Crafting a CV that accurately reflects your strategic leadership experiences and successes can prove challenging in your role as managing director. By following our comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to synthesise your achievements into a compelling narrative that resonates with top-tier organisations.
Structure, write, and edit your managing director CV to land the role of your dreams with our exclusive guide on how to:
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:
Resume examples for managing director
Explore additional managing director cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry Level Managing Director
- Structured Career Advancement - Ella Bennett’s career trajectory in the bespoke design industry showcases consistent growth. Starting as a Project Lead and climbing to the position of Director of Operations, her path highlights a pattern of increasing responsibility and influence, which underscores her capability in strategic leadership and innovation management.
- Interdisciplinary Leadership - The CV emphasizes Bennett’s prowess in cross-functional team leadership. Her roles involved fostering collaboration across diverse teams, from operations to digital transformations, enhancing overall operational efficiency by 15%. This adaptability is crucial for a Managing Director aiming to drive innovation and growth.
- Innovative Project Management Techniques - Bennett’s use of advanced project management software and innovative schedule optimizations reflects her technical depth in streamlining operations. Her ability to reduce project delays by 20% through such methodologies speaks volumes about her proficiency in handling complex, high-value projects effectively.
Mid-level Managing Director
- Comprehensive experience in strategic roles - The CV showcases a robust career trajectory, advancing from a Development Officer to a Director of Strategic Partnerships. This career progression highlights an increasing scope of responsibility and impact, particularly in strategic growth and partnership roles across various organizations.
- Emphasis on leadership and team development - The CV underscores the candidate's leadership skills by detailing their experience guiding large teams, fostering leadership skills, and enhancing team performance. Their ability to provide structured feedback and facilitate professional development is clearly articulated, demonstrating their commitment to cultivating talent.
- Strong record of achieving significant business outcomes - The CV provides impactful achievements with tangible results, such as exceeding fundraising targets by 15%, securing £5 million in campaign funds, and boosting program delivery capacity by 30%. These metrics not only demonstrate their success in fundraising but also their capability to lead initiatives that have lasting business impact.
Senior Managing Director
- Strategically Structured Sections - The CV is meticulously organized into distinct sections, enhancing clarity and ease of navigation for potential employers. Each section seamlessly interlinks with the job title, ensuring relevance and highlighting the candidate's comprehensive capabilities in the financial sector.
- Progressive Career Growth - Matilda's career trajectory demonstrates significant upward mobility, showcasing growth from a Financial Analyst to a Senior Executive role. This progression through reputable institutions like HSBC and Barclays underscores her expertise and the trust placed in her leadership within the financial industry.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV not only lists achievements but also details their direct impact on business outcomes. Noteworthy milestones such as a 30% increase in client satisfaction and a 25% revenue uplift through new products highlight her ability to transform strategies into quantifiable successes.
Executive Managing Director
- Structured and Clarity in Presentation - The CV is exceptionally well-structured, offering a clear and concise overview of William Hall's professional journey. Each section is neatly organized, providing immediate clarity on roles, responsibilities, and achievements, which is integral for quick and effective communication of credentials to potential employers.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Hall's career trajectory showcases a steady progression from Programme Manager to Executive Director, reflecting consistent growth and increasing levels of responsibility. This demonstrates a natural progression in leadership capabilities and an expanding influence within the non-profit sector, underscoring his capacity for driving change and scaling operations.
- Significant Achievements with Practical Impact - The CV highlights key achievements that are not merely statistical but reflect substantial organizational and community impact. For instance, doubling the revenue and expanding community outreach suggest strategic leadership and visionary planning that align financial growth with social benefit, showcasing the dual value Hall brings to a non-profit executive role.
Chief Managing Director
- Career Trajectory and Growth - Ruby Gibson's career progression in the hospitality industry is marked by consistent promotions and an expanding scope of responsibilities. Starting as an Operations Manager at Accor Hotels, she moved on to Hotel Manager at Marriott International and eventually became the General Manager at Hilton Hotel Group. This trajectory underscores her upward growth, driven by her ability to enhance operational efficiency and improve guest experiences.
