General Manager Resume Examples and How to Write
Securing a general manager position in Australia’s competitive executive landscape requires more than just management experience – your resume must demonstrate your ability to drive strategic growth, lead diverse teams, and deliver exceptional business results across multiple functions and stakeholder groups. With general manager roles across corporations, SMEs, and multinational companies receiving applications from highly qualified executives, your resume needs to immediately showcase your leadership capabilities, operational excellence, and track record of transforming business performance while building sustainable competitive advantages.
This comprehensive guide provides you with proven general manager resume examples, templates, and expert strategies tailored specifically for Australia’s diverse business environment. Whether you’re advancing from departmental management roles, transitioning between industries, or seeking C-suite executive positions, you’ll learn how to craft a resume that demonstrates your strategic vision, execution capabilities, and ability to drive organisational success across all areas of business operations.
We’ll cover everything from highlighting your P&L responsibility and team leadership experience to showcasing your strategic planning abilities and stakeholder management expertise, ensuring your resume aligns with Australian employer expectations and stands out on platforms like SEEK and executive search networks.
This free sample resume for a general manager has an accompanying general manager sample cover letter to help you put together a winning job application.
General Manager Resume (Text Version)
CATHERINE WILLIAMS
General Manager
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: 0412 789 123
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherinewilliams
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Results-driven General Manager with 15+ years experience leading multi-functional teams and driving business transformation across retail, manufacturing, and professional services sectors. Successfully managed P&L responsibility for business units generating $200M+ annual revenue, delivering consistent growth averaging 18% annually while improving operational efficiency by 35%. Proven track record in strategic planning, digital transformation, and organisational change management with expertise in building high-performance cultures and sustainable competitive advantages. Led teams of 150+ employees across multiple locations while maintaining industry-leading customer satisfaction scores and employee engagement metrics.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
General Manager | Woolworths Group | Melbourne, VIC | March 2020 – Present
- Lead operations for Victoria regional division comprising 85 stores with combined revenue of $280M annually, managing 1,200+ employees across metro and regional locations
- Drive strategic growth initiatives and digital transformation programs, delivering 22% revenue increase and 15% improvement in same-store sales over 4-year period
- Implement comprehensive cost optimisation and operational efficiency programs, achieving $8M+ annual savings through supply chain improvements and workforce productivity initiatives
- Establish customer experience enhancement strategies and service delivery frameworks, improving customer satisfaction scores from 78% to 91% and reducing complaints by 45%
- Lead organisational change management during COVID-19 response, maintaining business continuity while implementing health safety protocols and supporting 100% employee retention
- Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning and market expansion, contributing to successful launch of 12 new store locations and entry into 3 new market segments
Regional Manager | Harvey Norman | Sydney, NSW | January 2017 – February 2020
- Managed portfolio of 25 retail locations across NSW generating $120M+ annual revenue, overseeing all aspects of store operations, sales performance, and customer service delivery
- Developed and executed territory expansion strategy, opening 8 new locations and increasing market share by 28% within existing catchment areas
- Implemented data-driven inventory management and merchandising strategies, reducing stock holding costs by $3.2M while improving product availability and customer satisfaction
- Built high-performance sales teams through comprehensive training programs and performance management systems, achieving 23% improvement in sales productivity per FTE
- Established key supplier partnerships and negotiated vendor agreements, securing $2.1M in additional margin improvements and exclusive product offerings
- Led technology integration projects including POS system upgrades and customer relationship management implementations across all locations
Operations Manager | BlueScope Steel | Melbourne, VIC | June 2014 – December 2016
- Oversaw manufacturing operations for steel production facility generating $95M annual output, managing production planning, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Implemented lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence programs, achieving 32% improvement in production efficiency and 18% reduction in waste generation
