Synonyms: Operations Director, Director of Operations, Chief Operations Officer, Head of Operations

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become a Chief Operating Officer
• Career Promotion Path
• Specialties within Operations and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Lauren

Quick Facts

What chief operating officers do:

Chief operating officers (COOs) formulate policies and direct operational activities within organizations, ensuring alignment with board guidelines. They coordinate management efforts to achieve operational goals effectively.

Median income:

$206,680 annually or $99.37 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Chief operating officers typically have long working hours, particularly during critical periods like budget planning or quarterly reviews. They primarily work from an office setting but may also frequently travel to manage regional offices, attend industry conferences, or engage with stakeholders.

Education requirements:

A master’s degree or higher, particularly in business administration, is typically required.

Job outlook:

The future for chief operating officers is bright, with a projected 3% growth in employment, which is a little faster than average for all occupations.

This is perfect for you if:

• You are a natural-born leader
• You excel in organizing information
• You are a good public speaker and strategic planner

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Lauren Davis to learn more about being a chief operating officer here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Full-time and frequently exceed 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. 

Setting:

Usually in offices but chief operating officers may need to travel to attend business meetings. Remote work is occasionally possible but it is not as effective for this role.

Tasks:

Set goals, policies, and procedures for organizations, oversee financial activities, manage operations, consult with executives and staff, negotiate contracts, appoint department heads, analyze performance data, and identify areas for improvement.

Topics:

Administration, management, human resources, customer service, financial principles, public safety, technology, sales, marketing, psychology, and communications.

Skills:

Chief operating officers have strong financial skills, operational excellence, proficiency in project management methodologies, risk management skills, and strong leadership abilities to inspire and motivate teams.

Tools:

Primarily a laptop or computer with access to Webex Teams for communication and Power BI for data analysis and market insights.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Adept at communication, can easily build trust and relationships with their teams, possess excellent problem-solving abilities, and demonstrate both oral and written comprehension.

Interests:

Chief operating officers enjoy managing and leading business initiatives, organizing information, following procedures, and working within structured business settings.

Personality:

Chief operating officers typically have enterprising and conventional personality types. They are assertive, organized, attentive to detail, and have a preference for structured environments.

Values:

Advancement and leadership opportunities, independence to make decisions, and seeing the impact of hard work in the organization.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Chief Operating Officer

Education requirements:

A master’s degree in a preferred field or business administration is typically required. Different paths, such as starting in departmental roles or acquiring related master’s degrees, can also lead to this position, emphasizing the importance of advanced education in this field.

Preferred majors:

Pursuing majors in business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, management science, international business, public administration, or a related field, can be beneficial. 

Career Promotion Path

Source: Career Sidekick

Specialties within Operations and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Lauren

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Network extensively within the industry and build a strong online presence to highlight leadership achievements. Continually pursue executive-level roles or internships to gain relevant experience and visibility. 

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Focus on gaining diverse experience and taking on cross-departmental projects. Communicate your interest in growth, prioritize staff development, and participate in executive programs to enhance leadership skills.

Recommended resources:

Lauren recommends reading the books, Crucial Conversations and Influencer by Joseph Grenny to learn how to handle feedback and difficult situations effectively, as well as mastering communications.

What Lauren would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:

“I would say, take a step back and get to know people first to create that buy-in. That’s 1 thing that I learned maybe about 2 years into my career you can’t make changes. You can’t hardwire things without having buy-in from somebody. And to have buy-in, you have to you have to have a relationship with those people, and you have to have their trust.”

Watch the full interview with Lauren: 

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 18 July 2024.

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