What Are C-Level Corporate Jobs?

By Alison Doyle
Updated May 08, 2017

C-level jobs are the top executive or highest level corporate positions in a company. For example, a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) holds a C-level job. Other C-level job titles include CTO (Chief Technology Officer), CFO (Chief Financial Officer), CIO (Chief Information Officer), COO (Chief Operating Officer), CCO (Chief Compliance Officer), CKO (Chief Knowledge Officer), CSO (Chief Security Officer), CDO (Chief Data Officer), and CMO (Chief Marketing Officer).

Depending on the company, some titles are combined or broken down in order to better represent and support its needs.
What Does C-Level Job Mean?

The jobs of these high-level managers are called “C-level” because of their typical three-letter initialed title usually beginning with “C” for “Chief.” In general, these jobs have higher salaries because the workload is heavier and important decisions are made on behalf of the company at this level. These roles are usually achieved after years of experience in the field or time with the company.

In addition to multiple years of experience, many C-level executives have graduate degrees to provide them with a solid foundation for leadership. Those with a C-level title usually earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other professional degree related to their position. Educational background and work experience are both major factors that can make an employee an attractive candidate for a C-level position.
C-Level Roles Within a Company

C-level titles are used to describe a highly ranked individual’s role within the company. Corporate titles are used to indicate his or her responsibility within a company. Officers and managers that maintain C-level positions are some of the most influential and dominant members of an organization.

They usually have hire and fire authority; they lead stock decisions, oversee a larger workload than most employees, and have some of the highest salaries. C-level executives are often experts in business, leadership, and team-building as opposed to technical roles like engineering or mechanics. Some C-suite individuals oversee breakout sessions or teach leadership training within their company, while others may meet with other companies to solidify new business clients.
Senior Executive Teams

In large corporate organizations, many of these officers work together to create a senior executive team. Senior executive teams are expected to make joint decisions on investments, customer-facing issues, operations, and finance. They work together to determine best strategies for all important issues and decisions that affect the company at its highest level.
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