Management companies, consulting companies, and process companies have found their reach grow to international proportions. CEO jobs now include companies that are experts in business management. Hospitals, traditionally a local or regional business, have discovered that efficient management under tight margins has created a skills set that is useful in other areas, regions and nations. As healthcare funds tighten around the globe, international hospital CEO jobs have become a possibility with hospital management companies crossing national and continental boundaries.
Other management companies with CEO jobs include hotel and restaurant management, event planning, and business property management. These companies also have core management competencies that work in other countries and cultures.
Manufacturing companies historically have created high CEO jobs staffed with high profile personalities. While brands still comprise much of the international image, manufacturing of in-store brands, as well as specialty items have also become major sources of international business.
Finding CEO Jobs
The chief executive of a company is responsible for setting the business tone and environment of the entire company. In larger companies, the chief executive officer may be chosen from the ranks of senior management or divisional leaders. In multi-billion dollar companies, CEO jobs are staffed with people who are widely known for their management, leadership or special skill needed by the corporation. Because these companies are usually traded on one of the world’s stock markets, shareholders expect the person chosen to be well seasoned by holding divisional leadership positions, or being widely known in industry circles.
In smaller companies, it is possible that the chief executive is relatively new to the business community, but has developed a process, management style, or product that has been widely accepted in many markets. Small businesses that are closely held and not openly traded may have a chief executive officer who is not widely known but has solid leadership or business knowledge that will help the company achieve its international goals.
Individuals who want to secure an international CEO position should be familiar with the industry and companies that compete in the industry. Knowing what companies are emerging and what trends are impacting the leaders will help the candidate narrow down the search for the best fit of person to company.
All candidates for a chief executive position, especially for international companies, should be familiar with the potential markets, supply channels, and marketing obstacles and opportunities in the target countries. In smaller companies, the organization may have limited capital. Those organizations will expect the CEO to bring immediate benefits to the company through their management.
Networking
All candidates for CEO jobs should be expert networkers. Many times, the small company that has recently become an international organization may be seeking a CEO who understands the new market. By joining trade organizations, as well as attending or presenting at international conferences, a candidate may become well known by the decision makers before the actual interview.
Joining business organizations in cities that are well known by the candidate’s target industry is also an excellent source of networking opportunities. Board members and directors may also be members of city business organizations. Meeting and knowing the selection committee before an actual position is available has been an excellent avenue for many candidates to become known and seen as an excellent choice when a CEO job becomes available.
Critical CEO Skills
The CEO candidate must also be able to demonstrate an ability to work with the board of directors to support the corporate vision, mission, and strategy. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate an ability to collaborate with a board chairman in developing and cultivating a positive attitude towards the board in supporting the corporation.
The CEO candidate should be able to demonstrate understanding of the need for a long-term strategy to be in place to guide the organization to achieve its objectives. The CEO is also responsible to the trustees for the overall financial prosperity of the company, by ensuring that the company has the personnel, the material and the financial resources needed to execute its mission effectively.
The CEO candidate ought to be able to demonstrate skills in developing new strategies for securing future resources, as well as protecting the company from risks. Risks may be in the form of competitive forces as well as regulatory and legal obligations. Through strategic execution, the candidate should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the types of management systems and structures necessary to carry out the business of the company in a safe and accountable manner.
Conclusion
Understanding the industry, the markets, and the products marketed is vital for a candidate to find an International CEO position. Candidates who successfully network and display their ability to work in unison with the board of directors have an excellent success rate in converting CEO jobs to CEO appointments.
