Small Business Manager resume example
What makes this resume great
This resume is a great example for a Small Business Manager because it highlights progressive leadership roles in relevant industries, demonstrates a strong mix of operational and financial skills, and showcases a solid educational background in business. The candidate lists key skills that are directly aligned with small business management, such as budgeting, team leadership, and process improvement. The work experience is clearly structured, showing career growth and relevant achievements. The inclusion of a professional website and LinkedIn profile adds credibility and professionalism. Overall, the resume is concise, well-organized, and tailored to the role.
Resume summary examples for Small Business Manager
Example #1
Strong Summary
Results-driven Small Business Manager with 10+ years of experience overseeing business operations, financial management, and team leadership in retail and hospitality environments. Proven track record of increasing profitability, optimizing processes, and delivering exceptional customer service.
Weak Summary
I have worked in business management for several years and am good at leading teams and handling operations.
Example #2
Strong Summary
Dynamic leader skilled in business operations, budgeting, and marketing strategy, with a passion for driving growth and improving efficiency in small business settings.
Weak Summary
I like working with people and have done some marketing and budgeting before.
Example #3
Strong Summary
Experienced manager with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a history of successfully managing teams, improving processes, and achieving business goals.
Weak Summary
I have a business degree and have managed people in the past.
Resume achievement examples for Small Business Manager
Example #1
Strong Achievement
Increased Urban Market Co.'s annual revenue by 25% over three years through strategic marketing initiatives and process improvements.
Weak Achievement
Helped the company grow by improving marketing and processes.
Example #2
Strong Achievement
Reduced operating costs by 18% at Green Leaf Café by renegotiating vendor contracts and streamlining inventory management.
Weak Achievement
Worked on reducing costs and managing inventory at the café.
Example #3
Strong Achievement
Trained and developed a team of 15 staff members at Sunrise Retail Group, resulting in a 30% improvement in customer satisfaction scores.
Weak Achievement
Trained staff and helped improve customer service at the store.
Essential skills for a Small Business Manager
- Business Operations
- Financial Management
- Team Leadership
- Customer Service
- Inventory Management
- Marketing Strategy
- Budgeting
- Process Improvement
- Staff Training
- Vendor Management
Resume best practices
Tailor Your Resume for a Small Business Manager
Customize your resume for the specific position you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the most relevant experience.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Ideally, your resume should be one page (two if you have extensive experience). Focus on achievements and essential information and avoid fluff.
Use a Clean, Professional Format
Stick to a simple layout with consistent font, spacing, and section headings. Use bullet points for readability. Avoid overly decorative fonts or colors.
Start with a Strong Summary
Write a compelling summary or objective at the top that briefly outlines your background, key skills, and what you bring to being a Small Business Manager.
Emphasize Achievements Over Duties
Use bullet points to describe what you accomplished as a Small Business Manager, not just what you were responsible for. Include measurable results when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 25% in six months").
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Improved," "Streamlined," to convey impact and ownership.
Highlight Skills and Tools
Create a dedicated skills section that includes technical tools, software, or soft skills relevant to being a Small Business Manager (e.g., Excel, Python, CRM systems, leadership, communication).
Include Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any relevant certifications or ongoing courses. Mention GPA if it’s strong (generally above 3.5) and you're early in your career.
Proofread Carefully
Avoid spelling or grammatical errors since they can be deal-breakers. Ask someone else to review your resume or use tools like Grammarly.