- Achievements and Impact - The CV effectively communicates Ruby's accomplishments with concrete results, such as achieving a 15% increase in guest satisfaction ratings and a 20% boost in annual revenue at Hilton Manchester. Each achievement is tied to business impact, demonstrating her ability to drive meaningful change and contribute to organizational success through strategic initiatives and sound leadership.
- Unique Industry-Specific Practices - Ruby's CV highlights her commitment to advancing hotel operations through unique industry methodologies, such as implementing sustainable tourism initiatives and managing large renovation budgets. By spearheading eco-friendly projects and modernizing guest facilities, she shows a strong grasp of industry trends and a dedication to incorporating them into her management style to enhance the market reputation of her establishments.
By Role
Managing Director of Operations
- Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is thoughtfully organized with distinct sections for each career aspect such as experience, education, skills, and achievements. This clarity ensures that any reader, whether it be potential employers or recruitment professionals, can quickly identify key information and assess the candidate’s suitability for a role in operational leadership.
- Impressive Career Growth - Isaac Scott’s career showcases a robust trajectory from a Senior Project Manager to a Director of Operations, illustrating a steady ascent through increasingly responsible roles. Over 15 years, he has moved across industries, maintaining a focus on operational management, which speaks to his adaptability and capacity to drive change in varying business environments.
- Demonstrated Leadership in Transformational Projects - The CV highlights Isaac's strong leadership abilities, particularly in guiding digital transformation initiatives and sustainability projects. His achievements, such as a 40% reduction in carbon emissions and a 25% improvement in service delivery speed, demonstrate a strategic approach to implementing change with substantial business impacts.
Managing Director of Finance
- Career trajectory reflecting consistent growth - Alfie Edwards' career progression demonstrates steady advancement in the finance field, moving from a Financial Analyst to a Finance Director within a decade. This reflects an upward momentum characterized by increased responsibilities, leadership roles, and a focus on strategic financial planning, showcasing a career path that aligns perfectly with senior financial leadership roles.
- Diverse achievements with significant business impact - The CV effectively outlines achievements that translate to substantial business outcomes, such as a £5M revenue increase and a 20% annual revenue boost. These achievements are backed by specific initiatives like enhanced monetization strategies and data-driven process improvements, underscoring the candidate’s ability to drive financial success and sustainability within tech platforms and wellness propositions.
- Adaptability and cross-functional collaboration - Alfie’s experience is marked by seamless collaboration across different business units, such as tech and commercial teams, signifying strong adaptability and the ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary environments. This adaptability is complemented by his skill in aligning financial strategies with business models to boost performance and strategic decision-making, proving critical to thriving in dynamic and tech-oriented sectors.
Managing Director of Human Resources
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - The CV is organized with a well-defined structure, making it easy to navigate through different sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements. Each section is concise, with bullet points utilized effectively to highlight key responsibilities and accomplishments, ensuring clarity and immediacy of information.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - Daniel Baker’s career progression from a Senior HR Consultant to an HR Director within a span of seven years showcases significant professional growth and development. This trajectory highlights a clear path of advancement, responsibility, and expertise within the HR field, emphasizing his capability to handle larger teams and develop comprehensive HR strategies.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The achievements listed demonstrate a direct positive impact on business outcomes, such as reducing employee turnover by 20% and slashing hiring times by 30%. These metrics not only indicate successful HR interventions but also their alignment with broader corporate goals, showcasing a strategic contribution to the organization's success.
Managing Director of Marketing
- Consistent Professional Growth - The CV effectively highlights Thomas Walker's steady career progression, reflecting his rise through the ranks from a consultant at Accenture to his current role as Managing Director at WPP. This trajectory underscores his capability to adapt and excel in increasingly complex roles.
- Strategic Impact and Achievements - Thomas's CV is packed with specific achievements that showcase his effectiveness in driving substantial business outcomes. His record of delivering a 50% client revenue increase and expanding market share by 20% illustrates a direct contribution to organizational growth, elevating the strategic importance of his role.
