Achieving the position of chief operating officer (COO) is an ambitious goal that requires a combination of education, experience, and ambition. Most operations managers have at least a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, and many employers prefer professionals who have an MBA. It usually takes 8 to 10 years of progress in positions with increasing responsibilities to be considered for the position of COO. For instance, someone might start out as a middle manager and move up to a senior executive position before moving on to the position of chief operating officer.
As a COO, you will be responsible for implementing the CEO's strategy and vision, establishing policies and procedures in various departments. The full compensation package for an operations director depends on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience and geographical location. Emma Stone, director of operations at Postcode Anywhere, explains: “Over the past 18 years, I have climbed my career from call center agent to operations director. Executive leaders are often accountable to the chief operating officer, who aligns executives and their departments with the CEO's company objectives, policies, procedures, and overall vision.”Aspiring operations managers can begin their careers in entry-level positions such as financial analyst, marketing assistant, and customer service representative. A deep understanding of your industry and the market in which you operate, together with experience in change management, operational controls and leadership, will be an advantage for you.
Landing positions such as chief financial officer or product manager provides the leadership experience that companies want for operations director positions. Operations managers typically have a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, economics, finance, or a related field. Many also earn their master's degrees in business administration. Operations managers are the second most powerful executives in the company since they manage daily internal processes and implement the visions and strategies of executive directors. To become a COO you need to have an understanding of your industry and the market in which you operate. You should also have experience in change management, operational controls and leadership.
It is also important to have a bachelor's degree in business or a related field and many employers prefer professionals who have an MBA. It usually takes 8 to 10 years of progress in positions with increasing responsibilities to be considered for the position of chief operating officer. The full compensation package for an operations director depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to the candidate's experience and geographical location. Executive leaders are still essential to many companies so chief operating officers will continue to receive opportunities in the labor market.