- Led safety transformation initiatives reducing workplace incidents by 65% and achieving zero lost-time injuries over 24-month period through comprehensive safety culture development
- Managed capital expenditure projects worth $15M+ including equipment upgrades and facility expansion, delivering projects on time and 8% under budget
- Developed strategic supplier relationships and procurement optimisation strategies, reducing raw material costs by 12% while maintaining quality standards
- Built cross-functional teams across engineering, production, and quality assurance, improving interdepartmental collaboration and problem-solving capabilities
Business Development Manager | Telstra Corporation | Brisbane, QLD | February 2011 – May 2014
- Drove business growth strategies for enterprise segment serving major corporate and government clients, managing revenue portfolio of $85M+ annually
- Developed new market opportunities and strategic partnerships, contributing to 35% increase in enterprise revenue and acquisition of 150+ new major accounts
- Led cross-functional project teams for major client implementations including network infrastructure and telecommunications solutions worth $25M+ total value
- Established client relationship management frameworks and account planning processes, achieving 94% client retention rate and industry-leading Net Promoter Scores
- Collaborated with product development teams on solution customisation and service innovation, resulting in launch of 3 new enterprise service offerings
- Mentored team of 12 business development professionals, achieving 100% performance target attainment and promoting 6 team members to senior roles
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration | Australian Graduate School of Management | 2013
Distinction average, Dean’s List recipient
Specialisation: Strategic Management and Innovation
Capstone Project: “Digital Transformation Strategies for Traditional Retail in Australia”
Bachelor of Commerce | University of Melbourne | 2008
Double Major: Management and Marketing
First Class Honours, University Medal recipient
Relevant coursework: Strategic Management, Operations Management, Organisational Behaviour, Financial Management
EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT
- Advanced Leadership Program | Stanford Graduate School of Business | 2022
- Digital Strategy and Innovation | MIT Sloan Executive Education | 2021
- Executive Coaching Certification | Centre for Executive Coaching Australia | 2020
- Company Directors Course | Australian Institute of Company Directors | 2019
CORE COMPETENCIES
Strategic Leadership: Strategic Planning, Business Transformation, Organisational Change, Market Expansion, Competitive Strategy, Innovation Management
Operations Excellence: P&L Management, Cost Optimisation, Process Improvement, Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, Performance Management
People Leadership: Team Building, Talent Development, Culture Change, Stakeholder Management, Executive Communication, Conflict Resolution
Business Development: Revenue Growth, Market Analysis, Partnership Development, Customer Experience, Digital Transformation, Technology Integration
LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENTS
- CEO Excellence Award – Woolworths Group (2023)
- Manager of the Year – Harvey Norman National Awards (2019)
- Safety Leadership Recognition – BlueScope Steel (2016)
- Innovation in Business Development – Telstra Corporation (2013)
- 40 Under 40 Business Leaders – Australian Financial Review (2018)
- Women in Leadership Award – Australian Institute of Management (2021)
BOARD & ADVISORY POSITIONS
- Non-Executive Director – Melbourne Community Foundation (2020-Present)
- Advisory Board Member – RMIT University Business School (2019-Present)
- Mentor – Australian Institute of Company Directors Graduate Program (2018-Present)
What is The Best Format for a General Manager Resume?
The reverse chronological format is ideal for general manager resumes as it clearly demonstrates your career progression and increasing leadership responsibility across different business contexts. This format allows potential employers to quickly assess your journey from functional management to general management, showing how you’ve developed strategic thinking, operational excellence, and executive leadership capabilities.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
- Heading Font: 14-16pt for your name, 12-14pt for section headings
- Body Font: 10-12pt for content (11pt provides optimal readability)
- Font Style: Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Margins: 2.5cm on all sides for clean, professional appearance
- File Type: Submit as PDF to maintain formatting consistency
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include full name, professional title, location, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile. For general managers, ensure your title reflects your seniority and scope of responsibility.
Executive Summary: A powerful 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of experience, P&L responsibility, team sizes managed, and key business achievements. Focus on quantifiable results and leadership impact.
