Chief executive

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.

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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.

More Information

• guide to apprenticeships

You could move into this role if you've got several years' experience of working at senior management level, along with commercial expertise.

Career tips

You'll need a very strong commitment to the organisation's aims.

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

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

You could work in an office.

Your working environment may be you'll travel often and emotionally demanding.