Chief Operating Officer
Quick Facts
Median Salary$238,877
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth-0.93%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive tasked with overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of a business. The COO typically reports directly to the chief executive officer (CEO) and is considered to be second in the chain of command.
Core Tasks:
- Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.
- Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
- Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity.
- Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.
- Implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental problems.
- Analyze operations to evaluate performance of a company or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.
- Direct or coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
- Direct human resources activities, including the approval of human resource plans or activities, the selection of directors or other high-level staff, or establishment or organization of major departments.
- Negotiate or approve contracts or agreements with suppliers, distributors, federal or state agencies, or other organizational entities.
- Review reports submitted by staff members to recommend approval or to suggest changes.
- Appoint department heads or managers and assign or delegate responsibilities to them.
- Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
- Establish departmental responsibilities and coordinate functions among departments and sites.
- Deliver speeches, write articles, or present information at meetings or conventions to promote services, exchange ideas, or accomplish objectives.
- Serve as liaisons between organizations, shareholders, and outside organizations.
- Preside over, or serve on, boards of directors, management committees, or other governing boards.
- Coordinate the development or implementation of budgetary control systems, recordkeeping systems, or other administrative control processes.
- Attend and participate in meetings of municipal councils or council committees.
- Organize or approve promotional campaigns.
What to expect as a Chief Operating Officer
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
50% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Chief Operating Officer related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
561 openings for Chief Operating Officers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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