Professional Experience: Emphasise business results, revenue growth, cost savings, team leadership, and strategic initiatives. Include specific metrics such as revenue managed, cost reductions achieved, and organisational improvements delivered.
Education: Include relevant business qualifications, with emphasis on advanced degrees like MBA or executive education that demonstrate strategic leadership capability.
Other Essential Sections: Core competencies, leadership achievements, and board/advisory positions that demonstrate your executive standing and community leadership.
What Experience Should Be on Your General Manager Resume?
Your experience section should showcase your progression in leadership roles, demonstrating increasing responsibility for business results, team management, and strategic decision-making. Australian employers value general managers with experience driving growth, managing change, and building organisational capability across diverse business environments. Focus on P&L impact, operational improvements, team development, and strategic initiatives that created sustainable competitive advantages.
Highlight your experience with digital transformation, stakeholder management, regulatory compliance, and crisis management. Include specific examples of business turnarounds, market expansion successes, organisational restructuring, and culture change initiatives that demonstrate your executive leadership capabilities.
Correct Example:
General Manager | Bunnings Group | Perth, WA | January 2019 – Present
- Lead business operations for Western Australia division comprising 45 stores generating $180M+ annual revenue, managing 850+ employees across metropolitan and regional locations
- Drive strategic growth and market expansion initiatives, delivering 25% revenue growth and opening 8 new locations while maintaining industry-leading customer satisfaction scores of 89%
- Implement comprehensive digital transformation program including e-commerce platform, mobile applications, and data analytics capabilities, increasing online sales by 180% and improving inventory turnover by 22%
- Establish operational excellence frameworks and continuous improvement culture, achieving $6M+ annual cost savings through process optimisation and supply chain efficiencies
- Lead organisational development and talent management programs, improving employee engagement scores from 72% to 88% and reducing voluntary turnover by 35%
- Manage key stakeholder relationships including suppliers, regulatory bodies, and community groups, securing strategic partnerships worth $12M+ and maintaining exemplary compliance record
Incorrect Example:
General Manager | Bunnings Group | Perth, WA | January 2019 – Present
- Managed business operations for regional division
- Worked on growth strategies and new store openings
- Oversaw various digital initiatives and improvements
- Helped with cost reduction and efficiency projects
- Managed employee programs and development
- Maintained relationships with stakeholders and partners
Entry-Level General Manager Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level general managers, focus on your progression through management roles, cross-functional experience, and demonstrated results in leading teams and driving business outcomes. Highlight your transition from departmental management to broader business responsibility.
Correct Example:
General Manager | Regional Manufacturing Company | Adelaide, SA | February 2024 – Present
- Transition from Operations Manager to General Manager role, assuming P&L responsibility for $45M manufacturing business serving automotive and construction sectors
- Lead integrated management team across operations, sales, finance, and HR functions, managing 120+ employees and driving cross-functional collaboration
- Develop and execute comprehensive business strategy addressing market challenges, achieving 12% revenue growth and 8% improvement in operational margins within first year
- Implement customer-centric service delivery improvements and quality management systems, increasing customer retention rate from 82% to 94%
- Establish performance management frameworks and leadership development programs, promoting 4 internal candidates to senior management positions
- Navigate regulatory compliance and safety management requirements, maintaining zero incidents record and achieving industry certification standards
Incorrect Example:
General Manager | Regional Manufacturing Company | Adelaide, SA | February 2024 – Present
- Recently promoted to general manager position
- Learning to manage different business functions
- Working on improving business performance
- Dealing with various operational challenges
- Trying to develop team and improve results
- Managing compliance and safety requirements
How to Write the Education Section for Your General Manager Resume
Education is important for general managers as it demonstrates your strategic thinking foundation, business acumen, and commitment to ongoing executive development. Australian employers highly value relevant business degrees, MBA qualifications, and executive education that shows continuous learning and leadership development throughout your career.
