A Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a dual role that combines the functions of executive director and manager. They are responsible for designing and implementing policies to promote the company's culture and vision, as well as overseeing operations to keep companies on track. The COO usually reports directly to the executive director (CEO) and is considered second in the chain of command. The COO is the corporate executive who oversees ongoing business operations within the company.
Alternative titles for this role include operations director, operations manager, operations vice president, and vice president of operations. A typical COO focuses on running, managing, and leading the operations arm of a company. Writing an effective job description for an operations manager that inspires top talent to apply and offers realistic expectations of what the position entails is a good start. All other senior management positions, such as chief financial officer or chief information officer, are also particularly focused on their specific role.
All other functions of a company should focus on ensuring that the operations function can function at its optimal level. While the CEO is the face of the company and generally the most prominent position, the chief operating officer is responsible for the day-to-day leadership responsibilities and supports the CEO's vision. Learn how other members of the executive management team, such as chief information officers, are evolving. The COO is one of the most elusive and misunderstood positions in a company.
