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Chief executive

Alternative titles for this job include Chief executive officer, CEO, managing director

Chief executives lead their organisation and put plans and policies into place to help it be successful.

Average salary (a year)

£45,000 Starter

to

£120,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 48 a week

You could work

evenings attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Chief executive

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You'll often need a degree, postgraduate or professional qualification related to the organisation's work. For example, in areas like business management, 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

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a senior leader master's degree apprenticeship.

This will usually take 2 to 3 years to complete.

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Work

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

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Career tips

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to motivate and manage staff
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • financial management skills
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • set out the organisation's aims and priorities and how to meet them
  • work closely with a senior management team to put policies in place
  • manage relationships with business partners
  • make sure the organisation meets its legal obligations
  • report to the organisation's chairperson or owner
  • promote the organisation at conferences, events and in the media
  • control budgets

Working environment

You could work in an office.

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could move between organisations or businesses, or work as a management consultant, advising clients on commercial strategy and policy.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Future Leader Apprenticeship

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Belton, Doncaster
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

L4 Diploma in Business Administration

  • Provider: WEST THAMES COLLEGE
  • Start date: 23 September 2024
  • Location: Isleworth

Business Administration (Level 1)

  • Provider: NCG
  • Start date: 27 January 2025
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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