, such as guest complaints or staffing shortages?
- Can you share an example of how you improved operational efficiency at a previous job?
- How do you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in a high-pressure environment?
- What strategies do you use to maintain guest satisfaction while managing costs?
Land your dream job as
a General Manager
Getting your foot in the door with an amazing company can be a challenge. Our recruiting experts are ready to help you land your next dream role.
View Open Roles
Hire
a General Manager
With over 40 years of recruiting experience, we can help you fill any open role, plus, offer insight into current market rates and team structuring.
Find Talent
FAQ
What Does a General Manager Do?
A General Manager oversees daily operations at a hotel, restaurant, or hospitality venue. They manage staff, ensure excellent guest service, handle budgets, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Their goal is to create a seamless experience for guests while maintaining profitability.
What Are Measurable Objectives for a General Manager?
Measurable objectives often include guest satisfaction scores, staff retention rates, revenue growth, and operational efficiency. Tracking guest reviews, service quality metrics, and staff performance also helps assess the General Manager's effectiveness.
What Experience Does a Candidate Need to Be a General Manager?
Candidates should have significant experience managing hotel or restaurant operations, including leading teams, managing budgets, and enhancing guest experiences. A background in hospitality management or business administration is highly valued.
Comparing a General Manager vs. an Operations Manager?
While a General Manager oversees all aspects of a hospitality business, an Operations Manager focuses on the logistics and day-to-day tasks that ensure smooth operations, such as managing staff schedules, supply chains, and service standards.
How Much Does It Cost to Work With an Experienced Recruiter?
The cost varies depending on the specific hiring needs and the complexity of the role. Working with an experienced recruiter provides access to top-tier candidates quickly, ensuring a great fit for your hotel or restaurant, but pricing is customized to each client.