What Does a Chief Operating Officer Do?

The position of chief operating officer is one seen in many companies. But what that position entails depends on a variety of factors. The job description of a COO in one company may be entirely different from the duties performed by a COO in another similar company.

In general, a chief operating officer often handles a company’s short-term and routine management, the day-to-day activities that make a company run smoothly. A COO may handle production schedules, marketing plans, quality control, personnel issues, and many other areas of operations.

To give you an idea of how the positions may vary, a COO at a large company may perform more administrative-focused tasks. They may not work directly with managers, but instead may work on creating organizational processes that allow the company to operate more efficiently.

In a smaller company, a COO is likely performing most internal administrative functions, freeing the CEO to spend more time on strategies that grow the business. These program-focused officers work closely with managers and the day-to-day operations.

Companies that are involved in mergers and acquisitions often find they need a COO to take on the operations of the newly acquired companies.

To use myself as an example, along my career path, I have worked extensively in vision and mission re-engineering as well as setting goals and objectives for human resources.  I’ve worked to ensure that each business recruits, maintains, develops and rewards a high-quality workforce in order to successfully manage change.

Whether a COO works for a small company or larger corporation, they often come to the position with an advanced degree in addition to several years of experience in other managerial positions.

Are you a COO? What areas are part of your job description?