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Top 5 C-Suite Titles And Job Description Templates

September 30, 2022

C-suite titles

What’s better than writing off $40 million in inventory? Less cost and more profit, of course. 

In the early 1970s, Eastman Kodak entered the copy business with cutting-edge machines but he experienced high costs and low profits. Most of the employees knew the problems but couldn’t reach a consensus on solutions.

Newly appointed copy products group manager, Chuck Towbridge met with his group, along with Bob Crandall, head of engineering and manufacturing. Soon, Trowbridge and Crandall built a decentralized, world-class manufacturing operation environment with copy product forums, focused business meetings, copy products journals, and dialogue letters. By 1988, the main product line quality increased nearly 100-fold, on-schedule deliveries reached 95%, and productivity per employee doubled. 

This is the difference that leadership brings.

C-suite professionals never lose sight of what’s important to the bottom line, while solving complex challenges as they arise. Besides setting future visions, they also develop strategies to achieve them and align people to new goals. Modern C-suite execs don’t play a figurehead role in organizations, but rather, they directly affect the culture in a way that ripples throughout. 

Hiring high-impact C-suite titles can be challenging. That’s why businesses use recruiting automation software to manually source qualified candidates for C-suite titles and job description management software to create compelling job descriptions for attracting the right talent.

Successful, effective C-suite staff move organizations forward. They further organizational objectives by inspiring employees to pursue long-term motivations and development goals. This ability to help others learn and grow is what fuels democratic leadership.

Why are C-suite titles important?

A company can have all the money in the world, but without the efforts from C-level officers to organize the use of resources – both material and human – accomplishing goals ends up being a hit-or-miss scenario.

Organizations prioritizing C-suite leadership roles do so to listen, inspire, and motivate teams to excel at what they do. Some companies also focus on entrepreneurial leadership to bring people together to find creative solutions and reach common goals.

Strong chief officers follow a moral compass to reach the next level in today’s knowledge-based economy. They focus on motivating employees to contribute meaningfully to the success of an organization.

C-suite officers often use different leadership styles to uplift companies.

  • Initiate action and guide teams. Excellent C-suite leaders kick off projects, communicate the plan of action, and motivate their team until they reach their goals.
  • Inspire and instill confidence. Team leaders bring out their employees’ full potential, provide constructive feedback, and improve employee relations.
  • Lead by example and build morale. C-suite leaders ensure optimal team cooperation and boost team morale with employee rewards.
  • Spot talent and improve the work environment. Leaders are highly capable of bringing together the right people for the right jobs.
  • Encourage innovation. Effective C-suite leadership creates a supportive environment and encourages people to improve processes and innovate products for company growth.
  • Translate organizational purpose into reality. C-suite leaders explain company strategy in a way that teams understand, making it more likely that they’ll design project objectives according to plan.
  • Improve efficiency, productivity, and creativity. C-suite execs ensure a supportive, efficient environment where teams feel empowered to perform tasks and deliver projects on time.

Finally, C-suite pros equip themselves with technical, relational, and communication skills to help companies navigate volatile and complex business environments. Their leadership skills are key to uniting people around an aspiring vision to develop strategies and deliver results.

Functions of C-suite titles

C-suite leaders perform these key functions to accomplish common goals and ensure team productivity.

  • Organizing
  • Planning
  • Policy making
  • Mobilization
  • Facilitation
  • Problem solving
  • Direction and guidance
  • Group representation
  • Devising ideologies
  • Succession planning
  • Linking management and teams

C-suite titles job descriptions

Every company on the face of the planet needs a leader to move forward. We've got you covered if you’ve been looking for accurate, up-to-date job descriptions for C-level positions. 

1. CEO job description

Chief executive officers (CEOs) are the most powerful business leaders. They are under relentless scrutiny at all times from shareholders, employees, customers, and the board of directors.

What does a CEO do?

A CEO is the highest ranking executive of a company, responsible for the company's image, performance, and success. CEOs ensure profitable business operation by identifying new opportunities, directing agendas, and delegating tasks.

