If you want to use a power verb to demonstrate your capability of taking charge, making decisions, and organizing people, 'managed' is the perfect word. This word indicates that you have a certain level of responsibility and authority. A hiring manager will see this as evidence that you can handle the work they need to be done.

But, no matter how powerful the word is to describe your ability, it's always a good idea to use synonyms for the word 'managed' in your resume. This can help you avoid repetition and keep your resume from looking like a list of skills and responsibilities, which is often an automatic turn-off for recruiters.

To fix it, try replacing 'managed' with these synonyms: led, spearheaded, or executed. This will make your resume stand out from the crowd, especially if the job you're applying for requires an assertive leader who can take charge and get things done.

Using synonyms in your resume can help you avoid repetition and adds variety to your writing, which makes your resume more engaging.

I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Managed on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).

Resume Synonyms for Managed:

Supervised
Executed
Coordinated
Overhauled
Controlled
Pioneered
Directed
Negotiated
Implemented
Devised
Maintained
Accelerated
Secured
Analyzed
Instigated
Strengthened
Calculated
Leveraged
Revitalized
Transcended
Fielded
Managed
Commanded
Steered
Operated
Piloted
Conducted
Led
Headed
Governed
Processed
Delivered
Resolved
Hosted
Presided
Orchestrated

How to replace Managed with a stronger action verb:

Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Managed, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.

Before: Weak example using Managed

• Managed team to restructure pricing so it was less cost-based; implemented a three-tiered pricing model which increased average sale 35% and margin 12%

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Spearheaded a major pricing restructure by redirecting focus on consumer willingness to pay instead of product cost; implemented a three-tiered pricing model which increased average sale 35% and margin 12%.

Replacing Managed with Supervised ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed a group of sales associates at a retail store.

⤸

After: Supervised• Supervised a team of eight sales associates at a key retail location, achieving a 25% increase in quarterly sales through effective customer-driven strategies and upselling techniques.

The initial statement was vague and lacked any quantifiable results. By including specific numbers and detailing the methods used, this updated version provides a clear depiction of the impact made while in this role.

Tip: I've prepared a ton of additional examples for you to give you inspiration. Please click on any of the following to expand and see real examples of how I've rewritten client bullet points.

Replacing Managed with Executed ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed a new advertising campaign for the company.

⤸

After: Executed• Executed a comprehensive advertising campaign that directly resulted in a 15% increase in overall brand awareness, and a 10% boost in website traffic within the first quarter.

The 'before' statement failed to convey the success and scope of the advertising campaign. By detailing the exact results achieved, the new version demonstrates efficacy and business impact.

Replacing Managed with Coordinated ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed the onboarding of new employees.

⤸

After: Coordinated• Coordinated the seamless onboarding of over 50 new employees within a year, contributing to a 30% growth in the company's workforce while maintaining a 90% retention rate.

The update outlines the scope of the task performed and provides quantifiable metrics. Details of the task's impact on the organization's growth were added to highlight the key role you played.

Replacing Managed with Overhauled ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed the company's outdated financial systems.

⤸

After: Overhauled• Overhauled the company's outdated financial systems, implementing new software which improved efficiency by 60% and saved approximately $20,000 on annual expenses.

The original lacked specifics and results. The update illustrates what exactly was done and the resulting benefit, providing a clear picture of the candidate's capacity to induce positive changes.

Replacing Managed with Controlled ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed departmental budget.

⤸

After: Controlled• Controlled $5M annual department budget, reducing expenditures by 15% while upholding service quality throughout the fiscal year.

By replacing 'Managed' with 'Controlled' and adding relevant numerals and percentages, this statement presents a clearer, stronger image of fiscal management skills.

Replacing Managed with Pioneered ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed new project launch.

⤸

After: Pioneered• Pioneered the successful launch of a groundbreaking project that generated an additional $50,000 in revenue within the first two months.

Details of the project's success were added in the 'after' statement to underscore the significance of the role played and the positive impact made on the company's profit margin.

Replacing Managed with Directed ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed customer service resolutions.

⤸

After: Directed• Directed resolution of key customer issues, drastically reducing complaint escalations by 40% within six months while improving customer satisfaction ratings.

Including the time frame, specific benefits, and impact on customer satisfaction amongst the changes made paints a clearer picture of the initiative's success and your effectiveness in the role.

Replacing Managed with Negotiated ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed contracts with suppliers.

⤸

After: Negotiated• Negotiated supplier contracts leading to improved terms and conditions, averting an annual increase costing $70,000 and streamlining supply chain processes.

By detailing the contract negotiation and its impact on the company's finances, the revised version effectively showcases your negotiations skills and the financial benefit the company reaped.

Replacing Managed with Implemented ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed internal communication processes.

⤸

After: Implemented• Implemented streamlined internal communication processes resulting in 40% less email clutter and a 20% increase in meeting efficiency.

The 'after' statement shows off problem-solving abilities as it clearly outlines the solution provided and the positive results that followed, producing an overall picture of effectiveness.

Replacing Managed with Devised ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed new strategies for product marketing.

⤸

After: Devised• Devised innovative product marketing strategies that boosted online sales by 35% over a quarter and increased brand engagement with consumers.

The revision highlights the creativity involved in devising successful strategies, its positive impact on the company's sales and brand engagement, providing hiring managers an understanding of your direct contribution.

Replacing Managed with Maintained ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed company website.

⤸

After: Maintained• Maintained company's website, implementing SEO strategies that increased organic traffic by 78% over six months.

By describing the exact task and its impact, the update emphasizes the importance of the role and the proficiency in SEO, contributing to the company's online visibility.

Replacing Managed with Accelerated ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed the production process.