- Leadership and Team Development - The CV emphasizes Thomas's leadership qualities and passion for team development. His efforts in constructing mentorship programs and developing high-performing teams indicate a strong focus on creating a collaborative environment, essential for nurturing talent and driving success in strategic roles.
Managing Director of Sales
- Career Trajectory Highlighted by Strategic Roles - The CV illustrates Oliver Smith's consistent professional growth through roles that increased in responsibility and impact. Starting as an Account Manager, progressing to a Sales Consultant, and ultimately becoming a Business Development Manager and Managing Director of Sales demonstrates a clear upward trajectory, indicating strong leadership development and industry specialization.
- Emphasis on Cross-functional Leadership and Collaboration - Oliver’s experience shows significant involvement in cross-functional initiatives, which is essential in driving sales growth and reducing project turnaround times. Leading a team of sales associates and orchestrating interdepartmental collaboration highlights his soft skills in leadership and team management, crucial for achieving company-wide goals.
- Industry-specific Knowledge and Strategic Initiative Impact - The CV emphasizes Oliver's proficiency in healthcare mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, and business valuation. This in-depth industry knowledge, paired with the ability to increase regional sales and reduce client turnover, showcases a strong alignment with strategic business initiatives that have a measurable impact on company growth and profitability.
Managing Director of Information Technology
- Structured Presentation Enhances Comprehension - The CV presents information in a well-structured manner, enhancing clarity and ensuring each section is easily comprehensible. This is achieved through concise bullet points and a logical flow from executive summary through career achievements, making it easy for readers to identify key strengths and experiences.
- Strategic Career Advancement - Edward Mitchell’s career trajectory demonstrates clear growth from a Senior IT Analyst to Director of IT, reflecting a continuous rise in responsibility. His transition across companies like Capgemini, HSBC, and BT Group indicates successful adaptability and a diverse range of industry experiences, showcasing his ability to thrive in various IT environments.
- Business Impact through Achievements - The CV effectively captures the business impact of Edward's achievements, detailing how he contributed to significant cost reductions and increased productivity. By illustrating a tangible reduction in security breaches and operational expenses, the CV highlights his ability to align IT initiatives with overarching business goals, demonstrating both capability and foresight.
Managing Director of Product Development
- Comprehensive Career Progression - Isabella's CV meticulously outlines a clear path of career growth, moving from Product Development Manager to Director of Product Development. This trajectory demonstrates not only her capability to ascend within her field but also her increased responsibility and leadership, as seen through her ability to manage larger teams and projects.
- Effective Use of Industry-Specific Skills - Isabella possesses a rich repertoire of softline-specific skills such as market trend analysis and supplier management, which are crucial in the fashion and apparel industry. Her introduction of innovative product features based on market analysis underscores her technical competence and strategic thinking in product development.
- Emphasis on Leadership and Team Efficiency - The CV highlights Isabella’s soft skills, particularly her leadership abilities. She successfully mentored her team, enhancing their efficiency by 25%. This demonstrates her skill in not just managing tasks but also nurturing talent and fostering an environment for continuous improvement and collaboration.
Managing Director of Business Development
- Structured and clear presentation - Ella Bennett's CV is meticulously structured, offering a clear and concise presentation of her career effectively. Each section is logically organized, starting with a succinct summary that captures her expertise in business development, followed by detailed professional experiences that are easy to digest. The use of bullet points ensures that key achievements and responsibilities are highlighted, allowing readers to quickly grasp the essential information.
- Rapid career advancement and sector expertise - Ella demonstrates a dynamic career trajectory, showing consistent growth from an Account Manager to a Business Development Director within the TIC sector. Her promotions reflect her capability and dedication, highlighting a strategic shift towards leadership roles where she effectively drives sales and manages teams. The progression signifies her industry-specific knowledge and her ability to leverage it for career advancement.
- Emphasizes leadership and cross-functional collaboration - The CV prominently showcases Ella's leadership abilities and her effectiveness in collaborative environments. Her role as a Business Development Director involved leading a substantial team and working closely with marketing and operational departments. This cross-functional engagement not only highlights her adaptability but also her ability to drive integrated strategies that lead to business success.
