How to Write a Manager CV That Gets Interviews (and Promotions!)

Manager roles are integral across a variety of some of the UK's biggest industries, from sales and operations to customer service and retail. The demand for skilled managers continues to grow as companies seek leaders who can drive results, inspire teams, and ensure smooth operations. Crafting a compelling manager CV is your opportunity to showcase your leadership abilities, transferable skills, and relevant experience that align with these high-demand roles.

Whether you’re eyeing up a promotion, applying for a sales manager position, aiming for an operations management role, or stepping into a customer-facing managerial role in retail, your modern CV should reflect your expertise and potential to excel.

In this guide, we show you:

1. How to structure your manager CV effectively.

2. Tips for showcasing your leadership and industry-specific skills.

3. Job-specific CV examples to inspire and refine your approach.

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Manager CV example

What to include in a manager CV?

Your CV should emphasise leadership qualities, key achievements, and relevant skills. Start with a clear and concise structure:

1. Personal details: Include your name, address or location, contact information, and LinkedIn profile.

2. Personal profile: A brief summary of your career highlights and ambitions. Use industry-specific keywords and highlight leadership skills.

3. Skills section: Highlight a mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills: Project management, financial planning, or data analysis. Soft skills: Leadership, time management, and adaptability.

4. Work history: Use bullet points to detail roles and achievements.

5. Education: List your qualifications, including degrees and additional training that align with management roles.

6. Additional Information: Add relevant courses, certificates, or language skills.

A well-structured, applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly CV can make all the difference in securing an interview. For guidance on starting your CV with a comprehensive document, check out our master CV guide.

Keep reading as we dive deeper into each essential CV section!

How to write a manager CV in 5 easy steps

1. How to write a personal profile for a manager CV

Your personal profile is your chance to grab the recruiter's attention right from the start. Think of it as a brief, yet powerful introduction to who you are, what you can bring to the table, and where you want to go. Use this space to showcase your passion for the role and highlight the key skills and qualities that make you the ideal candidate for the job.

This is the perfect opportunity to express how your experience and leadership align with the company’s needs, demonstrating why you’re the right fit for the team. Make it concise, impactful, and memorable!

Here are a few examples of manager CV profiles for different industries:

Refer to the sales manager CV example for more guidance.

Take a look at the operations manager CV writing guide for further tips.

Want more tips? Explore the restaurant manager CV example and writing guide.

Find more inspiration for your store manager job application with our step-by-step writing guide for a store manager CV.

Refer to the retail CV example for more guidance!

Applying for a role in a supermarket like Aldi or Tescos? Explore our supermarket CV example for more tips.

2. How to showcase manager skills on a CV

In the CV skills section, highlight your ability to manage tasks efficiently and lead teams in dynamic, high-pressure environments. Showcase your experience in handling complex responsibilities, such as meeting targets, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and driving performance in fast-paced settings. Use tangible examples from your past managerial roles or leadership experiences that demonstrate your ability to excel under pressure and deliver results.

5 essential skills for a manager:

1. Leadership skills: The ability to motivate and guide a team toward achieving goals.

2. Time management: Effectively prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.

3. Operational efficiency: Streamlining processes to save time and resources.

4. Problem-solving: Addressing challenges with innovative solutions.

5. Communication: Clearly conveying ideas and fostering collaboration.

Read more about how to showcase your communication or IT skills on a CV.

For those with less direct managerial experience, consider adopting a skills-based CV format to emphasise your transferable skills. Focus on core competencies such as effective communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and team leadership. Show how these skills were applied in previous roles, whether in part-time work, internships, or volunteer positions, and how they have prepared you to take on management responsibilities. This approach can demonstrate your readiness to succeed in a managerial role, even without an extensive background in management.

In-demand soft skills for managers in 2025:

• Emotional intelligence for team management.

• Conflict resolution to navigate workplace challenges.

• Creativity to drive innovative solutions.

• Critical thinking for decision-making.

• Collaboration across diverse teams.

Read more about top skills that employers are looking for in 2025.

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You can also find more job-specific manager-level examples in the CV writing guides for a warehouse CV or construction CV.