CEOs report to the board of directors and shareholders in companies with healthy governance. Because your CEO will take on so many responsibilities, the job description itself is critical. This isn’t a simple hire by any means. That’s why ensuring your job description clearly communicates expectations is critical.

CEO job description template

This free and easy-to-customize CEO job description template is curated to help make a career page or job board posting easier for you.

CEO job description

We’re seeking outstanding talent for the position of CEO at [company name]. 

This role will be based out of our [company location] office.

The right candidate has experience overseeing strategic business directions and creating vision for success. The CEO must not only possess a business mindset and the ability to see the big picture, but also handle day-to-day operations and drive long-term success. In addition, they will develop a fruitful relationship with the board and lead initiatives that shape company culture and inspire executive teams.

CEO responsibilities:

  • Act as the primary company spokesperson
  • Possess a deep market and industry knowledge
  • Oversee day-to-day operations and business activities
  • Review financial and non-financial reports periodically
  • Guide human resources in building great teams
  • Monitor legal and regulatory document filing and compliance
  • Partner with executive teams to plan future goals and roadmaps
  • Create and implement operational and strategic plans and policies
  • Make sound investment decisions and ensure business profitability
  • Lead company-wide initiatives and make high-level policy decisions
  • Ensure business activities and operations align with long-term goals
  • Keep the board of directors up-to-date about the latest developments
  • Foster a positive culture that boosts employee morale and performance
  • Analyze adverse situations and devise solutions for company survival and growth
  • Work with other C-suite executives on different activities, including budgeting, auditing, and reporting

CEO requirements and skills:

  • Experience delivering business growth with profitable strategies
  • Excellent communication, public speaking, and negotiation skills
  • Familiarity with management and corporate governance best practices
  • Proven experience in a senior management or other managerial position
  • An entrepreneurial mindset with analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
  • Strong understanding of corporate finance, budgeting, and cash flow management
  • Knowledge of different business functions, including product, marketing, sales, and finance
  • Ability to foster positive workplace relationships among partners, executives, and teams
  • Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline or master of business administration (MBA)

2. COO job description

Chief operating officers complement the strengths of CEOs with strategy implementation, day-to-day operation handling, and advisory.

What does a COO do?

A COO is primarily responsible for designing and implementing strategies, plans, and policies. Not only do they create performance and growth goals but also look after daily operations. COOs also work closely with CEOs on fundraising, acquisition, investment, and other core business activities.

A COO or vice president of operations directly reports to the CEO. The role of COO is super important because they align internal, daily operations with business goals and strategies. If you’re wondering what it takes to find an outstanding COO, the secret lies in clearly articulating what you expect from the role.

COO job description template

Here’s a free and customizable job description template that you can use the next time you hire a COO.

COO job description

We’re hiring a visionary COO who’ll be the CEO’s right-hand in overseeing operational functions, implementing company policies, and spurring business growth. This role will be based out of our [company location] office.

The right candidate has experience leading high-performing teams, managing operating capabilities, and shaping company policies or procedures. They combine business and management expertise to meet short-term and long-term goals and generate revenue. 

COO responsibilities:

  • Design and employ business operations and strategies
  • Control company budget and costs; implement practices that work to prevent theft and other financial losses
  • Collaborate with the CEO and other executives to set and drive company vision, operational strategy, hiring needs, and financial reports
  • Act as the second-in-command regarding high-level initiatives and decision-making
  • Prepare accurate organizational performance reports on a quarterly and annual basis
  • Establish policies that reinforce company culture
  • Secure business strategy to drive sustainable growth
  • Assist the chief people officer in maintaining effective recruiting, onboarding, and retention of employees
  • Assess and implement new tools and practices to improve employee and organizational efficiency
  • Oversee all company operations and employee productivity, ensuring employees are successful in professional development
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, clients, and board members

COO requirements and skills:

