Chief executive
Chief executives plan and put into place policies to help their organisations be successful.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £55,000 - £150,000
Typical hours (a week): 37 - 48
Related videos on a chief executive
How to become a chief executive
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You'll usually need a degree, postgraduate or professional qualification related to the organisation's work. For example, an area like business administration, finance or law.
University (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
Apprenticeship
You can 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.
Work
You could move into this role if you've got several years' experience of working at senior management level, along with commercial expertise.
More info
Career tips You'll need a very strong commitment to the organisation's aims.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- business management skills
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- leadership skills
- customer service skills
- the ability to motivate and manage staff
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- financial management skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- 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 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
Working environment
You could work in an office. Your working environment may be you'll travel often and emotionally demanding.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
You could also work as a management consultant, advising clients on commercial strategy and policy.