3. How to include practical work experience for a manager CV

Highlighting your work history is a pivotal part of a manager CV, as it demonstrates your leadership skills, achievements, and ability to drive results. Here’s how to structure it effectively:

• Start with your most recent role: List your positions in reverse-chronological order, ensuring that the most relevant experience is at the top. Include the job title, company name, location, and employment dates.

• Use bullet points to describe responsibilities: Keep your descriptions concise and focused on your core responsibilities. Use action verbs like "led," "implemented," "streamlined," and "coordinated" to convey impact and authority.

• Focus on measurable contributions: Quantify your achievements wherever possible. For example, instead of saying "Managed a team," say "Led a team of 20 employees, achieving a 15% increase in productivity." Highlight metrics such as revenue growth, cost savings, efficiency improvements, or customer satisfaction scores.

Examples of work history for a manager CV:

Sales Manager, MediHealth, Brighton, UK, 2015 - 2023

Led a high-performing sales team of 10 members, implementing effective strategies. Conducted regular performance reviews, provided constructive feedback, and recognised top-performing team members, contributing to a positive and motivated work environment. Analysed market trends and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities.

• Developed and executed comprehensive training programs for the team, resulting in a 30% improvement in individual and team sales performance.

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, reducing order processing time by 15% and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Grocery Operations Manager, Asda, Manchester, UK, 2020-present

Manage a team of 15 staff members, providing training, scheduling shifts, and fostering a positive work environment to enhance team productivity. Supervise stock levels, conduct regular stock audits, and liaise with suppliers to maintain optimal inventory levels and minimise wastage. Ensure the freshness and quality of products, implement quality control measures, and promptly address customer complaints about grocery items.

• Implemented efficient inventory management strategies, reducing wastage by 25% and saving the company £50,000 annually.

• Introduced a performance-based incentive program, resulting in a 30% increase in staff productivity and a significant improvement in customer service ratings.

• Negotiated favourable terms with suppliers, leading to a 15% reduction in procurement costs while maintaining the quality of grocery products.

Restaurant General Manager, Gourmet Haven, Birmingham, 2015 - 2018

Managed overall restaurant operations, including budgeting, staffing, and compliance. Collaborated with suppliers, planned menus, and ensured high-quality customer service. Implemented marketing strategies to drive customer engagement and enhance profitability.

• Optimised operational efficiency, resulting in a 25% reduction in overall costs within the first year.

• Introduced new menu items, leading to a 15% increase in customer retention.

How to tailor your work history to get a promotion

For someone aiming to move from an assistant or team member role into a managerial position, it’s essential to effectively highlight relevant practical work experience on your CV. Here are some tips:

1. Focus on leadership responsibilities: Even in customer service roles, you may have had opportunities to demonstrate leadership. Include any instances where you took the lead on tasks, mentored new employees, or helped solve complex customer issues. Highlight instances where you may have overseen a team, handled escalated issues, or coordinated team activities.

2. Demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making: Managers are often required to solve problems efficiently. Showcase specific examples where you addressed customer complaints or challenges, making data-driven or timely decisions to improve the customer experience or operational efficiency.

3. Quantify achievements: Use specific numbers to show your impact. For instance, “Led a team that reduced customer complaints by 25%” or “Managed a portfolio of 50+ customer accounts, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate.” These figures show that you’re not just performing tasks but achieving measurable results.

4. Transferable skills: Emphasise skills like communication, conflict resolution, time management, and collaboration - all critical in a managerial role. Show how you’ve used these skills to drive customer satisfaction, improve team efficiency, or achieve organisational goals.

5. Highlight initiatives and projects: If you initiated or contributed to any special projects, training programs, or process improvements, be sure to include these. For example, “Implemented a new customer feedback system that improved response time by 30%.”

6. Tailor to managerial skills: Align your current customer service role responsibilities with the competencies needed for a management position. For example, “Coordinated team schedules and managed daily operations, ensuring all targets were met on time” can be positioned as management experience in a practical setting.

Customer Service Team Assistant, Sainsbury's, Birmingham, UK, 2018-present

Provided support to a team of 10 customer service representatives, assisting with day-to-day operations and ensuring a high standard of customer service delivery. Responded promptly to customer inquiries via phone, email, and in-person, maintaining professionalism and a solution-oriented approach. Handled customer complaints, ensuring timely resolutions and tracking issues to prevent recurrence. Assisted in maintaining accurate records of customer interactions and service requests, contributing to improved data management and operational efficiency.

