Deputy general managers assist general managers, CEOs or other executives to plan, develop, implement and oversee company initiatives and projects. They oversee a company’s operations, have budgeting responsibilities and are involved in hiring and evaluating company personnel. They also step in and assume the general manager's responsibilities in their absence.
Primary Responsibilities
A deputy general manager primary responsibility is to oversee the day-to-day operations, which can include negotiating contracts with vendors or prospective employees, assigning tasks, leading meetings and implementing initiatives handed down by the general manager or executives. They analyze and implement policies and procedures, oversee short- and long-term business plans and initiatives and help in budgeting activities. They interact more often with a company’s personnel than the general manager and may even respond to and resolve internal and external grievances.
Other Responsibilities
Deputy general managers are also a company's coach and cheerleader because they motivate personnel to meet company goals. They track key projects, present reports to the general manager, CEO or other executives and, depending on the company, they ensure that a company follows relevant regulations and guidelines.
Education and Experience
Most employers require, at the very least, a bachelor’s degree and years of relevant experience. Some employers, such as the hospitality company Accor, prefers deputy general managers who have obtained a master’s degree or other post-secondary degrees and training. A prospective deputy general manager's experience management track record will likely count more than the education background. Some employers require applicants to have between two and five years of experience while others prefer to hire someone with 10 years of experience.
Skills
A successful deputy general manager will need good written and verbal communication skills. They should be able to identify and resolve problems, work well independently or as part of a team, and also work well under pressure. Deputy general managers are expected to have an impeccable leadership and managing skills, a strong work ethic, a familiarity with budgeting and a keen understanding of industry-specific terminology, rules and regulations.
