How to Become a Managing Director: Australian Careers in Small Business

9 Courses

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Displaying 9 of 9 courses

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
AIM Business School
OnlineOnlineChief Executive Officer (CEO), General Manager, HR Manager, IT Manager, Management Consultant, Managing Director, Marketing Manager, Senior ManagerPrice may varyFrom 12 months full-time
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) offered by AIM Business School is designed for experienced professionals seeking to develop advanced leadership capability and comprehensive business expertise. This postgraduate qualification focuses on applying strategic frameworks, theory, and practical skills to address complex challenges across modern business environments. The course...
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Bachelor of Applied Business (Management)
Ducere Global Business School
OnlineOnlineBusiness Administrator, Business Development Manager, Executive Officer, Financial Analyst, HR Manager, Management Consultant, Managing Director, Operations Manager, Project Manager, Purchasing Manager, Sales Executive, Small Business Owner, Startup Founder, Team LeaderPrice may vary2-4 years
The Bachelor of Applied Business (Management) offered by Ducere Global Business School is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. This course covers a range of key learning areas, including strategic management, organisational behaviour, and project management,...
Learn more about Bachelor of Applied Business (Management)
MBA (Innovation and Leadership)
Ducere Global Business School
OnlineOnlineAccount Executive, Business Consultant, Business Development Manager, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Entrepreneur, Finance Manager, General Manager, Human Resources Director, Managing Director, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Product Manager, Strategic AdvisorPrice may varyFull time: 12 months. Part-time: 2 years
The MBA (Innovation and Leadership) offered by Ducere Global Business School is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. This course focuses on fostering innovative thinking and effective leadership, enabling students to navigate complex challenges and drive organisational...
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AIB MBA
Australian Institute of Business
OnlineOnlineChief Executive Officer (CEO), Entrepreneur, General Manager, Management Consultant, Managing Director, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Project Manager, Small Business Manager, Small Business Owner, Strategic Advisor, Team LeaderPrice may vary12 months
The AIB MBA offered by the Australian Institute of Business is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their business acumen and leadership skills in a condensed timeframe. This course provides a comprehensive overview of essential business concepts, including strategic management, marketing, finance, and organisational behaviour. Participants will engage...
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Executive MBA
Ducere Global Business School
OnlineOnlineAccount Manager, Business Manager, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), General Manager, Management Consultant, Managing Director, Small Business Manager, Small Business OwnerPrice may vary1 year full-time
The Executive MBA offered by Ducere Global Business School is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and strategic thinking. This course provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential areas such as business strategy, financial management, and organisational behaviour. Participants will engage in real-world projects and...
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Double Diploma of Business (Operations) and Diploma of Leadership & Management
College for Adult Learning
BSB50120 & BSB50420OnlineOnlineBusiness Manager, Business Operations Manager, Director of Operations, General Manager, Head of Operations, Managing Director, Operations ManagerPrice may varyPart-time: 16-18 months, Full-time: 14 months, Maximum: 24 months
The Double Diploma of Business (Operations) and Diploma of Leadership & Management, identified by the national course codes BSB50120 & BSB50420, is offered by the College for Adult Learning. This comprehensive course is designed to equip participants with essential skills in both operational management and leadership, preparing them...
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Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management
College for Adult Learning
BSB60420OnlineOnlineAccount Director, Business Manager, Business Operations Manager, Executive Director, General Manager, Managing Director, Operations Manager, Team LeaderPrice may varyApprox. 18 months
The BSB60420 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management, offered by the College for Adult Learning, is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and management skills in a dynamic business environment. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of key areas such as strategic planning, team leadership,...
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Dual Diploma of Business and Advanced Diploma of Business
College for Adult Learning
BSB50120BSB60120OnlineOnlineBusiness Manager, Change Manager, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Finance Manager, General Manager, Managing DirectorPrice may varyApprox. 20 months
The Dual Diploma of Business and Advanced Diploma of Business (BSB50120, BSB60120) offered by the College for Adult Learning is designed to equip individuals with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic business environment. This comprehensive course covers a range of key learning areas, including leadership,...
Learn more about Dual Diploma of Business and Advanced Diploma of Business
Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development
UNSW Online
OnlineOnlineBusiness Manager, Change Manager, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Employee Relations Manager, General Manager, HR Manager, Leadership Coach, Managing Director, Project Leader, Project Team Leader, Team LeaderPrice may varySelf-paced; complete in as little as 8 months
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development offered by UNSW Online is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to lead effectively in today’s dynamic work environments. This course focuses on key areas such as leadership theories, organisational behaviour, and strategic decision-making, providing participants...
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On this page

What is a Managing Director?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Managing Director?

A Managing Director is the most senior executive in an organisation. They set the overall direction and are responsible for all operations. They report to the board of directors and lead the full leadership team.

Managing Directors make key decisions that shape the company’s future. They oversee financial results, manage senior staff, and make sure the business meets its goals. They also speak for the company to outside parties, including clients, investors, and government bodies.

Day-to-day, a Managing Director reviews results data and chairs leadership meetings. They work across all departments to keep teams on track. The role involves regular travel and long hours, reflecting the level of responsibility involved.

Salaries vary widely based on company size and industry. Australian Managing Directors typically earn between AU$80,000 and AU$290,000 a year (PayScale, 2024). This makes it one of the highest-paying senior roles in the Australian workforce.

Career snapshots For Managing Directors

Around 61,300 people work as a Managing Director in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). Around 86% hold full-time roles, working an average of 50 hours per week. The median age is 51, and about 30% are women.

Future demand is rated as moderate (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). The role is found across many industries. Key sectors include financial services, professional services, manufacturing, and health care. Median pay is AU$161,000 a year, and ranges from AU$80,000 to AU$290,000 based on company size (PayScale, 2024).

What will I do?

A Managing Director leads the whole organisation and is responsible for its success. They guide senior staff, run all departments, and set the company’s long-term plan. This role calls for clear thinking, strong communication, and the ability to make tough calls under pressure.

Long-term planning: develop and put in place the company’s overall strategy.
Financial oversight: track budgets, financial reports, and overall results.
Team leadership: guide and support senior management and department heads.
Key relationships: build strong ties with the board, clients, partners, and investors.
Performance management: review results and drive improvements across all areas.
Risk management: spot risks and put plans in place to address them.
Compliance: make sure the organisation meets all laws and rules.
Culture leadership: set the tone for the company’s values and work culture.
Market awareness: stay across industry trends and what rivals are doing.
Board reporting: prepare and present results reports to the board.

What skills do I need?

A Managing Director needs a broad set of skills to lead well. The most important is leadership: the ability to set a clear direction and bring people with you. Strong money management skills are also vital, so the MD can read results data and run budgets well.

Communication is just as critical. A Managing Director must explain the company’s vision clearly to staff, boards, and outside partners. They also need sharp decision-making skills, because the choices they make affect the whole business. Other key traits include adaptability, market awareness, and the confidence to act under pressure.

Skills/attributes

Leadership
Strategic planning
Financial management
Clear communication
Decision-making
Problem-solving
Team management
Negotiation
Adaptability
Commercial awareness
Emotional intelligence
Stakeholder engagement
Corporate governance
Risk management
Resilience under pressure

Resources

NATIONAL

QLD

TAS

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Career Outcomes

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Structural Engineer