Creating an exceptional CV as a managing director is crucial for advancing your career and securing top leadership opportunities. As a managing director, you’re responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the company, leading high-performing teams, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term business growth. Your CV should not only reflect your leadership abilities but also demonstrate your expertise in business development, financial oversight, and innovation.

Whether you’re updating your current CV or looking for inspiration, this guide provides key tips, templates, and CV examples to help you create a standout CV. We’ll walk you through the essential elements of creating a  standout CV, including:

  • Managing director CV examples
  • Managing director CV templates
  • The ideal CV format
  • How to write an impactful CV for a managing director role
  • Dos and don’ts for your CV
  • Managing director frequently asked questions

With the right approach, your CV will capture the attention of hiring managers, showcasing your ability to lead and drive success in a competitive executive job market.

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    Managing director CV sample

    CV example for an experienced managing director

    Aiden Leonard
    11 Guild Street
    London, UK N19 0NB
    07912 345 678
    aiden.leonard@example.com

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Results-driven managing director with over 13 years of experience in driving business growth and operational efficiency. I led a 35% revenue increase over three years at ABC Global Solution through strategic market expansion and product diversification. Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership, I am passionate about delivering sustainable growth and fostering a culture of innovation. Now seeking to leverage my expertise to contribute to a dynamic organisation’s continued success.

    WORK HISTORY

    January 2018 – Current
    ABC Global Solutions – UK
    Managing Director

    • Led a team of 100+ employees, developing a high-performance culture that improved employee retention by 20% and increased overall engagement scores by 15%.
    • Directed financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management, reducing overheads by 10% while maintaining service excellence.
    • Collaborated with the Board to formulate a 5-year strategic growth plan, securing £10 million in investment to fund expansion into new international markets.
    • Established strong rapport with stakeholders to enhance business credibility.

    March 2013 – December 2017
    XYZ Enterprises – Manchester, UK
    Operations Director

    • Led operational strategies for a £53 million business, delivering a 23% increase in annual revenue through improved supply chain and resource management.
    • Managed a £10 million budget, identifying cost-saving initiatives that resulted in a 15% reduction in annual expenditure.
    • Developed and launched a company-wide initiative to enhance customer service, leading to a 30% increase in customer satisfaction and retention.
    • Motivated team members by providing mentoring and development opportunities.
    • Partnered with the management team to optimise operations and reduce costs.

    June 2008 – February 2013
    DEF Ltd – Birmingham, UK
    General Manager

    • Directed daily operations for a fast-paced company with £20 million annual turnover, focusing on business development and team leadership.
    • Achieved a 40% increase in operational efficiency by implementing lean management practices and improving interdepartmental collaboration.
    • Managed cross-functional teams to improve project delivery timelines, reducing project delays by 25%.

    SKILLS

    • Strategic planning & execution
    • Financial management & budgeting
    • Leadership & team development
    • Business growth & market expansion
    • Stakeholder management
    • Process improvement
    • Mergers & acquisitions
    • Risk management & compliance

    EDUCATION

    2007
    University of Manchester UK
    Master of Business Administration
    2.1

    2005
    University of Manchester UK
    Bachelor of Arts Business Studies

    Certifications and Licenses

    Chartered Director (CDir) – Institute of Directors (IoD), 2016

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    Managing director CV templates

    A well-structured managing director CV is essential for showcasing your leadership abilities and business acumen. Our carefully designed CV templates make it easy to highlight your most important achievements, strategic vision, and extensive experience in driving organisational growth. With a focus on professionalism and clarity, these templates help you present your qualifications in a way that captures the attention of hiring managers.

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    The best format for your managing director CV

    Your CV format is crucial in effectively presenting your experience and expertise. For a senior role like managing director, your work experience will be the most examined section of your CV, so it’s essential to present it clearly and concisely. 

    The reverse chronological format is the best option to ensure your career progression stands out. This format highlights your most recent position first, allowing recruiters to assess your leadership roles and key achievements quickly.

    To optimise your managing director CV, consider the following tips:

    • Use a professional template with clean formatting, consistent section headings, and a readable font to ensure clarity.
    • Use bullet points to effectively outline your achievements and responsibilities, making them concise and easy to scan.
    • Tailor your CV for each specific role, demonstrating how your experience aligns with the company’s goals and values.
    • Save your CV as a PDF to maintain its formatting across devices (unless otherwise specified in the job description).
    Choose your format now

    How to write an impactful managing director CV

    To help you secure your next senior leadership role, we’ve compiled a detailed guide on creating an effective CV. From structuring your CV to emphasising your leadership strengths, our expert tips will ensure your CV stands out and highlights your experience and qualifications. This section covers:

    How to format your CV contact section

    To make it easy for employers to contact you, ensure all your contact details are clearly listed at the top of your CV. For better readability, consider using a slightly larger or bolder font for this section. Be sure to include the following:

    • Full Name – both your first and last name
    • Location – either state your city or country (mention if you’re open to relocation)
    • Phone Number – the best number to reach you
    • Email Address – use a professional email address

    Example of a contact section

    Edward Wallace
    5 Kendell Street
    Sheffield, S1 5EH
    07912 345 678
    edward.wallace@example.co.uk

    How to write your managing director personal statement

    Your personal statement is one of the most important sections of your managing director CV. It’s your opportunity to make a strong first impression by summarising your career highlights, leadership style, and professional values. This section should quickly convey your strengths and demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. Here’s what you should include:

    • Introduction and career background. Focus on your experience in leadership roles and the industries you’ve worked in. Highlight your strategic vision and the impact you’ve had in driving business growth.
    • Mention your key strengths. Demonstrate your ability to make high-level, impactful decisions. Highlight your expertise in managing budgets and improving profitability. Lastly, showcase your experience leading and developing teams to achieve business goals.
    • Include a strong metric. Adding quantifiable achievements, such as a percentage increase in revenue or cost savings, can significantly strengthen your personal statement. Metrics provide concrete evidence of your success and demonstrate the tangible value you bring to a company.
    • Tailor your statement to the role. Align your experience with the company’s goals and role expectations. This will encourage recruiters to dive deeper into your CV.

    Example personal statement:

    An accomplished managing director with over 15 years of experience in driving growth for multinational companies, I specialise in strategic leadership, operational efficiency, and team development. I have successfully led diverse teams through complex business challenges, increasing revenue by 30% over three years while enhancing profitability. I want to bring my leadership skills to a forward-thinking organisation, where I can contribute to strategic objectives and lead growth initiatives.

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    How to showcase your work experience

    As a managing director, your work experience is one of the most important sections of your CV, as it highlights your leadership capabilities, strategic vision, and ability to drive business growth. Recruiters expect to see a proven track record in senior leadership roles, where you have demonstrated your capacity to lead teams and make high-level decisions.

    When listing your work experience, use a reverse-chronological format, starting with your most recent position. For each role, focus on the key responsibilities and achievements that align with the expectations for the position. 

    To format this section effectively, include the following details:

    • Job title
    • Company name
    • Company location
    • Employment start and end dates
    • Key responsibilities and achievements

    Each entry should clearly highlight your leadership role in driving business success. Whenever possible, include specific examples and metrics to showcase your impact. For instance, instead of simply stating, “led strategic initiatives,” you could say, “led a successful market expansion project that increased revenue by 32% in the first year.” Quantifiable achievements like this provide tangible evidence of your ability to deliver results, making it easier for recruiters to see your value as a potential managing director.

    Example of managing director work experience

    Managing Director
    GlobalTech Solutions – London, UK
    January 2018 – Present

    • Led the company’s expansion into European markets, leading to a 35% increase in annual revenue within the first year.
    • Oversaw a team of 150+ employees, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and high performance.
    • Directed strategic planning and decision-making across multiple departments, including finance, operations, and marketing, to align with long-term business goals.
    • Implemented a cost-reduction strategy that lowered operational expenses by 27% over two years while maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.

    Chief Operating Officer
    Innovative Solutions Group – Manchester, UK
    March 2013 – December 2017

    • Managed daily operations for a fast-growing technology company, overseeing a $55 million annual budget and 100+ staff members.
    • Led a major restructuring project, streamlining operations and increasing overall efficiency by 30%.
    • Launched a new product line, which generated £10 million in sales within the first six months of launch.
    • Collaborated closely with the CEO and board of directors to set the company’s vision and strategic direction, contributing to an average annual growth rate of 18%.

    Essential skills for your managing director CV

    When reviewing a managing director CV, hiring managers look for a clear demonstration of the skills necessary to lead and drive business growth. To create a lasting impression, ensure that your CV skills section highlights a blend of both technical expertise and leadership qualities. Your skillset should reflect your ability to manage high-level operations, develop and execute strategies, and inspire teams to achieve the company’s goals.

    It’s important to feature both hard skills, which are specific to the role, and soft skills, which showcase your leadership and interpersonal strengths. This balanced approach will position you as a well-rounded candidate capable of managing the complexities of a senior executive role.

