Develop executive management skills
Management skills training that equips you to be a more effective leader.
Nearly a third of UK managers have received no formal training to help them do their job effectively. At the same time, 40% regularly doubt their own judgement at work and 67% experience work-related stress at least once a week. This is a sign of managers who aren't receiving the development they need.
At Alliance Manchester Business School, our management training and executive development programmes combine research-led insight with practical application, giving you the tools, techniques and confidence to lead people, manage complexity and drive performance in the real world.
We develop managers who are effective, resilient and are ready for what comes next.
New research: Navigating Unprecedented Change
We surveyed 500 UK senior decision-makers to understand how business leaders are responding to complexity and what training would help most.
Our Management Development Programmes
Whether you're looking to sharpen your own management skills or develop capability across your organisation, we offer options designed to fit your goals and your schedule.
Short Business Courses
For individuals
Targeted, practical leadership skill development you can apply immediately. Our short courses cover everything from managing complexity and leading change to strategic productivity.
- Funding available
- 50% funding available for leaders in Greater Manchester organisations.
- Duration
- 2-5 days
Customised Programmes
For organisations
If you need leadership development at scale, we work with you to design a bespoke programme, or adapt one of our existing courses, around your organisation's specific challenges and culture.
- Duration
- Bespoke
MBA Programmes
For individuals
Develop strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and the confidence to lead across functions and geographies.
- Four programmes available
- Designed to fit your professional life, with full-time, part-time, executive and finance-accelerated routes available.
- Duration
- 15-24 months
I chose to study here because of The Manchester Method, which emphasises learning by doing. For me, I learn better when I get to immediately apply what I’ve learnt in the classroom.
A top business school
Top 5 UK business school
Top 10 Executive Education
Top 5 MBA
60+ years developing leaders
5 global business education centres
Triple-accredited business school
83%
of managers in mid-size businesses say their role is more complex than in 2020
31%
have received no formal training to manage effectively in their role
40%
want training on understanding AI and how best to leverage it
The Managing Complex Business Challenges course revealed an entirely different approach to managing decisions and governance and it has been transformational in altering my thinking behind making decisions.
Trusted by leading organisations
We loved the collaboration we got with the Business School. They've worked really closely with us to understand our business and the challenges that we face.
Management FAQs
Management training focuses on the practical skills of managing a team, performance, productivity, handling complex challenges, people management. Leadership focuses on strategy, impact on organisation, vision, organisational complexity. Both overlap and our programmes generally develop both.
Our own research shows that 40% of managers regularly doubt their own judgement at work, and 55% are worried about remaining relevant as the business world evolves. Structured management development directly addresses both.
We support with building the skills, confidence and perspective that make managers more effective and more resilient. Organisations that invest in management capability consistently report improvements in team performance, retention and employee engagement.
Our short management courses are designed for immediate impact. They run for 2-5 days and focus on practical tools and frameworks you can bring back to your team straight away. Longer programmes like the MBA build knowledge and skills over time and are designed to develop your strategic and commercial thinking alongside your day-to-day management skills.
We offer a range of management skills training, including courses on managing complex business challenges, strategic productivity, motivating and engaging teams, and developing commercial strategies. We also offer full MBA programmes and bespoke customised management development programmes for organisations.
Yes. Our Client Relations team works with organisations to build bespoke management development solutions, either by adapting an existing course or designing something entirely new to match your objectives, culture and sector.
Our programmes are grounded in original research and delivered by academics and experts who work directly with businesses. We’re a top 5 UK business school with over 60 years of experience developing managers and leaders, and our cohort-based approach means you learn alongside peers who bring real-world challenges into the room.
Ready to take the next step?
Speak to our team about which management training option is right for you.
Want to know more?