Division General Manager in Alabama Career Overview

As a Division General Manager, you oversee the operations and strategic direction of a specific division within a larger organization. Your role is essential for ensuring that the division meets its objectives and aligns with the overall goals of the company. Here are some key aspects of the career:

  • Strategic Leadership: You are responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance performance and drive growth within your division, ensuring it contributes effectively to the organization's success.

  • Operational Oversight: You manage daily operations, focusing on efficiency, productivity, and quality. Your leadership directly influences the performance and motivation of your team.

  • Financial Management: You oversee budgeting and financial planning for your division, analyzing performance metrics to optimize resource allocation.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Your role often requires working with other divisions and departments. You act as a key point of contact to promote collaboration and ensure alignment with corporate policies and objectives.

  • Team Development: You play an important role in talent management by mentoring and developing staff within your division. Your leadership fosters a productive and motivated work environment.

  • Performance Evaluation: You set performance expectations and assess outcomes, making adjustments to strategies as necessary to meet targets.

  • Industry Impact: Your decisions and leadership directly affect not only the division but also the company’s position within the industry, influencing market competitiveness and innovation.

In essence, being a Division General Manager positions you as a vital component in steering your organization toward success, requiring a balance of strategic foresight and operational excellence.

Division General Manager Salary in Alabama

Annual Median: $103,320
Hourly Median: $49.67

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Division General Manager in Alabama

To become a Division General Manager, you will need specific educational qualifications and training that provide a solid foundation in business principles and management practices. Here are the recommended degree programs:

  • Business Administration and Management: This program offers a broad understanding of business operations, leadership strategies, and organizational structure. It prepares you for managerial roles within various industries.

  • Business Administration: A degree in Business Administration equips you with essential skills in finance, marketing, and strategic management. It is beneficial for understanding how to manage resources effectively across a division.

  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology: This degree focuses on the study of human behavior in organizations. It enables you to understand workforce dynamics and improve employee performance, which is vital for effective division management.

  • Organizational Leadership: A program in Organizational Leadership emphasizes leadership theories and practices. It helps develop your ability to lead teams, manage change, and cultivate a positive organizational culture.

  • Operations Management and Supervision: This field of study entails the management of processes that produce goods and services. It equips you with the skills necessary to oversee daily operations and implement improvements that enhance efficiency.

Pursuing one of these degree programs can provide you with the necessary educational background to advance to the role of Division General Manager. Additionally, gaining relevant experience and engaging in professional development opportunities within your chosen field will further enhance your qualifications.

Best Schools to become a Division General Manager in Alabama 2024

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

In-State Tuition:$12,036
Out-of-State Tuition:$12,036
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:20%
Total Enrollment:24,808

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$16,407
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,407
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:101,816

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709
Division General Manager Job Description:
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.
  • Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services.
  • Usually manage through subordinate supervisors.
  • Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

Division General Manager Required Skills and Competencies in Alabama

  • Strategic Thinking: You need the ability to develop long-term strategies aligned with the organization's goals. This involves analyzing market trends and identifying opportunities for growth.

  • Leadership Skills: As a Division General Manager, you must inspire and lead diverse teams effectively. This requires fostering a positive culture, building trust, and motivating employees to achieve their best.

  • Financial Acumen: You should possess a solid understanding of financial management principles. Skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis will enable you to make informed decisions that impact the division's profitability.

  • Operational Expertise: You need to have a strong grasp of operational processes and efficiencies. This includes the ability to streamline operations, improve productivity, and implement best practices.

  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. You must convey information clearly to various stakeholders, including team members, executives, and clients.

  • Problem-Solving Ability: You should be adept at identifying issues and implementing effective solutions. This involves critical thinking and creativity to overcome challenges that arise within the division.

  • Project Management Skills: You need the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Familiarity with project management methodologies can be beneficial.

  • Customer Focus: Understanding customer needs and expectations will help you drive initiatives that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

  • Adaptability: You should be comfortable navigating change and embracing new ideas. Flexibility in adjusting strategies based on evolving market conditions is vital for success.

  • Networking and Relationship Building: Developing strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders is important. Your networking skills will help you to leverage connections for the division’s benefit.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: You need to be proficient in analyzing data and using metrics to guide your decisions, ensuring that strategies are informed by reliable information.

  • Time Management: Effective prioritization and time management are key. You should be capable of managing your own time and that of your team to meet deadlines and objectives efficiently.

Job Duties for Division General Managers

  • Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.

  • Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.

  • 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.

Technologies and Skills Used by Division General Managers

Customer relationship management CRM software

  • Oracle Eloqua
  • Salesforce software

Data base user interface and query software

  • Blackboard software
  • Yardi software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Oracle PeopleSoft

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • Understanding people's reactions

Job Market and Opportunities for Division General Manager in Alabama

The job market for Division General Managers in Alabama is characterized by a growing demand across various sectors. As businesses expand and adapt to changing economic conditions, the need for effective leadership in divisional management roles has increased. Here are some key aspects of the current job market for Division General Managers in Alabama:

  • Demand Trends:

    • Businesses across several industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, are seeking talented Division General Managers to lead operations and improve overall efficiency.
    • As companies strive to enhance competitiveness, the role of the Division General Manager has become more vital, leading to increased demand.
  • Growth Potential:

    • The trajectory for career advancement in Alabama shows promising growth potential. Many organizations are investing in managerial development programs, which could benefit those aiming to move into Division General Manager roles.
    • As industries evolve and new sectors emerge, opportunities for Division General Managers are likely to expand even further. The shifting landscape of technology and innovation in Alabama means that companies may increasingly rely on skilled managers to navigate these changes.
  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Birmingham: The largest city in Alabama, Birmingham hosts a variety of industries including healthcare, finance, and education, making it a significant hub for managerial opportunities.
    • Huntsville: Known for its aerospace and defense industry, Huntsville is experiencing rapid growth and offers many positions for Division General Managers, particularly in technology and engineering sectors.
    • Mobile: With its strategic port and manufacturing base, Mobile provides attractive opportunities for Division General Managers, especially in shipping, logistics, and maritime sectors.
    • Montgomery: As the state capital, Montgomery has a concentration of government and public sector opportunities that may require Division General Managers, particularly in public administration and policy development.
  • Industry Specific Opportunities:

    • The healthcare sector continues to expand, driven by an aging population and advancements in medical technology. This creates a demand for Division General Managers in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
    • Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Alabama's economy, with firms looking for managerial talent to improve production processes and operational efficiency.
    • The technology sector is growing, particularly in urban areas, fostering opportunities for Division General Managers to oversee teams in software development and tech services.

As you navigate the job market for Division General Managers in Alabama, consider these trends and hotspots to identify potential opportunities for career growth.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Division General Manager in Alabama

  • Occupational Information Network (O*NET)

    • A detailed resource for job descriptions, skills, and educational requirements for Division General Managers.
    • O*NET Online
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

    • Offers data on job outlook, salary expectations, and employment trends in management roles.
    • BLS - General Manager
  • American Management Association (AMA)

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

  • Harvard Business Review

    • A leading publication that features articles, case studies, and insights on management best practices and leadership strategies.
    • Harvard Business Review
  • LinkedIn Learning

    • Offers online courses on management, leadership, and professional development, which are beneficial for aspiring Division General Managers.
    • LinkedIn Learning
  • Project Management Institute (PMI)

    • Provides resources and certifications related to project management, essential for those in a Division General Manager role.
    • Project Management Institute
  • Alabama Society of CPAs (ASCPA)

    • An organization focused on professional accounting, which can be particularly useful for Division General Managers in finance-driven sectors.
    • Alabama Society of CPAs
  • National Management Association (NMA)

  • Center for Creative Leadership (CCL)

    • Offers research and training programs aimed at improving leadership effectiveness, critical for Division General Managers.
    • Center for Creative Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Division General Manager in Alabama

  • What is the primary role of a Division General Manager?
    A Division General Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a specific division within a company. This includes strategic planning, budget management, and ensuring that the division meets its performance goals.

  • What educational background is typically required for this position?
    Most Division General Managers hold a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field. Many also possess advanced degrees such as an MBA, which can enhance strategic insight and leadership abilities.

  • What skills are essential for a successful Division General Manager?
    Key skills include leadership, strategic thinking, financial acumen, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to analyze and interpret data. Furthermore, experience in project management and an understanding of the industry are vital.

  • How many years of experience are generally needed to become a Division General Manager?
    Typically, a minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in management roles is required. Candidates often start in lower management positions and advance through various leadership roles before reaching this level.

  • What industries commonly hire Division General Managers?
    Division General Managers can be found in various industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, financial services, and technology. Each industry may have specific requirements and expectations based on its operational complexities.

  • What are the expected salary ranges for Division General Managers in Alabama?
    Salaries can vary widely based on industry, company size, and experience, but Division General Managers in Alabama typically earn between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, with variations based on performance bonuses and additional benefits.

  • What opportunities for advancement exist within this career path?
    A Division General Manager has the potential to advance to higher executive positions, such as Vice President or Chief Operating Officer (COO). Progression often depends on performance, results, and the ability to drive organizational goals.

  • What challenges might a Division General Manager face?
    Common challenges include managing team dynamics, adapting to market changes, aligning division goals with overall corporate strategy, and navigating financial constraints. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these obstacles.

  • Is travel involved in the Division General Manager role?
    Travel requirements can vary depending on the organization and its operations. Some Division General Managers may need to travel to oversee multiple locations or attend industry conferences, while others may primarily work from a central office.

  • How important is networking for a Division General Manager?
    Networking is essential as it fosters relationships with other industry professionals, provides insights into best practices, and opens doors to new opportunities. Being active in professional organizations can also enhance career prospects.