    Here are some examples of skills to consider including on your CV:

    Technical skills for a managing director CV

    • Strategic planning and business development
    • Financial management and budgeting
    • Risk management and compliance
    • Operations optimisation and process improvement
    • Market analysis and competitive strategy

    Leadership and interpersonal skills

    • Strong communication and negotiation skills
    • Team leadership and talent development
    • Decision-making and problem-solving
    • Stakeholder management and relationship building
    • Adaptability and change management

    Outlining education for a managing director CV

    When writing your managing director CV, your education section will likely take a back seat to your work experience and the tangible results you’ve achieved in previous roles. Given that a managing director position requires significant leadership experience, hiring managers primarily focus on your proven track record of driving business success, making strategic decisions, and leading teams. As such, your professional accomplishments and skills will take centre stage.

    However, your educational background can still play an important role in showcasing your qualifications, particularly if it supports your expertise in areas like business strategy, finance, or management. For example, an MBA or relevant certifications in leadership or corporate governance can underline your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to manage complex business challenges.

    In this section, it’s important to list:

    • Degree(s) (e.g., MBA, Business Administration, Finance)
    • Institution(s) (e.g., University of London, Harvard Business School)
    • Year of graduation (if relevant)
    • Relevant certifications or courses (e.g., Leadership Development Programme, Financial Management Certification)

    While your education may not be the focal point of your CV at a senior level, it can still add value, particularly if you’ve pursued advanced studies or gained industry-specific knowledge that enhances your leadership capabilities.

    Example of education section for a managing director CV:

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    Harvard Business School – Boston, MA
    Graduated: 2012

    Bachelor of Science in Economics
    University of Manchester – Manchester, UK
    Graduated: 2005

    Certifications:

    Chartered Director (CDir) – Institute of Directors, 2018
    Advanced Leadership Development Program – INSEAD, 2016
    Financial Management and Strategy – London Business School, 2014

    Dos and don’ts for a managing director CV

    Do

    • DO tailor your CV to each role

      For a managing director position, it’s essential to tailor your CV to align with the specific company and industry. Research the company’s goals and challenges, and customise your CV to show how your experience and skills can address these. A tailored CV will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and increase your chances of standing out.

    • DO highlight your leadership and strategic decision-making abilities

      As a managing director, your ability to lead and make high-stakes decisions is critical. Employers expect you to showcase your experience in steering businesses towards growth and profitability. Emphasise your leadership style and how it has contributed to the success of the organisations you’ve worked with. Include examples of strategic initiatives you’ve implemented, such as entering new markets or driving major business transformations.

    Don't

    • DON’T neglect to highlight leadership in a diverse environment

      Many senior roles, including managing director, require you to work with diverse teams and stakeholders. Failing to mention your experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams can make your CV appear outdated. Show your ability to work with people from different backgrounds and highlight your experience managing multicultural teams or navigating diverse business environments.

    • DON’T focus too much on early career roles

      As a managing director, your work experience from earlier in your career is less relevant than your recent senior-level roles. Avoid detailing every job you’ve held since the start of your career. Instead, focus on the last 10-12 years, emphasising leadership roles demonstrating your progression to senior management.

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    Your CV questions answered

    What are the most important sections to focus on in a managing director CV?

    The most important sections to focus on in a managing director CV are work experience and your personal statement. Your work experience is crucial as it showcases your leadership, strategic decision-making, and measurable results. Employers want to see how you’ve contributed to business growth and transformation in senior roles. Your personal statement is also key, as it gives a brief yet powerful overview of your career achievements and leadership style, helping recruiters quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.

    How do I highlight my leadership skills on a managing director CV?

    Highlight leadership in both your work experience and skills sections. Use specific examples of how you’ve led teams, driven change, or made strategic decisions. Quantify your achievements when possible (e.g., “led a team of 50 to achieve 34% revenue growth”) to demonstrate the direct impact of your leadership.

    How long should my managing director CV be?

    For a senior position like managing director, where you likely have extensive work experience, a two-page CV is ideal. This allows you to highlight your achievements and leadership experience in detail without overwhelming the reader. If your career spans several decades, focus on the most recent and relevant roles, keeping the CV concise yet comprehensive.

    What is the career path to becoming a managing director?

    The career path to becoming a managing director often involves gaining experience in leadership roles such as general manager, operations director, or chief operating officer. Over time, an individual builds expertise in strategic decision-making, management, and financial oversight. Networking, continued education, and a strong track record of delivering results in senior positions can help fast-track someone’s path to MD

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