Business Manager CV Example
For business managers responsible for the overall performance and profitability of a business unit or function. Demonstrates your commercial acumen, strategic planning, and ability to deliver results.
Recommended template: Modern
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Quantify your business unit's revenue, profit margin, and growth trajectory under your leadership.
- Highlight strategic decisions you made that resulted in measurable business improvements.
- Demonstrate your ability to manage both operational delivery and strategic planning simultaneously.
- Include examples of successful cross-functional collaboration that delivered business outcomes.
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Start with the Modern template and customise it for your management & leadership role.
How to Write Your Business Manager CV
A business manager CV should demonstrate your ability to take ownership of a business unit's performance and deliver results across revenue, profitability, and team development. Employers want to see that you can think strategically, plan effectively, and execute with discipline. Your CV should present you as a well-rounded leader who understands both the commercial and people dimensions of business management.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with a profile that states your commercial scope and key achievements. For each role, describe the business unit — revenue, headcount, and market context. List responsibilities covering both strategic and operational activities, followed by quantified achievements. Keep the CV to two pages.
CV Format
Select an elegant, professional template that conveys commercial credibility. Use clear headings and consistent formatting. Ensure financial metrics are prominently displayed. The document should feel authoritative and businesslike.
CV Profile Examples
Senior Business Manager
Commercially driven business manager with nine years of experience leading a £12M professional services business unit, delivering sustained revenue growth and margin improvement. Expert in business planning, client development, and team leadership with a track record of growing revenue by 45% over four years. Combines strategic vision with operational discipline to deliver results in competitive markets.
Business Manager — Education
Experienced school business manager with seven years of service across primary and secondary settings, responsible for finance, premises, HR, and compliance. Skilled in budget management, procurement, and facilities oversight with a strong understanding of school governance and the education regulatory framework. Known for maximising value from limited budgets while supporting the leadership team's educational priorities.
Business Manager — Branch Operations
Results-oriented branch business manager with five years of experience managing a £4M portfolio of client accounts for a financial services firm. Responsible for team performance, business development, and regulatory compliance. Skilled in coaching advisors, building client relationships, and identifying growth opportunities within the existing customer base.
State your years of business management experience, the scale of businesses you have managed, and your key strengths. Include one or two financial metrics — revenue growth, margin improvement, or contract wins — to establish your commercial impact immediately.
Key Skills for Your Business Manager CV
Business Planning
Developing annual and multi-year business plans that set targets, allocate resources, and define strategies for growth.
Revenue Generation
Driving business development activities and client engagement to grow revenue and expand market presence.
Cost Management
Controlling operating costs and improving margins through effective budgeting, procurement, and resource management.
Market Analysis
Analysing market trends, competitor activity, and client needs to identify opportunities and inform strategic decisions.
Team Development
Recruiting, training, and developing team members to build capability and deliver high performance.
Client Relationship Management
Building and maintaining strategic client relationships that generate repeat business and long-term revenue growth.
Reporting & Analytics
Producing business performance reports and using data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Collaborating with other departments and functions to deliver initiatives that support business objectives.
Work Experience Examples
For each role, describe the business context including revenue, team size, and market. Detail both strategic activities (business planning, market analysis) and operational management (P&L, team development). Quantify all achievements with financial figures and growth percentages.
Business Manager
Grafton Professional Services
Managed a professional services business unit generating £12M in annual revenue with a team of 35 consultants, support staff, and two team leaders.
Responsibilities
- Developed and executed the annual business plan covering revenue targets, margin objectives, and resource requirements.
- Led business development activities including client pitches, proposal writing, and key account management for the top 15 clients.
- Managed the business unit P&L with monthly reporting to the managing partner on revenue, costs, utilisation, and profitability.
- Recruited, developed, and performance-managed a team of 35, conducting quarterly reviews and creating succession plans for key roles.
- Collaborated with marketing, finance, and HR functions to deliver cross-functional initiatives that supported business growth.
Achievements
- Grew business unit revenue from £8.3M to £12.1M over four years, a compound annual growth rate of 10%.
- Improved gross profit margin from 32% to 38% through improved pricing governance and consultant utilisation management.
- Won a £2.5M multi-year contract with a FTSE 100 client, the largest single engagement in the business unit's history.
School Business Manager
Westfield Academy Trust
Managed all non-teaching operational functions for a two-school academy trust with a combined budget of £5.8M and 140 staff members.
Responsibilities
- Prepared and managed the annual budget, producing monthly management accounts and financial forecasts for the board of trustees.
- Oversaw premises management, procurement, HR administration, and health and safety compliance across both schools.
- Managed support staff recruitment, contracts, and performance management in accordance with trust policies and employment law.
- Led procurement processes for major contracts including catering, cleaning, and IT infrastructure.
Achievements
- Delivered £180,000 in savings over two years through contract renegotiation and procurement consolidation across the trust.
- Secured £350,000 in capital funding through successful Condition Improvement Fund bids for roof replacement and heating upgrades.
Education & Qualifications
List your highest qualification first — MBA, business degree, or professional management qualification. Include any sector-specific certifications. For school business managers, mention CSBM, DSBM, or CIPFA qualifications.
MBA
A postgraduate business qualification providing a comprehensive foundation in strategy, finance, and leadership.
CMI Level 5 in Management & Leadership
A management qualification demonstrating competence in leading teams and managing business performance.
CSBM (Certificate of School Business Management)
A qualification specifically for school business managers, covering finance, procurement, and compliance.
CIPD Level 5
A human resource management qualification valuable for business managers with people management responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial metrics should I include on a business manager CV?
How do I demonstrate strategic thinking on a business manager CV?
Should I include team management on a business manager CV?
How do I tailor a business manager CV for different sectors?
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