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More info
- Chief executives lead organisations, managing large teams of staff and acting as the public face of the business
- Requires sound judgement, as well as good leadership, planning, communication and project management skills
- This is a highly responsible role and salaries can be very high for CEOs in large organisations
A chief executive officer (CEO) is someone who is in charge of an organisation and normally makes the vast majority of all business related executive decisions. In order to succeed at the position, a CEO must have great social skills, possess the ability to be an effective leader and not shy away from making big decisions.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Setting out the organisation's aims and how it will meet them
- Making decisions about the organisation's priorities
- Working closely with a senior management team to put policies in place
- Managing relationships with business partners
- Making sure the organisation meets its legal obligations
- Reporting to the organisation's chairperson or owner
- Promoting the organisation at conferences, events and in the media
- Controlling budgets
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Salaries may include extra benefits like private health insurance, a company car and shares in the business.
You'll be based at a head office and will largely work office hours. However, you may need to put in extra hours to meet the demands of the business, attend meetings and events, and travelling to meet clients and partners.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with sound judgement, as well as good leadership, planning, communication and project management skills.
You'll need several years' experience of working at senior management level, along with commercial expertise.
A degree, postgraduate or professional qualification related to the organisation's work is often required. For example, you could do study or research in a subject like business administration, finance or law.
You can also get into this job through a senior leader master's degree in management apprenticeship. This will usually take 2 to 3 years to complete. You'll do on the job training and spend time with a training provider. Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Some organisations may not require qualifications if you have significant management experience, and demonstrable knowledge and expertise relating to their business area. You'll need a very strong commitment to the organisation's aims.
CAREER PROSPECTS
You could move between organisations or businesses, or work as a management consultant, advising clients on commercial strategy and policy.