Chief Operating Officer Career Guide

Sample job description

[Your Company Name] is looking for a strong and responsible person to join our team as COO. As the operating director of our company, you will be responsible for financial strategies, business plans, creating and executing company goals, directing managers, and more. The individual we’re looking for should have a knack for directing, organization, and being a leader. You will be tasked with overseeing all daily aspects of the company and should be committed to creating a safe employee environment that is successful and hardworking.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Design, plan and implement business strategies, plans, and procedures
• Set broad goals for business growth and success
• Create policies and procedures that promote company culture and vision
• Maintain and direct daily operations of the business 
• Lead employees by example 
• Support and motivate senior executives and employees
• Analyze and interpret data and metrics
• Generate management and operations reports for the CEO
• Take the lead in expansion activities 
• Maintain healthy relationships with partners and vendors

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree at minimum; master’s degree preferred
• Fifteen years of related business experience
• Extensive experience in management and leadership roles 

Required skills and qualifications

• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent people management skills
• Strong project management skills
• Strategy skills
• Understanding of critical business functions
• Outstanding organizational skills 
• Ability to multi-task

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience in a chief operating officer role of a relevant position
• Experience in management
• Master’s degree in business or related field
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Available certifications

Here are some of the best certifications for COOs: 

• Project Management Professional (PMP). A PMP demonstrates a solid foundation in project management, demonstrating that you have the specific skills, dedication to excellence, and the ability to perform at the highest levels. To qualify for a PMP credential, you need a four-year degree, 36 months of experience leading projects, and 35 hours of project management. If you don’t have a 4-year degree, you’ll need 60 months of leading projects. You must also agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The rigorous multiple-choice examination assesses and measures your ability to apply project management knowledge in areas such as initiating the project, planning the project, and executing the project. 
• Program Management Professional (PgMP). The PgMP is the next step after the PMP certification. The PgMP acknowledges your ability to lead and coordinate multiple projects at the same time and to ensure the success of the programs. This certification shows that you have the knowledge and experience to make important decisions, to manage complex activities that might involve multiple functions and organizations across different cultures and locations, and to employ strategic objectives to enhance business results. To apply, you’ll need at least a high school diploma or associate’s degree, 48 months of project management experience, and 84 months of program management experience in the last 15 years. If you have a 4-year degree, you can apply with 48 months of project management experience and 48 months of program management experience within the last 15 years. 
• COO-C Chief Operating Officer – Certified. The COO-C is for chief operating officers, executives, and senior managers who want to broaden their skills in operations management. Admission to the course is very selective and is based on your professional level, your achievements, and your organizational responsibility. Although there are no educational requirements, most applicants have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD.