How to become a Chief Executive or Managing Director

Also called: Chief Executive Officer

Determines, formulates and reviews the general policy program and the overall direction of an organisation within the framework established by a board of directors or similar governing body.

Main tasks

• Determines objectives, strategies, policies and programs for organisations
• Provides overall direction and management to organisations
• Authorises material, human and financial resources to implement organisational policies and programs
• Monitors and evaluates performance of the organisation against organisational objectives and strategies
• Consults with senior staff and reviews recommendations and reports
• Approves and presents reports, budgets and forecasts to major stakeholders, such as governing bodies and boards of directors
• Represents the organisation at official events, in negotiations, at conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums
• Selects or approves the selection of senior staff

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420); Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership (BSB80320); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication (BSB60520)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 61,200 people work in this job group now, and about 69,800 are projected by 2035. (+14.1%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Corporate General Manager
• Defence Force Senior Officer
• Local Government Legislator
• Member of Parliament

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Chief Executive or Managing Director?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management; Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership.

Is a Chief Executive or Managing Director a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 61,200 to about 69,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Chief Executive or Managing Director?

Not always. 57% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management; Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership.

Will AI change the work of a Chief Executive or Managing Director?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04