Include your business-related qualifications, executive education programs, board qualifications, and any specialised training that enhances your strategic leadership capabilities. Advanced degrees and executive development programs should be prominently featured as they demonstrate your investment in strategic business knowledge and leadership excellence.
General Manager Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION & EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT
Master of Business Administration | Melbourne Business School | 2016
High Distinction average, Graduate Leadership Award recipient
Specialisation: Strategy and Innovation
Executive Capstone: “Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Australian Retail Markets”
Leadership roles: MBA Student Association President, Case Competition Team Captain
Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial) | Monash University | 2010
First Class Honours, Dean’s List recipient
Major: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Minor: Business Management
Relevant coursework: Operations Management, Quality Systems, Project Management, Engineering Economics
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
- General Management Program | Harvard Business School Executive Education | 2023
- Digital Leadership and Transformation | INSEAD Executive MBA | 2022
- Advanced Strategy and Leadership | London Business School | 2021
- Company Directors Course | Australian Institute of Company Directors | 2020
How to Write the Skills Section for Your General Manager Resume
The skills section is critical for general managers as it demonstrates both your strategic leadership capabilities and operational excellence required for senior executive roles. Include 8-12 highly relevant skills that showcase your business acumen, people leadership abilities, and execution capabilities. Balance strategic thinking skills with operational management and stakeholder relationship competencies.
General Manager Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- P&L Management and Financial Analysis
- Strategic Planning and Business Development
- Operations Management and Process Improvement
- Budget Management and Cost Control
- Performance Management and KPI Development
- Digital Transformation and Technology Integration
- Supply Chain Management and Procurement
- Risk Management and Compliance
- Market Analysis and Competitive Intelligence
- Project Management and Change Management
- Mergers & Acquisitions Integration
- Regulatory Affairs and Governance
General Manager Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Visionary Leadership and Strategic Thinking
- Executive Communication and Presentation
- Stakeholder Management and Relationship Building
- Team Building and Talent Development
- Culture Change and Organisational Development
- Crisis Management and Decision-making
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Innovation and Creative Problem-solving
- Emotional Intelligence and Influence
- Adaptability and Resilience
How to pick the best General Manager skills:
- Emphasise executive competencies: Highlight skills that demonstrate your ability to drive business strategy, manage complex operations, and lead organisational transformation.
- Balance strategic and operational skills: Include both high-level strategic thinking abilities and practical operational management competencies.
- Show industry relevance: Tailor skills to reflect the specific business environment and industry context of your target roles.
- Include transformation capabilities: Highlight skills related to change management, digital transformation, and organisational development that are crucial for modern executives.
- Demonstrate stakeholder management: Include skills that show your ability to manage diverse stakeholder groups and build consensus around strategic initiatives.
General Manager Resume Examples [Skills]
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- P&L Management: Managed business units generating $250M+ annual revenue, consistently delivering 15%+ EBITDA margins and 20% average annual growth over 6-year executive tenure
- Strategic Transformation: Led comprehensive business transformation initiatives across 3 major organisations, delivering $25M+ in cost savings and establishing new revenue streams worth $40M+ annually
- Team Leadership: Built and led high-performance teams of 200+ employees across multiple locations, achieving 92% employee engagement scores and developing 15+ executives for senior roles
- Digital Innovation: Championed digital transformation programs investing $12M+ in technology capabilities, increasing operational efficiency by 40% and creating new digital revenue channels
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My General Manager Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your general manager resume by demonstrating your executive standing, thought leadership, and commitment to business excellence and community leadership. These sections are particularly valuable for general managers where board experience, industry recognition, and professional development are highly regarded by executive search consultants and boards of directors.
Valuable Additional Sections Include:
Board & Advisory Positions: Non-executive directorships, advisory board roles, or committee positions that demonstrate governance experience and external recognition of your executive capabilities.
Leadership Achievements & Awards: Industry recognition, leadership awards, or business excellence acknowledgments that validate your executive performance and peer recognition.
