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Chief executive or senior official

Chief executives or senior official - overview

Chief executives and senior officials are responsible for the success of an organisation. They oversee the coordination and direction of a company, working with managers to organise resources and operations. It’s a high-level, yet demanding job. This guide tells you all about it.

Learn what the role involves below.

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What does a chief executive or senior official do?

Chief executives, often known as CEOs (Chief Executive Officers), senior officials or managing directors, represent large enterprises and organisations at the highest level.

They lead businesses, hospitals, government departments, trade unions, charities and other special organisations. They’re usually the top-ranking officials who ensure the smooth running of activities, functions, consultations and negotiations.

Pursue this career and you could work in an office and lead a senior team. You’ll be fully committed to the aims of your organisation and may have to travel a lot.

It can be tough as you often work long hours, hold lots of responsibility and come under pressure and criticism. But if you love the idea of being the face of a company and earning a high salary, this could be a position for you.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

  • Overseeing the operations of an organisation
  • Setting out visions, missions and priorities, as well as how to reach them
  • Working closely with senior teams to plan and implement policies
  • Communicating and managing relationships with business partners and shareholders
  • Ensuring the organisation keeps to legal obligations
  • Reporting to the organisation owner or chairperson
  • Leading, advising and motivating employees
  • Promoting and representing the organisation at events and in the media
  • Controlling budgets and spending

FAQs

How much can you earn as a chief executive or senior official?

The average salary for a chief executive or senior official in the UK is £102,440.

Does a chief executive or senior official role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Chief executives and senior officials usually travel within the confines of their role. For example, they’ll be expected to attend conferences and meetings and also to visit external sites. Depending on the organisation, overseas travel is often commonplace as well.

Can you work from home as a chief executive or senior official?

Chief executives and other senior officials are often able to work from home if they wish. As a senior member of an organisation, however, most will feel it necessary to be in the office environment for a significant amount of the working week.

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