Chief Operating Officer
Oversee the day-to-day operations of a business and report directly to the CEO.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Chief Operating Officer?
- How to become a Chief Operating Officer
- Latest Chief Operating Officer jobs
- Top skills and experience for Chief Operating Officers
- Is Chief Operating Officer the right role for you?
- Chief Operating Officer role reviews
What's it like to be a Chief Operating Officer?
A Chief Operating Officer (COO) is usually the second highest-ranking executive in a company, and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Although the role of the COO will differ from organisation to organisation, their main responsibility is to oversee the end to end operations of a business.
Tasks and duties
- Planning and managing a company’s day-to-day operations.
- Reviewing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Maintaining operational quality controls and managing risks.
- Assessing business strategies and their operational impact.
- Devising methods for meeting company benchmarks and goals.
- Reporting on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as turnaround times and accuracy.
- Reducing company operating costs and improving processes.
How to become a Chief Operating Officer
There are many pathways to becoming a Chief Operating Officer, however most have a strong education background with extensive leadership experience in business and a proven track record of successful team building.
- Complete a bachelor degree in business, commerce, economics or the industry you plan to enter (for example, information technology). This usually takes three years of full-time study.
- Consider advancing your skills with a relevant postgraduate degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
- Gain extensive work experience in a leadership capacity across a range of businesses, or work your way up through a company. Prior experience managing people and processes is usually required before becoming a COO.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Chief Operating Officers.Latest Chief Operating Officer jobs on SEEK
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Chief Operating Officer employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Strategic Thinking
Operational Excellence
Operational Leadership
Financial Management
Executive Management
Financial Acumen
Operational Efficiency
Strategic Planning
Leadership
Operations Management
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Chief Operating Officer reviews
Sep 2023
Being a Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a dynamic and challenging role that involves overseeing all operational aspects of an organisation to ensure efficiency, growth, and strategic alignment while navigating constant change and high-pressure situations.
Reviewer's QualificationMaster of Information Technology
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationConstruction
The good thingsWorking in a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role is a dynamic and challenging experience that requires a unique blend of skills and qualities. Having served as a COO in various organisations, I've had ...
The challengesWhile the Chief Operating Officer (COO) role is undoubtedly rewarding and impactful, it also comes with its fair share of challenges and aspects that may not be as enjoyable. Here are some parts of th...
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Oct 2018
Chief Operating Officers are a Tough Breed
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationFinancial responsibilities
The good thingsThe good things about being the COO are the day to day challenges simply because the COO’s focus is executing the company’s business plans according to its business model, while a CEO is concerned wit...
The challengesOne of the more subjective challenges that face a COO is when management is required by the board to make drastic changes to the business model and staffing levels and of course the outcome of that wi...
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