Speaking & Thought Leadership: Conference presentations, industry panels, or thought leadership content that demonstrates your expertise and influence within your industry or business community.
Professional Associations: Memberships in executive organisations, industry bodies, or business forums that show your ongoing professional engagement and network development.
Community Leadership: Volunteer board roles, charitable involvement, or community leadership positions that demonstrate your values and broader leadership contribution.
Executive Education: Advanced leadership programs, executive coaching certifications, or ongoing professional development that shows commitment to continuous leadership growth.
General Manager Resume Examples [Other Sections]
BOARD & GOVERNANCE EXPERIENCE
- Non-Executive Director – Australian Red Cross Victoria (2021-Present)
- Advisory Board Member – Deakin University Business School (2020-Present)
- Investment Committee Member – Melbourne Angel Investors (2019-Present)
- Audit & Risk Committee Chair – Industry Super Fund (2018-2022)
EXECUTIVE RECOGNITION
- CEO of the Year – Australian Business Awards (2023)
- Outstanding Executive Leadership – Women in Business Awards (2022)
- Innovation in Business Transformation – Management Excellence Awards (2021)
- 40 Under 40 Business Leaders – Australian Financial Review (2019)
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
- Keynote Speaker – Australian Institute of Management National Conference (2023)
- “Digital Leadership in Post-COVID Australia” – Harvard Business Review Australia (2022)
- Panel Chair – “Future of Australian Manufacturing” – Industry Forum Melbourne (2023)
- Guest Lecturer – Executive MBA Program, Melbourne Business School (2021-Present)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Fellow – Australian Institute of Management
- Graduate – Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Member – Chief Executive Women Australia
- Member – Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO)
PERSONAL INTERESTS
- Enjoys reading business books and magazines
- Likes playing golf and tennis on weekends
- Interested in travel and exploring new places
- Spends time with family and friends
Tip: Focus on professional activities that demonstrate executive leadership, industry expertise, or community contribution. Avoid generic hobbies unless they directly relate to leadership development, stakeholder relationship building, or demonstrate qualities like strategic thinking, resilience, or team building.
How to Write a General Manager Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling executive summary immediately communicates your leadership expertise, business impact, and strategic capabilities that drive organisational success. This 3-4 line summary should highlight your years of executive experience, P&L responsibility, team leadership scale, and key business achievements. Focus on quantifiable results and transformation outcomes that demonstrate your value proposition as a senior executive leader.
Include specific metrics such as revenue managed, cost savings delivered, team sizes led, or growth rates achieved. Your summary should convey both your strategic vision and execution excellence, showing potential employers that you can drive business transformation while building sustainable competitive advantages.
General Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Transformational General Manager with 18+ years experience driving business excellence across retail, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Successfully managed P&L responsibility for business units generating $350M+ annual revenue, consistently delivering 20%+ growth while leading organisational transformations that improved operational efficiency by 45%. Proven expertise in strategic planning, digital transformation, and culture change with track record of building high-performance teams of 300+ employees across multiple locations. MBA qualified with strong background in stakeholder management, governance, and sustainable business development.
Incorrect Example:
Experienced General Manager with strong leadership and management skills. Good at working with teams and improving business performance. Knowledge of various industries and business functions. Looking for challenging executive role where I can use my skills to help organisation succeed and grow.
For emerging general managers, focus on your management progression, cross-functional experience, business results achieved, and readiness to take on broader executive responsibility while driving strategic initiatives.
Entry-Level General Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Emerging General Manager with 8+ years progressive leadership experience across operations, sales, and business development functions. Successfully transitioned from departmental management to business unit leadership, managing $25M P&L responsibility and team of 65+ employees. MBA qualified with demonstrated ability to drive 18% revenue growth and implement operational improvements delivering $3M+ annual cost savings. Proven expertise in change management, process optimisation, and strategic planning with strong track record in stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.
