The chief operating officer (COO) is a senior executive who is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of a company. This individual is usually the second-in-command and reports directly to the CEO. The COO's role is to ensure that all operations are running smoothly and efficiently, while also providing guidance and direction to other members of the senior management team. They are also responsible for developing strategies to improve operational performance, as well as monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments.
In addition, the COO must maintain relationships with external stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, and partners. They must also ensure that all legal requirements are met, as well as comply with industry regulations. The COO must also be able to effectively communicate with all levels of staff, from entry-level employees to senior executives. The position of chief operating officer is a key member of the senior management team and depends only on the executive director (CEO).
Research in Motion's corporate structure had more than one COO, including Jim Rowan as director of global operations and Thorsten Heins as director of product operations and sales. When Larry Ellison, founder and CEO of Oracle, and its chief operating officer, Ray Lane, split in 2000, it sparked the kind of media attention usually reserved for celebrity divorces. The job description for a COO should include excellent organizational skills, strategic thinking abilities, strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and an understanding of financial management. This template is optimized for publication on job boards or online career pages and can be easily customized for your company.
