What do general managers do?

General managers coordinate the day-to-day operations of the hotel, inn, motel, resort, or other types of accommodation. They implement customer service policies and procedures for employees to follow during their shifts. General managers maximize revenue and create a positive team environment. 

Typical general manager responsibilities:

• Maintain and improve property according to brand standards
• Lead and execute the annual strategic plan, including a budget, sales and marketing, and operations
• Conduct regular staff meetings and individual employee meetings 
• Provide excellent customer service 
• Create team member schedule 
• Interview and hire new team members

Skills hiring managers are looking for:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy work environment 
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Understanding of revenue generation and profit/loss implications 
• Strong interpersonal skills 
• Strong computer literacy 
• Effective at problem-solving, including anticipating and preventing potential problems 
• Empathy 
• Strong leadership skills to manage team members 
• Organization and the ability to multitask

General manager positions typically require three to five years of previous related experience or a combination of education and experience. Typical prior experience for general manager candidates is someone who began as a front desk agent, and housekeeping and worked their way up, however, there are many possible career paths to take to become a general manager. 

Possible career paths for a general manager: 

Director of sales: If you find that working with revenue and budgets is more your passion you can take a more sales-focused path. This position is also typically blended with marketing. 

Revenue management: Revenue management directors work to maximize room revenue by helping to create pricing strategies and analyze business strategies and budgets. 

Director of housekeeping: In this type of role, you are in charge of ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of the property according to brand standards. This position also implements inventory and cost controls and manages the department budget.