• Contributed to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores by offering prompt and effective assistance and following up on service quality.

• Collaborated with the marketing department to share customer feedback, influencing improvements to store promotions and product offerings.

Read more about how to highlight your work experience in a CV.

4. How to list education on a manager CV

When adding education to your CV, it’s important to present your academic qualifications clearly and concisely, showcasing your commitment to learning and professional development. Follow the reverse chronological order - listing your most recent qualification first—so employers can see your highest and most relevant credentials at the top.

Key details to include:

• Degree title or qualification: Clearly state the degree or qualification (e.g., Bachelor of Business Administration, Diploma in Hospitality Management).

• Institution: Name the university, college, or school where you studied.

• Dates of study: Include the start and end year (or expected graduation date).

• Additional notes: If you achieved honours or notable awards, mention them briefly.

Formatting examples:

• Bachelor of Business Administration | University of Manchester | 2015–2018

• Diploma in Hospitality Management | London College | 2014–2016

This approach provides a clear and professional presentation, making it easy for hiring managers to spot your academic qualifications.

5. How to enhance your CV with courses and certificates

Courses and certificates on a CV can show you have specialised knowledge or training relevant to a management position. If you’ve completed management-specific courses or earned certifications, they demonstrate that you’re not only capable of fulfilling managerial tasks but also committed to professional development.

Examples of certifications:

• PRINCE2 Certification (for project management expertise)

• Leadership Training Course (indicating leadership and team-building skills)

• Advanced Excel for Business (demonstrating proficiency in data analysis and reporting)

You can also include languages, professional memberships, or volunteer work if they add value to the role.

Take a look at the following CV examples which are not necessarily people leader roles but where leadership skills also come into play with stakeholder or project management:

• Business development manager CV

• Project manager CV

• Account manager CV

• Product manager CV.

Key takeaways

This guide shows you how to write a good CV for a manager job that emphasises your relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Consider completing relevant certifications or training and adding references if you have little to no management work experience to leverage your CV.

For more inspiration, read our article on how to improve your CV with expert tips and examples.

Next steps?

If you’d like to kickstart your journey but aren’t quite sure where to start, we can help you create a job-specific CV. Consider our CV Writing Service. For more tips, read our career blog and learn how to track job applications and send your CV via email. Increase your chances of lasting impact with our professional cover letter advice and job interview tips.

FAQs

What is the best CV format for a manager?

The most effective CV format for a manager is the reverse-chronological format. This structure highlights your most recent and relevant experience first, allowing recruiters to quickly see your career progression. It ensures that your leadership roles and key achievements are immediately visible. Clear headings, such as Professional Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications, will make your CV easy to navigate. Each section should be concise and well-organised, with bullet points used to describe your accomplishments.  

How to write management responsibilities in a CV?

When listing management responsibilities on your CV, focus on demonstrating your leadership and decision-making abilities. Highlight specific tasks such as team management, project oversight, budgeting, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with measurable outcomes, such as percentage improvements, revenue increases, or cost savings.

How long should a manager's CV be?

For most managerial roles, a CV should be two pages in length. This allows you enough space to showcase your career progression, key skills, and accomplishments without overwhelming the recruiter. If you have extensive experience, it’s acceptable to go into more detail, but make sure to prioritise relevance. Read more about how long a CV should be.

How much is a manager paid in the UK? 

Salaries for managerial positions in the UK can vary widely based on the industry, company size, and geographical location. On average, a manager can expect to earn between £30,000 and £50,000 annually. However, this can increase significantly in sectors such as finance, IT, or senior-level roles, where salaries may exceed £60,000. It's important to research salary benchmarks in your specific field to better understand compensation expectations and to negotiate salary effectively when the time comes.

How to become a manager in the UK? 

You will need a combination of relevant experience, key skills, and possibly certifications. Start by gaining experience in junior or mid-level roles where you can develop your leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Take on responsibilities that demonstrate your capacity for decision-making, team management, and achieving measurable goals.