  • Bachelor’s or master degree in relevant discipline, MBA preferred
  • 8-10 plus years’ experience in senior management or executive positions in various businesses and industries
  • Profound knowledge in business functions such as HR, finance, marketing, and accounting
  • Proven track record of optimizing business strategy
  • Deep understanding of financial policies and procedures, including auditing and budgeting
  • Calm under pressure, can handle and delegate workload effectively
  • Ability to build and foster relationships with fellow executive team members, board members, and key stakeholders
  • Outstanding communicator, both written and orally
  • Knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics; ability to report on metrics
  • Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills
  • Ability to lead by example and inspire confidence

3. CMO job description

Chief marketing officers are strategic leaders who work closely with product and marketing managers to increase sales and drive revenue via marketing. They use their customer behavior expertise to gain insight from competitor analysis. They set directions for brand storytelling, marketing muscle building, customer lifetime value (CLTV) optimization, and innovation-led growth.

What does a CMO do?

A CMO plans, develops, monitors, and evaluates business marketing strategies in response to consumer behavior, competition, and wider mega trends. They use agile marketing to tell a company’s brand stories, deliver smooth customer experience, and drive loyalty and growth.

A CMO reports to the COO or CEO in a company. The changing role of CMOs requires them to go beyond legacy responsibilities. That’s why CMOs today are focused on shaping companies’ public image, developing new marketing capabilities, and developing strategies in response to changing buying patterns.

CMO job description template

If you’re looking for a CMO to take your sales and marketing to the next level, here's a job template to use during your search.

CMO job description

We’re searching for an experienced, passionate, and driven CMO to join [your company name] marketing team at our [company location] office.

The right candidate has experience leading in-house marketing teams and implementing customer-centric digital marketing strategies to drive revenue. Their experience in assessing existing initiatives and devising new strategies will help set us apart from competition. They must be familiar with branding, public relations (PR), community outreach, and digital and traditional marketing.

CMO responsibilities:

  • Plan, set, implement, and manage marketing strategy goals and objectives
  • Track marketing key performance indicators and share quarterly reports with the suite stakeholders
  • Define a unified approach to meet customer demands
  • Oversee day-to-day marketing plan implementation activities
  • Create an annual marketing plan in collaboration with the product, customer success, and sales teams
  • Make decisions and suggest marketing strategy improvements based on research findings
  • Implement and oversee cross-channel promotional campaigns and PR activities
  • Guide market research efforts based on changing buyer behavior trends
  • Build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to drive new initiatives

CMO requirements and skills:

  • Proven experience as a CMO or similar role
  • Experience in building and implementing digital and non-digital marketing strategies
  • Proficiency in data analysis and market research
  • Experience developing teams with analytical and creative muscles
  • Solid understanding of different business areas, like product, sales, finance, and customer success
  • Excellent organizational, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • A master's degree in marketing or an MBA

4. CPO job description

A chief product officer or head of product or vice president of product leads the entire product team in a company. CPOs plan, strategize, and execute product-related activities to boost product experiences that meets company goals and drives business growth. Their involvement in product innovation, design, development, and management is key to bringing sustainable value to business.

What does a CPO do?

A CPO guides key product management leaders on product-related activities and decisions. They lead development of products that deliver value to customers and meet organizational objectives.

CPOs set the strategic product direction for companies. Not only do they create a product management strategy but also help product managers make informed decisions throughout the ideation to launch cycle.

CPO job description template

If you’re looking to hire a CPO to scale product growth, here’s a free CPO job description template you can use for your search.

CPO job description

We’re hiring a CPO who’ll lead product development and product lifecycle management activities with our stellar product team at [your company name]. This role will be based out of our [company location] office. 

The ideal candidate has experience creating strategic product roadmap and collaborating with different teams for product development, launch, and marketing. They should also have experience managing a business unit or division with org-wide impact.

