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Managing Director/Chief Executive

Kaihautū Whakahaere/Tumu Matua

Managing directors/chief executives lead and make overall decisions for an organisation to make sure it operates effectively.

 

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Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include business studies and English.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Diploma
  • Master's degree and above
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for managing directors/chief executives includes:

  • business and senior management experience
  • corporate governance experience
  • developing and implementing strategic business plans.

What you will do

Managing directors/chief executives may do some or all of the following:

  • direct and manage organisations and their business strategies, operations, plans and policies 
  • manage risks to the organisation and consult with management staff on issues
  • ensure the organisation complies with relevant laws
  • report regularly to stakeholders, often through the board of directors
  • represent the organisation at conferences and official occasions.

Skills and knowledge

Managing directors/chief executives need to have:

  • a strong understanding of business, finance and other areas of management
  • a strong understanding of what their clients and stakeholders need 
  • knowledge of how to enable cultural development within an organisation
  • knowledge of all laws which are relevant to the organisation.
Pay

Managing directors/chief executives in the public sector can earn

$200K-$800K

per year

Managing directors/chief executives in the private sector can earn

$300K-$1.2M

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a managing director/chief executive are good for people with relevant qualifications and experience.

Industry

Management and Consulting

Managing directors/chief executives lead and make overall decisions for an organisation to make sure it operates effectively.

 

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a managing director/chief executive you usually need experience in a senior leadership role.

A relevant tertiary qualification is usually required, such as a Bachelor’s degree or diploma in business management, applied management, commerce or law, or a Master of Business Administration. 

Chances of getting a job

Experience improves managing directors/chief executives job chances

Managing directors/chief executives with managerial and relevant sector experience have the best chance of employment. A proven record of success at a senior management level in a related industry is also useful.

According to the Census, 54,480 managing directors/chief executives worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Private and public sector opportunities for managing directors/chief executives

Opportunities for private sector managing director/chief executive roles are highest in Auckland and other major cities. Opportunities for public sector chief executive roles are highest in Wellington.

Types of employers varied

Managing directors/chief executives usually work in the head office of medium to large organisations.

Managing directors/chief executives may work for:

  • government organisations
  • private businesses
  • commercial companies
  • not-for-profit organisations.

Find out more about training

Institute of Directors in New Zealand
0800 846 369 - mail@iod.org.nz - www.iod.org.nz
Institute of Management New Zealand (IMNZ)
0508 225 546 - hello@imnz.co.nz - www.imnz.co.nz

Progression and specialisations

Managing directors/chief executives may progress to set up their own business, or move into an executive chairperson or board of director role. They may also move into local or national politics.

Working conditions

Managing directors/chief executives:

  • often work long and irregular hours, which may include evenings and weekends
  • work in offices, but may spend time at different worksites within their organisation
  • often travel to meet with clients or stakeholders and to attend conferences.

Useful personal qualities

Managing directors/chief executives need to be:

  • able to lead and motivate others
  • able to multitask and delegate
  • skilled at planning and organising
  • skilled at problem solving and decision making
  • good at communicating
  • positive and adaptable
  • able to work well under pressure.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Management and Consulting

Managing directors/chief executives lead and make overall decisions for an organisation to make sure it operates effectively.

 

Similar jobs in this industry

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