Managing Director of Supply Chain
- Structured Presentation - The CV is well-organized, providing a clear and concise presentation of Alice Barnes' qualifications and accomplishments. Each section is distinctly laid out, beginning with a strong professional summary and effectively following through with detailed experience, education, skills, and achievements. This ordered approach ensures readability and coherence for potential employers.
- Progressive Career Growth - Alice's career trajectory showcases consistent growth and development within high-profile pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer. Her progression from a Supply Chain Manager to Director of Supply Chain denotes a robust upward movement in terms of leadership roles and increased responsibilities, underscoring her capabilities and career ambition in strategic supply chain management.
- Emphasis on Impactful Achievements - By highlighting her accomplishments in terms of percentage improvements and cost reductions, Alice's CV effectively demonstrates the tangible impact of her work. Achievements such as reducing supply chain costs by 20% and improving on-time deliveries by 25% emphasize her ability to generate significant business results, which is crucial for a leadership role in supply chain operations.
Managing Director of Customer Service
- Comprehensive career advancement - Evie Perry's career trajectory is remarkably structured, showcasing consistent growth from a Senior Customer Service Specialist role to a Customer Service Director. The progression through progressively responsible leadership roles illustrates her effectiveness in ascending levels of responsibility and her ability to impact larger areas of customer service operations.
- Effective use of performance metrics - The CV is rich with quantifiable achievements that underline Evie's effectiveness and the impact of her work. Metrics such as increasing client satisfaction rates by 25% YOY and reducing onboarding times by 35% clearly demonstrate her capacity to deliver results that directly influence the company's bottom line and enhance operational excellence.
- Adaptability and cross-department collaboration - Evie's experience shows an adaptable professional capable of thriving in cross-functional teams. Her ability to streamline communication between customer service and IT to improve bug resolution times and collaborate on product enhancement meetings reflects her ability to work effectively across various departments to achieve comprehensive improvements.
Managing Director of Retail
- Strategic Leadership and Vision - The CV effectively communicates James Lewis's strategic planning prowess and leadership skills. His experience in managing teams, driving company growth, and enhancing team morale underlines his capability to lead from the front while exhibiting a clear vision for business advancement. His role as Commercial Director illustrates his talent for aligning cross-departmental initiatives to maintain a competitive edge.
- Diverse Industry Expertise and Versatility - James's career trajectory reveals a dynamic shift across various e-commerce and retail sectors, showcasing his adaptability. His transition from retail management at Tesco to senior roles in major corporations like Amazon and Currys PLC epitomizes his growth and underscores his ability to perform and excel across diverse business environments.
- Innovative Use of Technology - The CV showcases James's expertise in integrating advanced technologies like AI to boost operational efficiency. His initiatives in streamlining processes and enhancing digital platforms' user experiences demonstrate a deep understanding of incorporating cutting-edge tools to meet modern business demands and drive successful outcomes.
Managing Director of Manufacturing
- Impressive Career Growth and Industry Expertise - Daisy Shaw's career trajectory showcases significant growth and advancement within the biopharmaceutical sector. Her progression from Production Manager at Pfizer to Director roles reflects her expanding leadership responsibilities and underscores her deep industry expertise. This clear upward mobility within prestigious companies like AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline highlights her capacity for management and strategic oversight in manufacturing.
- Strategic Achievements with Tangible Impact - The CV is packed with achievements that demonstrate Daisy’s business acumen and operational impact. She has consistently implemented methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma to optimize processes, resulting in cost savings and productivity increases. The effect of these achievements is evident in metrics such as a 20% rise in efficiency and £1 million in cost savings, translating her strategic initiatives into concrete business benefits.
- Robust Leadership and Adaptability - Daisy's CV emphasizes her leadership acumen, highlighting her skill in managing cross-functional teams across major pharmaceutical companies. Her ability to foster high-performing teams is exemplified by a 90% boost in employee satisfaction and notable compliance excellence. Moreover, her adaptability is evident through her seamless transition between leadership roles and her ability to drive efficiency across different operational environments.