Incorrect Example:
Manager promoted to general manager role with some experience in different departments. Good leadership skills and ready to take on more responsibility. Eager to learn and contribute to business success at executive level.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your General Manager Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is essential for general managers, as executive recruiters, board members, and business leaders extensively use LinkedIn for executive talent evaluation and networking. Your LinkedIn profile should expand on your resume while establishing your thought leadership within the business community and showcasing your strategic insights and industry expertise.
Key considerations include sharing business insights and leadership perspectives, highlighting your executive achievements and transformation successes, and building a network of senior business leaders, industry experts, and potential board connections who can validate your executive capabilities and provide strategic opportunities.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for General Managers
Your LinkedIn headline should clearly communicate your executive level, industry expertise, and key value propositions while incorporating keywords that executive recruiters and board search consultants use when evaluating general manager candidates.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “General Manager | P&L Leadership $200M+ | Digital Transformation Expert | Team Builder | Strategic Growth Driver”
- “Senior Executive | Manufacturing & Operations | Lean Six Sigma | Culture Change Leader | Board Ready”
- “General Manager | Retail & Consumer Goods | Multi-site Operations | Revenue Growth Specialist | Melbourne”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “General Manager at ABC Company”
- “Business Leader with experience”
- “Senior Manager seeking opportunities”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more expansive and personal than your resume summary, allowing you to share your leadership philosophy, business vision, and approach to driving organisational transformation. Use first person and explain what motivates your leadership approach and how you create value for organisations and stakeholders.
Include your thoughts on industry trends, leadership challenges, business transformation, or strategic opportunities that resonate with your professional network. Your LinkedIn summary should position you as both an accomplished executive and strategic business thinker while remaining authentic and approachable to potential collaborators and opportunities.
Showcasing General Manager Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for richer descriptions of your executive leadership journey and business transformation achievements. Include context about market challenges addressed, strategic initiatives led, and organisational development successes while maintaining appropriate confidentiality about sensitive business information or competitive strategies.
Use LinkedIn’s publishing platform to regularly share leadership insights, business commentary, or strategic perspectives that demonstrate your thought leadership. This keeps you visible to your executive network while establishing your expertise and business acumen among peers and potential opportunities.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for General Managers
Prioritise skills that reflect both your strategic leadership capabilities and operational excellence such as “Strategic Planning,” “P&L Management,” “Team Leadership,” and “Business Transformation.” Encourage colleagues, board members, clients, and senior leaders to endorse your key competencies and provide detailed recommendations.
Focus on skills that executive recruiters commonly search for when identifying general manager candidates. Consider taking LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas to earn skill badges that enhance your executive profile credibility.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian General Managers
Build a strategic network by connecting with other senior executives, board directors, industry leaders, and potential clients across Australia’s business community. Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as executive networks, industry associations, or business leadership forums.
Share insights about business leadership, industry trends, strategic challenges, or organisational development to establish thought leadership and increase visibility among your target executive audience. Engage with content from business publications, industry leaders, and executive networks to demonstrate your ongoing business engagement.
Follow Australian companies, business publications, executive search firms, and industry associations to stay informed about market developments, executive appointments, and strategic business opportunities. Regular engagement with executive-focused content helps maintain your professional visibility and demonstrates your commitment to staying current with business leadership and industry developments.
Creating an effective general manager resume requires demonstrating your ability to drive strategic business results, lead organisational transformation, and build sustainable competitive advantages across diverse business functions and stakeholder groups. By following this guide’s proven examples and strategies, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews with leading corporations, executive search consultants, and boards of directors across Australia’s dynamic business landscape.
Remember that general manager roles require demonstrable executive leadership experience and business transformation capabilities, so ensure your achievements showcase quantifiable business results, team leadership impact, and strategic initiatives that created lasting organisational value. For current general manager opportunities across Australia, explore positions on SEEK, executive search networks, and connect with business leaders through LinkedIn. Consider joining professional associations like the Australian Institute of Management or the Australian Institute of Company Directors to stay informed about executive leadership developments and expand your network within Australia’s senior business community.
