General Manager vs. Operations Manager (2024)

FAQs

Is GM higher than operations manager? ›

While a GM is responsible for all aspects of a business, an operations manager is only responsible for operations and production. A GM's responsibilities are broader in scope and include HR, marketing, and strategy. An operations manager's role tends to be more specific, with experience in a particular niche industry.

Typically reports to the executive director of operations, the chief operations officer (COO), or chief executive officer (CEO), depending on the size and structure of the organization. Director of operations: Usually reports directly to the COO, CEO, or the board of directors.

Is a general manager higher than a COO? In most cases, general managers are below COOs in a company's leadership hierarchy. Depending on the specific tasks and duties assigned to the general manager, they might report directly to the COO or to another intermediary leadership employee, like an operations manager .

However, managing directors have more authority and decision-making power than these titles, as they oversee all operations of an organisation at the highest level. A general manager is a professional who supervises employees and leads them towards the company's day-to-day goals.

Since operations manager is a mid- to senior-level role, people looking to have this position should have several years of experience working in business operations.

No, an Operations Manager is typically not considered a top-level manager in most organizational hierarchies.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Department heads also typically report to the Operations Manager for company updates from the leadership team.

The next step could be a Director of Operations role, where strategic planning and high-level decision-making come into play. Ultimately, they may reach executive positions like Vice President of Operations or Chief Operating Officer, where they shape and drive the organization's operational policies and goals.

Typically, it takes 10 to 15 years after completing your master's degree to become a GM. The average age would be 44 years old in the US, but with hard work, one can get the role in their early 30s.

Is GM a good title? ›

The General Manager title is a pinnacle of leadership and operational expertise within an organization.

General managers typically report to a higher-level executive such as a CEO or COO (Chief Operating Officer). CEOs report directly to the Board of Directors. Finally, while both roles involve making important decisions, the stakes are generally higher for CEOs.

A director of operations holds superiority over general managers and other employees. General managers are often right below directors in the company's ranking.

No, a general manager is not higher than a VP.

General managers will report to upper management, which in turn set the GM's goals and targets. Vice presidents often work with general managers of divisions within the company to ensure that the overall goals of the company are being met.

A senior manager typically works under a general manager in a large corporation where there are several management levels. The general management role focuses on the company or organization as a whole.

A director of operations is a higher position that oversees general managers and other leadership positions. Although both positions are leadership roles, general managers supervise a group of associates while a director of operations manages, hires and trains other managerial roles.

Department heads also typically report to the Operations Manager for company updates from the leadership team.

The hierarchy of corporate titles can look something like this: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Operating Officer (CEO)/Chief Technology Officer (CTO)/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) President.

Such roles can include the marketing manager, office manager, sales manager, HR department manager, and manager of the financial department (also called a controller). Each department manager reports to the director of operations to provide feedback and ask for support when needed.