Managing Director of Engineering
- Precise and Structured Presentation - The CV is exceptionally well-organized, effectively separating each section with relevant headings that make information easy to locate and digest. The bullet points under each job position offer concise, high-impact statements that highlight achievements and responsibilities, making it simple for a reader to understand the candidate’s qualifications swiftly.
- Impressive Career Progression - Isla King's career trajectory demonstrates significant growth through roles in reputable companies, transitioning from a Software Development Lead at Deliveroo to Head of Engineering at Skyscanner. This progression showcases not only upward mobility within her field but also a strategic move through diverse sectors, suggesting adaptability and versatile skill application.
- Highlight on Technical Depth and Innovation - The document emphasizes Isla’s deep technical expertise, evident in her leadership in cloud-native applications, distributed systems, and microservices architecture. The inclusion of credentials such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Certified Kubernetes Administrator underscores her technical competence, crucial for the role of Director of Engineering.
Managing Director of Quality Assurance
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is well-organized, starting with a concise personal summary followed by clearly delineated sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements. This structure allows for easy navigation, enabling employers to quickly identify key qualifications and relevant experiences at a glance.
- Demonstrated Career Growth and Industry Focus - The candidate's career trajectory is marked by progressive positions from Quality Engineer to Director of Quality Assurance. This upward movement within well-respected companies such as Siemens and Rolls-Royce reflects not only growth in responsibility but also deepening expertise in quality assurance and lean manufacturing methodologies.
- Emphasis on Quantifiable Achievements - Throughout the CV, the candidate emphasizes achievements with concrete metrics, such as leading a 30% reduction in product defects and a 25% improvement in customer satisfaction. These metrics demonstrate a significant impact on business operations and highlight the candidate's ability to drive results and foster continuous improvement within an organization.
Managing Director of Research and Development
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - The CV exhibits an organized layout, effectively using sections such as experience, education, and achievements, which makes it easy to follow the candidate’s career progression and areas of expertise. Each entry includes concise bullet points that highlight key responsibilities and outcomes, allowing for quick yet comprehensive understanding.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - Grace Bailey's career shows a clear upward trajectory, moving from an R&D Scientist at Unilever to a Director of Research & Development. The progression signifies her increasing responsibilities and leadership abilities, while remaining within the specialty chemicals industry, showcasing her commitment and growth in her field.
- Industry-Specific Tools and Methodologies - The CV details advanced technical skills such as UV-curable coatings and 3D resin formulations, as well as regulatory compliance expertise, which are crucial for research and development roles in the specialty chemicals sector. This technical depth highlights the candidate’s proficiency and innovation in achieving product and industry advancements.
How to ensure your profile stands out with your managing director CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your managing director CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your managing director CV:
- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your managing director CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
PRO TIP
Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.
The top sections on a managing director CV
- Professional Summary showcases strategic leadership skills.
- Key Achievements highlight major contributions to past companies.
- Management Experience details prior leadership roles and responsibilities.
- Industry Expertise demonstrates specialised knowledge and sector familiarity.
- Educational Background provides insight into foundational knowledge and qualifications.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your strategic leadership experience by providing clear examples of business growth, market expansion, and effective decision-making processes you've spearheaded, which are crucial for a managing director role.
- Emphasise your financial acumen, such as proficiency in budget management, cost reduction strategies, and revenue generation, which are vital for ensuring the profitability of the organisation.
- Demonstrate your ability to build and lead high-performance teams by mentioning successful projects and how you fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence within your previous companies.
- Include a track record of successful stakeholder management, showcasing your experience in negotiating with investors, partners, and board members to align with the company's strategic objectives.
- Present any relevant experience in change management or turning around struggling operations, as managing directors often need to guide companies through transitions or challenging market conditions.
