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The Role of the Managing Director Programme
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The Role of the Managing Director Programme

A 2-day programme equipping Managing Directors with the strategic, governance and leadership skills needed to lead a successful, future-ready organisation.

 

DELIVERY:

2 Days

LOCATION:

Virtual / London / Manchester / In House

For Individuals:

From £ 1,700.00 +VAT

For groups & teams:

From £2750 +VAT per day

More Information

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Available Options

DatesTimesLocationAvailabilityPriceQuantity 
04 Nov 202609:00 AMLondonPlaces available£1,800.00
19 Jan 202709:00 AMVirtualPlaces available£1,700.00
22 Mar 202709:00 AMLondonPlaces available£1,800.00

Exceeded my expectations with so many take aways. The group participation with different industries represented brought new perspectives and ideas which was very valuable.

Venessa Hodgson, Managing Director - High Seat Limited

The Role of the Managing Director course is designed to provide you with the essential tools, mindsets, and knowledge needed to thrive in one of the most demanding leadership positions. With many Managing Directors (MDs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) stepping into the role without formal training, this programme offers vital support to help navigate its complexity and responsibility.

The role of MD or CEO can often be intense, isolating, and high-pressure, with research showing that only three in five new appointments meet performance expectations in their first 18 months. This course explores not only the core skills required, but also the personal traits and leadership behaviours – such as resilience, drive, and risk tolerance that underpin long-term success. You’ll also examine how the role is evolving in response to today’s dynamic business landscape.

By attending this programme, you’ll gain practical knowledge and strategic insight to lead with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re stepping into the role for the first time or seeking to enhance your effectiveness, this course will support you in developing, implementing, and proactively leading a successful, future-ready organisation.

The Role of the Managing Director Programme

On completion of this Managing Director training course, you will be able to:

Strategy and Vision

  • Validate and articulate your company’s strategy in the context of its vision and mission – ensuring clarity on where the business is going and why
  • Develop a practical framework that connects vision and mission to every role in the organisation, ensuring alignment across all levels
  • Understand the challenges of balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day operational responsibilities

Governance, Board Effectiveness and Financial Oversight

  • Understand the Managing Director’s position in relation to the aims and objectives of the board
  • Understand the distinct and separate roles of the Chair and the Managing Director
  • Assume full accountability to the board for all company operations
  • Understand why boards – and therefore businesses – fail to achieve what they set out to do
  • Apply the principles of good corporate governance to your organisation
  • Build financial control and rhythm into your leadership approach

Leadership, Change and Crisis Management

  • Lead with change management strategies appropriate for the digital age
  • Manage crises effectively – whether short-term disruptions or long-term challenges – at any given time
  • Build and maintain a high-performing management team
  • Build an effective advisory network and introduce diversity of thought into your decision-making

Day 1: Mindset, Vision and Responsibilities

The first session focuses on defining the Managing Director’s role, building strategic clarity and understanding the governance structures that underpin board-level leadership.

  • Exploring the roles, responsibilities, and core skills of the Managing Director
  • Where is your Switzerland — understanding your position and neutrality as MD
  • The key role of Non-Executives
  • The evolving nature of boards
  • Understanding your governance and legal duties as a director
  • Developing effective management systems
  • The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
  • Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)

Day 2: Identifying Priorities

The second day shifts to operational leadership – building financial control, managing risk and leading effectively in a rapidly changing business environment.

  • Variance analysis and forecasting
  • Managing in an evolving environment
  • Competitive advantage through horizon scanning
  • Dynamic risk and crisis management
  • Case studies – applying learning to real-world scenarios
  • The world of leading in a digital age
  • Approaches to innovation and considering new technologies
  • 18 mindsets and practices of excellent CEOs

*Content may vary and can be tailored to the cohort.

Whilst this programme is not linked to a formal qualification, it will contribute to delegates’ ongoing personal and professional development.

Available Options

DatesTimesLocationAvailabilityPriceQuantity 
04 Nov 202609:00 AMLondonPlaces available£1,800.00
19 Jan 202709:00 AMVirtualPlaces available£1,700.00
22 Mar 202709:00 AMLondonPlaces available£1,800.00

Download our brochure

See how our The Role of the Managing Director Programme can impact you and your organisation

Download Brochure
Leadership Coaching and Mentoring Development Programme Brochure

Meet our Tutors

Delivered by Subject Experts

Andy Bate

Tutor

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Fitzroy Andrew

Leadership Tutor

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Is This Course Right for You?

Who attends The Role of the Managing Director Programme:

Job Seniority
Job Seniority

Managing Directors

Time in Role
Time in Role

5 years Managing Director experience on average

Sector
Sector

Cross-sector

Key Objective
Key Objective

Develop the strategic, governance, and leadership capabilities to succeed as a Managing Director

TAKE THE IN-HOUSE APPROACH

Considering completing this course in-house?

Our In-House training is fully customisable to your business, and we will work with you to create the perfect training programme for your organisation.

Find out more Speak to the team

UPCOMING COURSES

Check availability and book your place on an upcoming The Role of the Managing Director

04 Nov 2026 - 09:00 AM

Location: London

Price: £1,800.00

Available: 16 space(s) remaining

Book Your Place

22 Mar 2027 - 09:00 AM

Location: London

Price: £1,800.00

Available: 16 space(s) remaining

Book Your Place

19 Jan 2027 - 09:00 AM

Location: Virtual

Price: £1,700.00

Available: 16 space(s) remaining

Book Your Place

This programme is designed for current and newly appointed Managing Directors, CEOs, and senior leaders who hold – or are about to assume – ultimate accountability for the performance of a business. Delegates typically have an average of 5 years’ experience in the MD role and attend from a wide cross-section of industries. It is equally valuable for first-time MDs preparing for the transition and experienced MDs seeking to refine their strategic and governance capabilities.

 

There are no formal qualification requirements. The programme is designed for practising Managing Directors and senior leaders with real-world executive responsibility. Delegates benefit most when they bring current business challenges to the sessions, as the programme is highly practical and discussion-led.

The 2-day programme covers the full scope of the Managing Director’s role, including strategic vision and mission alignment, board governance and the relationship between the MD and the Chair, financial control and forecasting, change management, crisis management, leading in a digital age and building effective management teams. You will also explore frameworks including EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results).

Cohort sizes are kept deliberately small to ensure meaningful discussion, peer learning, and direct access to the tutor. This cross-sector format means you will learn alongside MDs from different industries, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse approaches to common leadership challenges.

Yes. This programme is available as an in-house course, delivered exclusively for your organisation’s leadership team. In-house delivery allows the content to be tailored to your business context, sector, and specific challenges. In-house pricing starts from £2,750 + VAT per day. Contact the team to discuss your requirements.

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