General Manager CV Example
For general managers with full operational responsibility for a business, division, or large department. Showcases your ability to manage all aspects of the operation from people and finance to strategy and delivery.
Recommended template: ProfessionalPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Include the scope of your general management role: revenue, headcount, site size, and key responsibilities.
- Highlight your versatility in managing diverse functions simultaneously, from finance to marketing to operations.
- Demonstrate commercial achievements such as revenue growth, cost savings, or new market entry.
- Show your ability to create and maintain a high-performing culture within your team or organisation.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your General Manager CV
A general manager CV should demonstrate your ability to manage all aspects of a business — people, finance, operations, and customer experience. Employers want to see that you are a versatile leader who can handle the breadth of general management responsibilities while delivering commercial results. Your CV should present you as someone who takes ownership and drives performance across every function.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with a strong profile covering your GM scope, key achievements, and industry expertise. For each role, describe the business — revenue, headcount, and site details. List your responsibilities across all functions and follow with quantified achievements. Keep to two pages.
CV Format
Choose an elegant, professional template. General managers need to project authority and versatility. Use consistent formatting and ensure financial metrics are prominent.
CV Profile Examples
Experienced General Manager
Versatile general manager with eleven years of experience managing full business operations for hospitality and leisure businesses generating up to £8M in annual revenue. Expert in P&L management, team development, and customer experience excellence. Known for building motivated teams, driving revenue growth, and maintaining high operational standards across all business functions.
General Manager — Hotel
Results-focused hotel general manager with eight years of experience managing four-star properties with up to 150 rooms and 60 staff. Skilled in revenue management, food and beverage operations, and event coordination. Consistently achieved RevPAR above budget through effective pricing strategy and exceptional guest service that maintains TripAdvisor ratings above 4.5.
General Manager — Manufacturing
Operationally driven general manager with nine years of experience leading manufacturing plants with 120 employees and annual output valued at £15M. Expert in production planning, quality management, and health and safety leadership. Combines hands-on operational knowledge with strategic business planning to deliver consistent improvements in efficiency, quality, and profitability.
State your GM experience, the scale of businesses you manage, and your industry focus. Include one or two commercial achievements that demonstrate your P&L impact.
Key Skills for Your General Manager CV
Full Operations Management
Managing all aspects of business operations including service delivery, finance, people, compliance, and facilities.
P&L Responsibility
Taking full accountability for profit and loss performance including revenue, costs, and margin management.
Staff Management & Development
Recruiting, training, and developing teams across multiple departments to deliver high performance.
Business Strategy
Developing and executing business plans that drive growth, improve efficiency, and achieve organisational objectives.
Customer Relations
Building and maintaining strong customer relationships that drive satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business.
Compliance Management
Ensuring the business operates in compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and industry standards.
Revenue Growth
Identifying and implementing strategies to increase revenue through pricing, marketing, and service development.
Performance Reporting
Producing regular performance reports that provide transparency on financial, operational, and customer metrics.
Work Experience Examples
For each role, describe the full business scope. Cover all functions you manage — operations, finance, people, sales, compliance. Quantify your achievements with revenue growth, cost savings, staff retention, and customer satisfaction metrics.
General Manager
The Ashford Hotel & Spa
Managed all operations for a 120-room four-star hotel and spa with 55 employees, an 80-cover restaurant, and conference facilities generating £6.2M in annual revenue.
Responsibilities
- Managed the full hotel P&L including room revenue, food and beverage, spa, and events, reporting monthly to the regional director.
- Led all departmental heads across front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, spa, maintenance, and sales functions.
- Developed and executed the annual business plan covering revenue targets, marketing initiatives, and capital expenditure proposals.
- Managed guest relations and quality standards, responding to reviews and implementing service improvements based on feedback data.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety, food hygiene, licensing, and fire safety regulations.
Achievements
- Grew hotel revenue from £5.4M to £6.2M in two years through improved yield management, wedding package development, and corporate conference sales.
- Achieved a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for three consecutive years, maintaining an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
- Reduced staff turnover from 42% to 22% by introducing a structured training programme and employee recognition scheme.
Deputy General Manager
Greenfield Leisure Centre
Supported the general manager in operating a community leisure centre with 35 staff, 4,000 members, and a £2.8M annual budget.
Responsibilities
- Managed day-to-day operations across the gym, swimming pool, fitness classes, and soft play areas.
- Oversaw membership sales and retention activities, coaching the sales team on consultative selling techniques.
- Managed the facilities maintenance programme, coordinating contractors and managing the capital works schedule.
- Deputised for the general manager, taking full operational responsibility during absences.
Achievements
- Increased membership base from 3,200 to 4,000 within twelve months through targeted marketing campaigns and referral incentives.
- Reduced energy costs by 18% through an LED lighting upgrade and HVAC optimisation programme.
Education & Qualifications
List management qualifications and industry certifications first. Include your degree. For hospitality GMs, mention relevant certifications like personal licence, food hygiene, or revenue management qualifications.
CMI Level 5 in Management & Leadership
A management qualification demonstrating competence in leading teams and managing business operations.
ILM Level 5 in Leadership & Management
A recognised leadership qualification covering strategic planning, team management, and operational performance.
BA/BSc Business Management or Hospitality
An undergraduate degree providing the commercial or sector-specific foundation for general management.
Industry-Specific Certifications
Relevant sector certifications such as personal licence, food hygiene, or health and safety qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I present general management breadth on my CV?
What is the most important metric for a general manager CV?
Should I include industry-specific experience on my GM CV?
How do I demonstrate team culture on a GM CV?
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