General and Operations Managers

Business Manager

Center Manager

Department Manager

District Manager

General Manager (GM)

Operations Director

Operations General Manager (Operations GM)

Operations Manager

Plant Superintendent

Store Manager

What is a General and Operations Manager?

A General and Operations Manager is a key leadership position within an organization, responsible for overseeing the daily operational functions and ensuring that the company's objectives are met efficiently and effectively. This role involves a comprehensive understanding of various business operations, including finance, production, staffing, and customer service, to develop and implement strategies that drive the organization toward its goals. General and Operations Managers analyze processes, identify areas for improvement, and streamline operations to enhance productivity and profitability. They play a pivotal role in coordinating department activities, managing resources, and fostering a positive work environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration. Additionally, they often serve as a liaison between upper management and employees, communicating corporate strategies and expectations while also addressing staff concerns. Their expertise is instrumental in navigating the challenges of the business landscape, making informed decisions, and adapting to changes in the market to maintain a competitive edge.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$46340.0 - $232110.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years and will have large numbers of openings.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.

Technology Skills

Customer relationship management CRM software
Data base user interface and query software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Operating system software
Business intelligence and data analysis software

Tools Used

Magnetic stripe readers and encoders
- Credit card processing machines
- Magnetic card readers
Security cameras
- Surveillance cameras
Photocopiers
- Photocopying equipment
Mobile phones
- Cell phones
Scanners
- Computer scanners

Knowledge

Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

236 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R51,590pm

Mastering the Helm: How to Know if You’re Ready to be a General and Operations Manager in South Africa

The role of a General and Operations Manager (G&OM) is the heartbeat of any South African enterprise. Whether it is navigating the complexities of local supply chains or managing a diverse workforce in a shifting economy, this position requires a unique blend of grit and strategic foresight. With 248 active jobs currently available and an average monthly salary of R51,590pm—which has seen a steady increase from R45,399 in January to over R56,000 by year-end 2024—the demand for skilled leaders has never been higher.

Is General and Operations Management Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before stepping into this high-pressure role, evaluate your natural inclinations against these essential traits. Ask yourself if you possess:

Strategic Decisiveness: Can you make tough calls when faced with "analysis paralysis" to keep the business moving?
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Are you adept at managing South Africa’s diverse multi-cultural teams and navigating complex labour relations with empathy?
Systems Thinking: Do you naturally see how a delay in procurement affects the final delivery to a client in a different province?
Financial Acumen: Can you go beyond reading a P&L statement to identifying where operational waste is "bleeding" the company budget?
Resilience: Are you capable of maintaining a calm exterior when faced with external disruptions like load shedding or logistical bottlenecks?
Adaptability: Do you enjoy a role where no two days are the same and your "to-do list" can change by 8:00 AM?

A Day in the Life: Navigating the South African Business Landscape

In a South African context, the day of a General and Operations Manager is a masterclass in prioritisation. Your morning might start with a review of the previous day’s production outputs or sales figures, followed by a briefing with department heads to troubleshoot logistical challenges. You aren't just looking at spreadsheets; you are on the floor, engaging with staff and ensuring that health and safety standards are met.

By midday, your focus shifts to the "big picture." This might involve a meeting with the board to discuss B-BBEE compliance strategies or negotiating with suppliers to hedge against currency fluctuations. You act as the bridge between the high-level vision of the CEO and the daily reality of the frontline workers. It is a role that demands you be as comfortable in a hard hat as you are in a boardroom, ensuring that every gear in the organisational machine is greased and turning in the same direction.

Education & Upskilling: Your Path to Professional Mastery

To be competitive in the South African market, a foundation of formal education is typically required, but it is the commitment to lifelong learning that separates a manager from a leader.

Formal Qualifications: Most top-tier firms look for a BCom in Business Management, Operations Management, or Industrial Engineering. A Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip) or an MBA remains the "gold standard" for those looking to reach executive levels.
Technical Certifications: Short courses in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management (Prince2 or PMP), and King IV Code of Corporate Governance are highly valued for improving operational efficiency and compliance.
Digital Literacy: Mastery of ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle) and advanced data analytics tools is no longer optional; it is a necessity for modern resource planning.

Remember: The South African business environment is fluid. Continuous learning through executive leadership programmes and staying abreast of local labour law amendments is key to maintaining your edge and justifying a premium salary.

Next Steps: Take the Leap

General and Operations Management is more than a job title; it is a high-stakes responsibility that drives our nation's economy forward. If you recognise yourself in the traits described above and have the hunger to orchestrate complex systems, you are likely ready for the next stage of your career. Don't leave your professional growth to chance. Test your readiness now by completing our comprehensive leadership assessment and discover if you are truly prepared to lead in the modern South African marketplace.

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

High school diploma or equivalent

29 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Bachelor's degree

27 %
Some college, no degree

22 %

Work Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Detailed Work Activities

Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.
Analyze financial records to improve efficiency.
Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.
Direct sales, marketing, or customer service activities.
Prepare staff schedules or work assignments.

Work Interests

Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.