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Executive Leader resume example & writing guide

Every organization needs leaders and visionaries to set the course for growth, expand the business to new territories, and provide the necessary strategic guidance on high-level matters. And this is where executive leaders come in. Executive leaders include directors, vice presidents, and c-suite executives responsible for making long-term decisions for the business. To get this role, you will need several years of relevant managerial experience and the ability to leverage your extensive knowledge to make calculated, long-term business decisions.

Why use this executive leader resume example?

This resume template positions you as key management personnel. It focuses on your skills and aptitude for the job while establishing you as a thought leader in your field of expertise. It combines your technical knowledge with job-specific soft skills, highlights your career growth in a chronological sequence, and focuses on your decision-making abilities and key accomplishments that showcase how you can make an impact on an organization’s bottom line. 

How to write a great executive leader resume

The resume starts with your name, contact details, and a resume title. The resume title mentions your field of expertise, which would indicate to the hiring manager the position for which you’re applying.

For an executive leader's resume, the resume statement is the most important section. Think of it as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, briefly talk about your skills and strengths, and explain how you will add value to the company. You should also talk about your leadership skills and your ability to lead diverse, high-performing teams. 

In the next section, mention your areas of expertise in a bulleted list. Remember, these skills should match with the job description. Some of the key skills you should consider including in this section are stakeholder relationships, strategic planning, process improvement/optimization, change management, and business transformation. 

Your professional experience should be listed in reverse chronological order. Each job role should include daily responsibilities and key accomplishments. Remember, your accomplishments should align with the job role you’re applying to. Also, you should talk about how your accomplishments helped the business achieve its objectives (for example, boosting sales, improving efficiency, minimizing disruptions, implementing a new system, etc.)

For most C-suite roles, education is important. In the final section of your resume, you can talk about your education, licenses, certifications, awards, honors, and affiliations with any organization. 

Relevant key skills for an executive leader resume

For executive leadership roles, you need extensive experience in a particular field along with the following skills:

  • Strategic planning

  • Growth and revenue forecasting

  • Business process improvement

  • Change and crisis management

  • Team building, coaching, and mentoring

  • Leadership skills

  • Financial literacy

  • Customer and stakeholder relationship management

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Executive Leader Resume Example

Summary example

Compassionate and resourceful executive with proven expertise developing and managing health care services and operations that boost productivity, efficiency, and compliance. Background building highly diverse, top-performing teams that provide world-class patient service and achieve ambitious goals in fast-paced, quality-driven environments. Demonstrated skills in business and financial management, people development, and quality assurance.

Employment history example

Chief Operations Officer at Aramark Healthcare, Chicago

2017 - Present

Earned promotion to oversee district business administration, finances, and performance in the company's Midwest region to include managing operations of the Sisters of Charity Health System. Lead Environmental, Food and Nutrition, Clinical Technologies, Security, Laundry, Parking, and Plant Operations (facilities) services. Build relationships with prospective and existing clients to generate new business and ensure account retention and profitability. Negotiate contracts. Coach, develop, and inspire leaders to pursue personal and professional growth. Pioneer and direct strategies to improve performance across the district and health system.

  • Defined financial objectives and increased revenue and profit performance for $100M district consisting of 4 U.S. states.

  • Managed operations under-budget for 5 consecutive years; reduced costs by $8M.

  • Increased productivity by 25% in all hospitality-based departments, which allowed for significant staffing reductions without sacrificing quality or service levels.

  • Implemented safety, quality, and compliance standards that delivered lower-than-industry-average OSHA rates and higher-than-average employee satisfaction and customer retention.

  • Received the ARAMARK Ring of Honor Award in '13 for standout performance and contributions, presented to the top 5% leadership annually.

General Manager at Aramark Healthcare, Spokane, WA

2014 - 2017

Planned and executed operations within a multi-site hospital organization with a wide-ranging, quality-driven focus on Plant Operations, Clinical Technology, Call Center, Environmental, and Food and Nutrition services to boost efficiency, quality, and patient satisfaction while maintaining a profitable organization. Provided skillful and attentive labor relations. Supervised 250+ cross-functional, union employees. Developed and executed business plans. Administered the operating budget. Ensured regulatory, industry, contract, and policy compliance.

  • Achieved near-perfect (99%) patient satisfaction in the Food and Nutrition department (per national third-party benchmark, Press Ganey).

  • Implemented a room service model for patient feeding at two hospital campuses.

  • Increased system productivity 25% by implementing repeatable business models that enhanced production, HR allocation, and training while focusing on achieving "Best in the Nation" status.

  • Introduced HR functions resulting in greater staff motivation, retention, and compliance.

  • Honored as Food Service Director of the Month (FSD Magazine) and earned the ARAMARK Leadership Award (Regional MVP).

Food Service Director at THOMAS CUISINE MANAGEMENT, Boise

2011 - 2014

Coordinated and directed food production and retail operations providing quality, customer-focused services to patients, employees, and staff at several health care organizations. Managed food production, retail, and patient service operations. Hired, trained, and supervised staff. Managed compliance and quality issues. Adapted daily services to meet the needs of the patient population.

  • Maintained broad knowledge of clinical and administrative operations in a health care setting to provide optimal services in compliance with industry and regulatory guidelines.

  • Inspired and effectively managed the transition from traditional food service operations to a streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective room service model.

  • Received the company's Customer Service Award.

Education example

Master of Health Administration (MHA) at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Hotel Restaurant and Institution Management at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, MN - Hospitality Executive Award ~ Magna Cum Laude

Skills example

  • Strategic Planning & Implementation

  • Cost Reduction & Avoidance

  • Employee & Labor Relations

  • Process Improvement & Change Management

  • Budget Administration

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