General Manager CV Template Example – How to Write a CV That Wins Interviews
As a General Manager, you play one of the most important roles in any organisation. The position requires strong leadership, exceptional decision-making, and the ability to drive operational success across multiple business functions. Whether you are managing a hospitality venue, a retail store, or a corporate department, the General Manager is often the glue that holds teams together and ensures targets are not only met but exceeded.
In the UK, the average salary for a General Manager typically ranges between £40,000 and £85,000 per year depending on the sector, size of the business, and level of responsibility. Senior roles within larger organisations can even surpass six figures, especially in industries such as finance, technology, and operations management. With such lucrative opportunities on offer, it’s essential that your CV makes a powerful first impression – one that positions you as the stand-out candidate.
That’s where having the right cv template and professional structure comes in. As a UK-based career coach with over 25 years’ experience, I’ve helped countless professionals build career-winning CVs that open the doors to interviews and new job offers. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to write a winning General Manager CV template example, tailored advice for all levels of experience, and the essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Why a General Manager CV Needs to Shine
Unlike more junior roles, a General Manager CV must immediately show leadership qualities, evidence of commercial success, and the ability to motivate and guide teams. Recruiters and hiring managers will expect to see quantifiable achievements – whether that’s boosting revenue, improving staff retention, or streamlining processes. A well-written cv example will highlight your capacity to influence both the big picture strategy and the day-to-day operations.
Using a professional cv template ensures your information is clearly structured, easy to scan, and showcases the exact skills employers are searching for. Remember, decision-makers may only spend 6–8 seconds initially scanning your CV – so it must grab attention straight away.
The Ideal CV Structure for a General Manager
When putting together a strong General Manager cv template example, structure and clarity are key. A well-organised CV allows the recruiter to instantly identify your value. Below is a tried and tested structure:
Contact Information
Full name, mobile number, professional email, LinkedIn profile link, and location.
Professional Profile
A concise but powerful summary (around 5–7 lines) that highlights your leadership style, years of experience, industry expertise, and key achievements.
Key Skills Section
Bullet-pointed core skills such as: strategic leadership, financial management, operational efficiency, team building, budget control, P&L responsibility, and stakeholder engagement.
Career History
Reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Each entry should include:
Job title, company, and dates.
A short description of responsibilities.
Key achievements with measurable outcomes (e.g. “Increased sales revenue by 30% in 12 months through targeted marketing strategies”).
Education & Professional Development
Degrees, diplomas, and relevant certifications.
Leadership or management training programmes.
Additional Information
Languages, IT proficiency, memberships, or relevant voluntary experience.
How to Write a Stand-Out Professional Profile
Your opening profile is your “elevator pitch” – the first impression you give to the recruiter. Here’s an approach I always recommend:
Start with your years of leadership experience.
Mention the industries you’ve worked in (hospitality, retail, corporate, finance, etc.).
Highlight your leadership style (collaborative, results-driven, strategic).
Showcase a key achievement (e.g. “Successfully managed multi-site operations generating £10m annual turnover”).
By following this approach, you instantly communicate credibility and value.
Tailoring Your CV for Graduate, Middle, and Senior Levels
Every career stage requires a slightly different approach to writing a winning cv template.
For Graduates Aspiring to Become General Managers
Focus on transferable skills gained from internships, part-time roles, or academic projects.
Highlight leadership roles such as student union, sports captaincy, or society president.
Emphasise skills like organisation, problem-solving, and communication.
Keep your CV concise and highlight your eagerness to grow into leadership.
For Middle Management Professionals Moving Up
Showcase progression and promotions in your career history.
Highlight how you’ve contributed to team performance, project outcomes, or business growth.
Use strong, action-driven verbs such as “spearheaded,” “implemented,” and “achieved.”
Evidence tangible metrics – revenue growth, cost savings, efficiency improvements.
For Senior-Level and Established General Managers
Position yourself as a strategic leader with a proven track record.
Focus on high-level achievements such as multi-million-pound budgets managed, large-scale restructures, or global operations overseen.
Highlight your ability to build high-performing teams and long-term business success.
Ensure your CV demonstrates visionary thinking combined with strong execution.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Winning General Manager CV
Do’s:
Use a professional, clean cv template that presents information clearly.
Tailor your CV to each role, aligning with the job description.
Include measurable achievements and statistics to demonstrate impact.
Keep your CV within 2–3 pages maximum.
Use keywords from the job advert to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Don’ts:
Don’t use generic phrases like “hard-working” without evidence.
Don’t list every task – focus on achievements.
Don’t include irrelevant details like hobbies unless directly linked to leadership.
Don’t use overly complex formatting or graphics that can confuse ATS systems.
Don’t undersell yourself – confidence is key, but remain professional.
Final General Tips from 25+ Years of Career Coaching
Research the company and sector: Tailor your cv example to demonstrate direct alignment with their goals.
Keep language positive and proactive: Words like “delivered,” “achieved,” and “transformed” are powerful.
Proofread meticulously: Spelling and grammar errors will undermine your professionalism instantly.
Pair your CV with a strong cover letter: A CV gets you noticed, but a cover letter can build the personal connection.
Update regularly: Even if you’re not actively looking, keep your CV updated with achievements.
Remember, your CV is your personal marketing tool. As a General Manager, you are expected to be the leader who inspires confidence and drives success – your CV must reflect exactly that.
By using a professional cv template and following these proven strategies, you will create a General Manager cv template example that doesn’t just tick boxes but actively secures interviews.
If you want to stand out from the crowd, take the time to craft your CV with care. Believe me – after 25 years of helping professionals succeed in their careers, I know that a well-structured, well-written CV can truly transform your job prospects. Approach the process with confidence, clarity, and the knowledge that your skills are valuable.
Your next General Manager role is waiting – and with the right CV, you’ll be ready to claim it.
