The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive responsible for managing the daily operations of a company. This individual reports directly to the CEO and is considered second in command. The COO must be knowledgeable in technology, lead innovation, and improve customer success. To do this, they must have strong strategic planning skills and be resilient in order to maximize the company's performance. Alternative titles for the COO include Director of Operations, Director of Operations, Director of Operations, and Vice President of Operations.
At a high level, the COO is responsible for making sure all internal systems are running smoothly so that the company can operate optimally. If a company has a COO, this person is likely to be well-versed in the business and industry and is often responsible for ensuring that the company's operating model works properly. To be successful in this role, operations managers need experience in business operations, data analysis, problem solving, leadership and management. A COO is part of senior management, which includes the CEO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). While there is no specific training that guarantees access to an operations manager position, 65% of operations managers in the U. S.
have a bachelor's degree and 20% have obtained a master's degree. When a company seeks to expand, having a qualified COO is essential to achieving those growth objectives. The position of COO provides an opportunity to use business experience, strategic leadership and operational support within an executive-level role to support a company's growth and future trajectory. It is important to understand how other members of the executive management team, such as Chief Information Officers, are evolving.
