Chief Executive Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), or Managing Directors, plan and develop policies to help an organisation be successful. CEOs work closely with the organisation’s board of directors. They function as the Managing Director of corporate operations and serve as the link between the different departments of the organisation.

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Chief Executive Officer duties and responsibilities

The CEO is the highest-ranking executive of an organisation. Their primary responsibility is to lead the company. A CEO main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Partnering with senior officers to grow and strengthen the organisation and to make it more sustainable
  • Representing the organisation at functions, public meetings and industry events
  • Working with the Chief Financial Officer to prepare the organisation’s annual budgets, analyse the risk of its investments and advise the board of directors on the risk and return of the investments
  • Leading the development of the organisation’s short- and long-term strategies and policies
  • Directing the organisation in line with the goals and visions set by the board of directors
  • Working with the Head of Human Resources on the organisation’s payroll, benefit disbursement and hiring practices
  • Overseeing quality throughout the company by setting goals for each department in collaboration with the departmental head
  • Communicating with shareholders, the general public and government entities

What does a Chief Executive Officer do?

The CEO oversees the overall direction of an organisation. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies and policies to ensure that the organisation will meet the goals determined by the board of directors. They monitor the organisation’s performance indicators and any budgetary and financial activities. They appoint the Managers and department heads. They identify cost-cutting measures to improve the operations and performance to meet the organisation’s goals.

Chief Executive Officer skills and qualifications

Candidates for a CEO position should have senior management experience in the same or similar industry. A successful CEO candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications, that typically include:

  • Good communication skills
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Leadership skills to lead senior management and to manage internal and external conflicts
  • Time management skills
  • The ability to use their judgment to make decisions
  • The ability to prioritise between tasks and delegate, where possible
  • Excellent planning skills to implement strategies to meet the organisation’s goals set by the board of directors
  • The ability to manage and motivate staff

Chief Executive Officer experience requirements

When considering candidates for a CEO position, look for candidates with seven to 10 years of experience in supervision or management role with a proven track record in leading teams and achieving results. On-the-job management experience is essential, but candidates that have completed executive-level management and leadership development programs can also be considered.

Chief Executive Officer education and training requirements

There are multiple ways to become a CEO. A candidate could have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Law or Liberal Arts or could have professional qualification in fields such as business administration, management, law or finance. Certification by the Chartered Management Institute is a possible qualification for prospective CEOs. Another way candidates could become a CEO is by completing an apprenticeship of between two to three years that includes on-the-job training and completing courses through a training provider. Alternatively, candidates could have gained experience in senior management and business before applying for a CEO position.

Chief Executive Officer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a CEO is £57,161 per year. The salary level for the Chief Executive Officer depends on the education, geographic location and level of experience required for the position.

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Chief Executive Officer job description FAQs

Who reports to a Chief Executive Officer?

In small and large organisations, all departmental heads report to the CEO of the organisation. Some of the roles that typically report directly to the CEO include the Chief Marketing Officer, the Chief Sales Officer, the Chief Product Officer and the Chief Operations Officer.

Who does a Chief Executive Officer report to?

CEOs are the top managers of an organisation. They are responsible for all the operations of the organisation they only report directly to the chairman and its board of directors.

What is the difference between a Chief Executive Officer and a Chief Strategy Officer?

In some industries and organisations, the CEO may appoint a Chief Strategy Officer. The role of a Chief Strategy Officer differs between organisations, but usually involves assisting the CEO with the development, communication and implementation of the organisation’s strategic initiatives.

What qualities make a competent Chief Executive Officer?

The CEO needs to have a clear vision of where the organisation is going, the ability to motivate senior management and other staff to deliver their best at all times and they need a high level of emotional intelligence to collaborate with others.

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