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What is a business general manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
R. Scott Hengen

Business general managers are the heart of a company, necessary for its everyday operations and functions. Without them, it will become increasingly hard to operate any business efficiently and profitably. Their purpose is to oversee daily business activities and improve on other aspects to ensure efficiency.

Some of the responsibilities that they execute in this capacity include developing and implementing growth strategies, managing budgets, finding ways to improve revenue, researching and identifying new growth opportunities. Moreover, they also analyze financial data and recommend techniques for better profitability and productivity. Essential skills required to succeed in this position include leadership, organizational, communication, interpersonal, and attention to detail.

To qualify for this position, applicants will need at least a bachelor's degree in business management; although, a master's degree would be advantageous. An associate's degree along with prior relevant proven work experience may also suffice. The average hourly salary for this position is $39.87, which amounts to over $82,000 annually. The career is expected to experience growth in the near future and create new job opportunities across the United States.

What general advice would you give to a business general manager?

R. Scott Hengen

Technical Theatre Faculty/Production Coordinator, Montgomery College

Your studies and time in school are a good base and support for your production in the industry. As you begin, please consider that you will still be learning and, even though you have learned the essentials, you will be asked to apply your skills and experience in new ways and in a more competitive and practical atmosphere. Deadlines must be met, and the economy of time and effort will be crucial. Work hard, but try to keep a balance between time in the industry and your home life.
ScoreBusiness General ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.7

Avg. Salary $72,676

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.39%

Black or African American 6.21%

Hispanic or Latino 15.28%

Unknown 4.34%

White 67.31%

Gender

female 28.10%

male 71.90%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Business general manager career paths

Key steps to become a business general manager

  1. Explore business general manager education requirements

    Most common business general manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.5 %

    Master's

    15.3 %

    Associate

    12.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific business general manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    General Business28.49%
    CRM18.55%
    Human Resources10.46%
    Business Processes10.17%
    Customer Satisfaction3.50%
  3. Complete relevant business general manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New business general managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a business general manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real business general manager resumes.
  4. Research business general manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage business start-up from formation including development of business and marketing plans, equipment selection/installation, staffing, and product offerings.
    • Manage business start-up from formation including development of business and marketing plans, equipment selection/installation, staffing, and product offerings.
    • File all Medicaid and commercial insurance prior authorizations with all the proper documentation.
    • Develop and implement standardized visual controls allowing faster response to production, TPM, safety and training abnormalities.
  5. Apply for business general manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a business general manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first business general manager job

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Average business general manager salary

The average business general manager salary in the United States is $72,676 per year or $35 per hour. Business general manager salaries range between $46,000 and $112,000 per year.

Average business general manager salary
$72,676 Yearly
$34.94 hourly

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How do business general managers rate their job?

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Business general manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

I have direct impact on building structure into the organisation. Creating policies that make our company safe and efficient. Develop and mentor employees to achieve company goals.

Cons

The only thing that would make my career a little better is the pay.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Pros

People Busy Money Busy and variety in a job Solving problems

Cons

Lack of benefits Lifting heavy things Sitting at a desk entitely


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Being the captain of the team and encouraging positive results.

Cons

The company I worked for didn't do a lot to upgrade their processes and got caught up in some greedy business that hasn't paid off for the company.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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