⤸

After: Accelerated• Accelerated the production process by integrating a new assembly line system, ramping up production by 20% and reducing downtime by 15%.

In the updated statement, by using a power verb and including specific details of the result achieved, it paints a vivid picture of your ability to improve processes and enhance productivity.

Replacing Managed with Secured ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed negotiations with a new client.

⤸

After: Secured• Secured a profitable partnership with a key industry client, resulting in an unexpected $2M increase in annual revenue for the company.

The revision emphasizes the outcome of these negotiations showing off your ability to seal deals and contribute to the company's bottom line.

Replacing Managed with Analyzed ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed data reporting for the company's customer base.

⤸

After: Analyzed• Analyzed data across the company's 50,000+ customer base, identifying patterns that lead to a 15% improvement in customer retention rates.

The 'after' version specifies the breadth of the task and its outcome, highlighting analytical skills and the beneficial impact on the company.

Replacing Managed with Instigated ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed a team to improve company morale.

⤸

After: Instigated• Instigated a company-wide initiative that improved employee satisfaction scores by 25% and reduced staff turnover by 15% within one year.

The upgrade provides specific statistics and results to illustrate the impact of your leadership, showcasing the ability to set in motion changes that bolster a company's culture.

Replacing Managed with Strengthened ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed the company's client relationships.

⤸

After: Strengthened• Strengthened key client relationships, leading to an extended partnership duration by an average of two years and a 10% increase in client referrals.

Specific details about the positive outcomes of the action make the 'after' statement much stronger, highlighting your capacity to construct fruitful business relationships.

Replacing Managed with Calculated ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed financial forecasts for the fiscal year.

⤸

After: Calculated• Calculated and presented financial forecasts that accurately predicted a slowdown in quarter three, informing early mitigation strategies that reduced losses by 20%.

The revision details the forecasting accuracy and its positive consequences, showing your ability to make fiscal predictions that impact company policies.

Replacing Managed with Leveraged ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed company's social media presence.

⤸

After: Leveraged• Leveraged company's social media presence, increasing follower engagement rates by 45% over one year and achieving a 25% increase in website click-throughs.

By moving from 'managed' to 'leveraged' and providing specific numerical outcomes, your action's impact and the practical knowledge of social media management are more effectively communicated.

Replacing Managed with Revitalized ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed company's old and ineffective training practices.

⤸

After: Revitalized• Revitalized outdated company training practices, resulting in a 30% increase in team productivity and a reduction in the training period from 8 weeks to 5 weeks.

In the 'after' statement, describing the benefits in a quantifiable way outlines the role you played in augmenting productivity and streamlining company processes.

Replacing Managed with Transcended ▾

Before: Managed

• Managed increased profits for the company.

⤸

After: Transcended• Transcended company's financial targets by capitalizing on new markets, contributing to a 45% increase in profits compared to the previous fiscal year.

The revised statement underlines the strategy employed and its prosperous outcome, showcasing initiative, strategic thinking, and the ability to deliver over and beyond expectations.

How to use these synonyms in practice

We've put together an infographic to give you more examples of how to put this into practice. Note the use of strong action verbs instead of words like Managed.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Created on a resume:

• Created and implemented Google AdWords strategy; increased customer acquisitions by 20% and decreased cost per acquisition by 50%.

How to use Implemented on a resume:

• Implemented crash reporter and used findings to fix three biggest causes of crashes; fixes reduced customer support calls by 30%.

How to use Performed on a resume:

• Performed DCF analysis to evaluate offers for company's sell-side process; qualitative offer comparison and quantitative model outputs were shared directly with client's senior management team.

How to use Enabled on a resume:

• Enabled integration with existing systems by creating tool that extracts metadata from images and provides metadata to a system-wide search database..

How to use Led on a resume:

• Led five developers to establish client's ERP system; identified $1.5MM in cost savings, and secured $1MM+ in additional work for Accenture.

How to use Promoted on a resume:

• Promoted within 12 months due to strong performance and organizational impact - ahead of schedule by 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Managed on a resume?

If you're looking for another word to use in place of Managed, consider using one of these stronger alternatives:

Piloted
Conducted
Processed
Orchestrated
Led
Managed

What is another way of saying Managed on a resume?

Words like Managed are overused on resumes. Instead, you should use other phrases like Commanded, Processed, Resolved, Fielded, Steered or Hosted.

Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.

As a next step, I'd recommend going through each of your resume's verbs and improving each one with stronger action verbs. The most effective way to do that is by uploading your resume to tool below. It'll tell you which parts of your resume need work, so you can improve them before a recruiter rejects you for them.

Related resume examples

C-Level and Executive

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

CIO resume with strategic planning and cybersecurity expertise

Go To Download Page

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

CFO resume with emphasis on financial skills and technology expertise

Go To Download Page

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

Go To Download Page

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

A Chief Operating Officer resume showcasing experience in managing daily operations, implementing business strategies, and ensuring the overall success of an organization.

Go To Download Page

E-Commerce Chief Financial Officer

Go To Download Page

Go to the full C-Level and Executive Resume Guide or C-Level and Executive CV Guide to see and download more proven templates.

Program Analyst

Management and Program Analyst

Go To Download Page

Program Analyst

Go To Download Page

Go to the full Program Analyst Resume Guide or Program Analyst CV Guide to see and download more proven templates.

Retail

Go To Download Page

Go To Download Page

Go To Download Page

Go To Download Page

Go To Download Page

Go to the full Retail Resume Guide or Retail CV Guide to see and download more proven templates.

Get a free resume review

Get expert feedback on your resume, instantly. Our free AI-powered resume checker scores your resume on key criteria recruiters and hiring managers look for. Get actionable steps to revamp your resume and land more interviews.

Upload Resume

Jump to another phrase