A Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a top executive responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a company. The COO works closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and often acts as the second-in-command. While the CEO focuses on long-term strategy and vision, the COO takes those high-level goals and turns them into actionable processes to ensure the business runs smoothly. Below, we’ll explore the role of a COO, their key responsibilities, required skills, examples of successful COOs, and how their role is changing.

What Is a COO?

The COO plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the CEO’s big-picture vision and the practical realities of daily business operations. The position dates back to the industrial era when factory managers kept operations running smoothly. Today, COOs work across many industries, from tech to healthcare, improving workflows, aligning departments, and delivering measurable results.

• Second-in-Command: The COO often ranks just below the CEO, taking on leadership tasks so the CEO can focus on strategy and innovation.
• Execution-Oriented: COOs turn strategic goals into action, making sure different departments collaborate effectively.
• Operations Expert: Depending on the company, the COO oversees various operational aspects like supply chain management or human resources.
• In large corporations, the COO may oversee several divisions, while in smaller companies, they handle a wide range of responsibilities, from hiring to product launches.

Key Responsibilities of a COO

• Operational Management: The COO ensures that the company’s daily operations align with its strategic goals. They monitor resource use, departmental performance, and process improvements, focusing on maintaining quality and productivity.
• Strategy Implementation: While the CEO sets the direction, the COO breaks down strategic initiatives into specific actions for various departments, ensuring all teams contribute to the overall objectives.
• Process Optimization: The COO designs or refines processes and systems to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction, from manufacturing innovations to supply chain adjustments.
• Leadership and Team Development: As a top executive, the COO leads hiring for departments under their purview, mentors managers, and nurtures a strong team culture.
• Reporting and Communication: The COO provides the CEO and board with key operational data to guide decision-making, ensuring transparency and accountability through reports and updates.

Skills and Qualifications of a COO

• Analytical & Managerial Skills: A COO needs a blend of strategic thinking and a deep understanding of day-to-day operations, from identifying gaps to adjusting strategies.
• Communication & Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills are essential for managing cross-functional teams and resolving any conflicts that arise.
• Decision-Making & Adaptability: COOs must make quick decisions during crises, weighing the trade-offs to ensure the company’s stability.
• Industry Knowledge: While some operational basics are universal, understanding the specifics of an industry—whether it’s tech or retail—helps a COO make impactful improvements.
• Education & Experience: While an MBA or operations degree is helpful, hands-on experience is often more important. Many COOs have worked their way up through roles like operations director or product manager.

Examples of Successful COOs

• Gwynne Shotwell (SpaceX): As President and COO, Shotwell helped streamline operations and led SpaceX’s growth into a leader in commercial space travel.
• Jeff Williams (Apple): Williams oversees global operations at Apple, improving manufacturing efficiency and helping to introduce new products like the Apple Watch.
• Linda Jojo (United Airlines): Jojo, the COO and Executive VP at United, focuses on improving operations and customer experience, helping the airline adapt to challenges like the pandemic.
• Ana Corrales (Google): Corrales manages Google’s hardware division, overseeing everything from product development to customer experience.

Career Path to Becoming a COO

• Early Career: Most COOs start in managerial roles, learning how departments work together. This experience in areas like logistics or finance forms the foundation for leadership roles later on.
• Mid-Career: Aspiring COOs typically take on director-level roles, such as Director of Operations, to gain experience managing larger, more complex projects.
• Education: While not always required, degrees in business, finance, or operations can help, as can specialized courses in areas like project management or supply chain.
• Networking & Mentorship: Building relationships with senior executives and mentors can help you refine your leadership style and strategic thinking.

COO Salaries

COO salaries vary based on company size, industry, and location. In smaller businesses, base salaries range from $120,000 to $200,000, with bonuses and stock options adding to the total compensation. At large corporations, COOs can earn over $1 million, with compensation often tied to company performance.

The Future of the COO Role

The role of the COO is evolving. Today’s COOs are expected to manage not only internal operations but also strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and global operations. They are increasingly involved in areas like sustainability, data management, and adopting new technologies to keep companies competitive.

• Technology Integration: COOs need to lead digital transformations, ensuring that their companies make the most of data analytics and AI.
• Global Team Management: As remote work becomes more common, COOs must manage diverse teams across time zones and cultures.
• Corporate Responsibility: COOs will play a key role in implementing sustainability and ethical initiatives that meet the demands of customers, shareholders, and regulators.
• Flexibility: COOs must be able to adapt quickly to unexpected changes, such as supply chain disruptions or new competitors.

Final Thoughts

A COO is essential for turning a company’s strategy into effective operations. They manage everything from operational efficiency to team development, ensuring that all departments work together toward the company’s mission. As businesses become more complex, COOs must combine their operational expertise with a flexible, people-centered approach to leadership.

Whether you’re aiming for a COO role or restructuring your company’s leadership, understanding the responsibilities and skills required for this position is crucial. With a mix of operational know-how, technical expertise, and strong leadership, a modern COO can navigate digital changes, expand into new markets, and keep the company moving forward.