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Making a good first impression with your managing director CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for managing director:
- Managing Director | Strategic Growth & Operations | MBA | 20+ Years in FMCG Leadership
- Global Managing Director | Corporate Turnaround Specialist | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | 15 Years' Experience
- Technology Managing Director | Digital Transformation Expert | Chartered IT Professional | 18 Years Advancing Tech Enterprises
- Senior Managing Director | M&A and Capital Markets | CFA Charterholder | 22 Years of Financial Stewardship
- Operations Managing Director | Supply Chain Efficiency | PMP Certified | 25 Years Industrial Expertise
- Commercial Managing Director | Sales & Marketing Innovation | BSc, Business Management | 16 Years Driving Revenue Growth
Catching recruiters' attention with your managing director CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your managing director CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a managing director job:
- Seasoned finance executive with over 15 years of strategic leadership in multinational corporations. Expertise in scaling financial operations, achieving a 30% increase in profitability for a FTSE 100 company. Skilled in mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, and team leadership.
- Highly accomplished marketing director with a decade of experience leading innovative campaigns in the technology sector. Winner of the Global Marketing Excellence Award 2021, adept at driving brand growth through data-driven strategies and content marketing.
- Forward-thinking engineer with 10 years of management experience seeking to leverage extensive background in project management and process optimisation to transition into a director role. Proven track record in delivering complex projects under budget and ahead of schedule.
- Dynamic professional with exceptional communicative and analytical skills, eager to transfer a decade of experience in healthcare management into the financial sector. Recognised for implementing cost-saving initiatives resulting in a 20% reduction in operational expenses.
- Motivated individual bringing strong leadership and problem-solving skills developed over 5 years in non-profit program coordination. Focused on applying these transferable skills to a managing director position and eager to contribute to corporate growth and strategic planning.
- Recent MBA graduate with honours driven to become a managing director and make a significant impact. Possesses a robust understanding of business strategy and performance metrics, with internship experience in strategic planning and market analysis.
Best practices for writing your managing director CV experience section
If your profile matches the job requirements, the CV experience is the section which recruiters will spend the most time studying. Within your experience bullets, include not merely your career history, but, rather, your skills and outcomes from each individual role. Your best experience section should promote your profile by:
- including specific details and hard numbers as proof of your past success;
- listing your experience in the functional-based or hybrid format (by focusing on the skills), if you happen to have less professional, relevant expertise;
- showcasing your growth by organising your roles, starting with the latest and (hopefully) most senior one;
- staring off each experience bullet with a verb, following up with skills that match the job description, and the outcomes of your responsibility.
Add keywords from the job advert in your experience section, like the professional CV examples:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Championed strategic vision by steering company operations toward long-term growth targets, increasing revenue by X% over Y years whilst enhancing brand reputation.
- Led a successful merger or acquisition, integrating teams and systems to create a unified and stronger market presence, resulting in improved market share.
- Directed operations across multiple departments, ensuring collaborative efforts that exceeded performance metrics and optimised resource allocation.
- Implemented innovative technologies to increase operational efficiency, automating processes which resulted in a Z% reduction in overhead costs.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with suppliers and vendors, cutting costs by X% while maintaining quality and service standards.
- Developed and executed new market entry strategies, establishing strong footholds in key international markets and diversifying business risk.
- Actively engaged with key stakeholders to secure buy-in for critical initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals and vision.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement and professional development, leading to the retention of top talent and a highly motivated workforce.
- Provided inspirational leadership during periods of economic uncertainty, restructuring business operations to preserve profitability and protect jobs.
Work Experience
Group Managing Director
Pearson PLC
05/2019-Ongoing
- Spearheaded a strategic pivot to digital services, leading to a 40% increase in recurring revenue streams within two financial years.
- Launched a global market expansion plan for product distribution, breaking into 10 new countries and achieving a 150% boost in international sales.
- Drove a company-wide efficiency overhaul by implementing agile methodologies, resulting in a 25% reduction in project delivery times
Work Experience
CEO and Managing Director
Unilever PLC
01/2015-12/2019
- Overhauled the organisational structure to streamline operations, realising a 20% cost saving whilst maintaining staff retention rates above 90%.
- Initiated and negotiated a transformative merger with a leading competitor, thereby doubling market share and setting the stage for an industry-leading position.
- Implemented a cutting-edge CRM system, enhancing client services and driving a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores.