CPO responsibilities:

  • Structure and supervise product management executives to meet business goals
  • Collaborate with the engineering team to turn technology into product
  • Partner with the marketing team to develop product collaterals and other assets
  • Lead product innovation, iteration, and delivery with strategic inputs
  • Transform customer needs into product ideas and plan product roadmap
  • Take ownership of product adoption and revenue in collaboration with sales and marketing
  • Interpret user experience information and follow feedback loop for continuous improvement

CPO requirements and skills:

  • A master's degree in relevant discipline
  • 10+ years’ experience in a product leadership role
  • Proven track record in leading product development and launch
  • Deep understanding of agile framework, product design and analytics, and project management
  • Ability to works well with teams
  • Strong budgeting skills
  • An eye for making data-driven decisions
  • Flexibility for traveling domestically and internationally to attend customer, industry, and partner events

5. CTO job description

A chief technology officer looks after a company’s technology needs and research and development (R&D). CTOs create and implement technology strategies that meet business goals with technology resources.

What does a CTO do?

A CTO creates and implements technology policies to help the business improve products and services. CTOs also conduct cost-benefit analyses and return-on-investment analyses to spot optimal technology utilization opportunities.

CTOs play an important role whether you want to kickstart digital transformation initiatives or build best-in-class information technology strategies to support employees and customers. Plus, they know how to combine technology advancements and business strategy to help a company grow. That’s why it’s crucial to create a job description that helps you find the right candidate.

CTO job description template

Want to find great candidates for a CTO position? Feel free to copy and paste this template while posting on job boards and forums.

CTO job description

[Your company name] is looking for a highly-skilled CTO to lead strategic IT management and production. This role will be based out of our [company location] office. 

The ideal candidate has experience managing technology platforms and setting a technology vision for [your industry] companies. They are proficient in managing technology development and technology resource utilization to meet internal and external business needs. 

 

CTO responsibilities:

  • Set technology vision and meet short and long-term technology resource needs
  • Execute and oversee IT management and R&D goals
  • Create, manage, and report on technological service development and deployment goals
  • Mentor technology team members and oversee daily tech operations
  • Plan and share quarterly and annual IT management budgets
  • Take responsibility for organizational data security, governance, and data management
  • Manage IT resource allocation to support business objectives
  • Partner with the engineering team on creating disaster recovery and IT security failure plans
  • Create technology roadmaps to drive strategic initiatives across departments
  • Ensure all intra-organizational technology practices adhere to regulatory standards
  • Manage strategic technology partnerships with vendors

CTO requirements and skills:

  • Strong strategic IT management planning, budgeting, and people management skills
  • Proven track record managing technology initiatives and roadmaps
  • Solid understanding of the latest technology innovation
  • Ability to collaborate with teams and explain complex topics in simple terms
  • Expertise in finding new technologies to solve business challenges
  • Ability to make quick decisions in face of complex and dynamic business situations
  • 10+ years’ experience in a technology leadership position
  • A master's degree in computer science, information systems, or relevant discipline

Finding suitable candidates for C-suite positions is becoming more difficult because of:

  • Alignment mismatch
  • Lengthy hiring lead time
  • Lack of cultural fitment
  • Unstructured and biased interviews
  • Lack of timely internal talent development
  • Timely availability of external candidates

The good news is you can use recruiting automation software and job description management software to tackle these challenges.

Recruiting automation software

Recruiting automation software does the heavy lifting for your candidate sourcing process. Hiring managers and recruiters use it to find qualified candidates, manage candidate pipelines, and gain insights into candidates’ qualities.

Top 5 recruiting automation platforms:

  1. LinkedIn Recruiter
  2. Zoho Recruit
  3. CEIPAL ATS
  4. Hired
  5. Gem

*These are the five leading recruiting automation software solutions from G2’s Fall 2022 Grid® Report.

Job description management software

Job description management software solutions help recruiters create and manage job descriptions for different job titles. Hiring managers leverage these solutions to inform candidates about role expectations and interviewers to understand job responsibilities.

Top 5 job description management platforms:

  1. ADP Workforce Now
  2. BambooHR
  3. RUN Powered by ADP
  4. Salary.com
  5. Hireology

*These are the five leading job description management software solutions from G2’s Fall 2022 Grid® Report.

Turn your workforce into a true force with the right C-suite leaders

Finding the right candidates for C-suite leadership roles is difficult. Yet, for your company to succeed, you need leaders with exceptional people skills and strategic thinking. 

But, how? By leveraging recruitment marketing to attract, engage, convert, and nurture the crème de la crème.


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