Work Experience
Executive Managing Director
British Petroleum
06/2012-05/2017
- Led a highly successful IPO, with a market valuation exceeding initial projections by 20%, fortifying the company's long-term capital strategy.
- Executed a comprehensive brand repositioning strategy, leading to a significant upsurge in brand awareness and a 35% growth in market penetration.
- Pioneered the adoption of sustainability practices, which diminished the company’s carbon footprint by 50% within three years.
Work Experience
Senior Managing Director
HSBC Holdings PLC
04/2016-03/2021
- Championed a transformative digital innovation initiative that launched five new SaaS products, propelling the company to the forefront of the FinTech industry.
- Strategically refocused business operations on high-growth segments, resulting in a revenue upsurge of 45% over a span of three years.
- Enhanced shareholder value through diligent financial restructuring, leading to a 20% improvement in EPS.
Work Experience
Director and Chief Operating Officer
GlaxoSmithKline
08/2009-07/2013
- Directed the expansion into Asian markets, establishing regional offices and tailoring products to local needs, which increased regional revenues by over £20 million.
- Cultivated a culture of innovation that saw the filing of 30 new patents, safeguarding the company’s intellectual property and facilitating future product lines.
- Negotiated major contracts with key industry players that resulted in an average annual revenue growth of 18%.
Work Experience
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Tesco PLC
10/2011-11/2016
- Executed a strategic business development plan that accelerated growth in the European market, resulting in a two-fold increase in customer base.
- Orchestrated a large-scale operational restructuring that improved operational efficiency and slashed costs by £15 million annually.
- Piloted an industry-first, eco-friendly product line that capitalized on consumer trends, spurring an additional £6 million in new revenue streams.
Work Experience
Chief Managing Director
Barclays PLC
11/2017-01/2024
- Developed and championed a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, modernizing key business processes and resulting in a 50% increase in online customer engagement.
- Led critical negotiations for strategic alliances, which extended the product reach and positioned the company as a key player in emerging markets.
- Oversaw the turnaround of underperforming business units, successfully restoring profitability and achieving a sustained 10% increase in annual revenue growth.
Work Experience
President and Managing Director
AstraZeneca PLC
03/2013-02/2018
- Led the acquisition and subsequent integration of a £50 million turnover business, bolstering the company's asset base and market position.
- Initiated and led a high-stakes turnaround strategy that reversed a 5-year revenue decline, achieving a return to profitability within two years.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that improved community relations and enhanced the company's public image, contributing to a 15% rise in brand loyalty.
How to ensure your managing director CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
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PRO TIP
If you have experience in diverse fields, highlight how this has broadened your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile candidate.
Hard skills and soft skills to showcase your unique skill set on your managing director CV
Did you know that your CV will mostly likely be assessed by recruiters based on skill alignment? And that means that the way you feature your key skills across different CV sections will play a crucial role in landing you that first interview. We recommend you add your:
- technical capabilities or hard skills in your CV experience, certificates, projects, etc. Use your past accomplishments to prove your technical capabilities. List up to a dozen different software or hardware in your dedicated skills section to match the job keywords;
- personal and communication skills or soft skills in your CV strengths, achievements, summary/ objective, etc. Soft skills are a bit more difficult to prove. How do you define your aptitude in active listening? So, instead of just listing the skill name, include a tangible metric to show your success.
On a final note, when you're in a hurry to create your profile, you may misspell a particular technology or soft skill. That's why we suggest you copy and paste the particular skill name (or keyword), directly from the job advert. This would also help you to pass any initial Applicant Tracker System (ATS) tests.
Top skills for your managing director CV:
HARD SKILLS
Strategic Planning
Business Development
Financial Management
Project Management
Marketing and Sales
Operations Management
Risk Management
Human Resources
Data Analysis
Regulatory Compliance
SOFT SKILLS
Leadership
Decision Making
Communication
Negotiation
Problem Solving
Time Management
Innovativeness
Adaptability
Team Building
Stress Management
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Listing your university education and certificates on your managing director CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
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Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your managing director CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
