Use this Chief Operating Officer (COO) job description template to attract experienced executive leaders who can oversee company operations, optimize processes, and drive organizational growth.
A Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the daily operations of an organization. They ensure that business processes run efficiently, align with the company’s strategic goals, and support sustainable growth. The COO often works closely with the CEO and other executives to turn business strategies into actionable operational plans.
A COO leads operations, process improvement, and cross-functional coordination. Their key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing daily business operations and ensuring efficiency.
- Developing strategies and policies to support business growth.
- Managing budgets, resources, and operational performance.
- Leading department heads and aligning teams with company objectives.
- Identifying opportunities to improve processes and reduce costs.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Job Description Template
We are looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee our organization’s ongoing operations and procedures. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong leadership, operational, and analytical skills. You will be responsible for scaling operations, optimizing workflows, and ensuring that our company achieves long-term success. If you have a strong operations background and proven experience in executive leadership, we’d love to hear from you.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations and ensure all departments meet performance goals.
- Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company objectives.
- Lead and mentor department heads across operations, HR, finance, and other teams.
- Monitor organizational performance and implement process improvements.
- Manage budgets, financial planning, and operational KPIs.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry standards.
- Collaborate with the CEO to set company goals and strategic direction.
- Evaluate and improve operational systems, policies, and procedures.
- Drive company-wide initiatives to support growth and efficiency.
- Build a strong company culture and promote accountability across teams.
Requirements & Skills
- Proven experience as COO, Director of Operations, or similar executive role.
- Strong understanding of business operations, finance, and HR processes.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
- Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and performance management.
- Ability to analyze data and use insights to drive operational improvements.
- Strong business acumen and problem-solving skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field (MBA preferred).
Who do COOs report to?
COOs typically report to:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Board of Directors
- President of the Company
- Founder (in startups)
Post this on job boards and career pages to hire candidates skilled in strategic planning, operational management, and cross-functional leadership. Feel free to customize this based on your company’s needs. Similar job titles include Director of Operations, VP of Operations, and Chief Administrative Officer.
How to Assess Chief Operating Officer (COO) Skills Effectively
Candidates may list extensive operational leadership experience on their resumes, but assessing their actual ability to optimize operations, lead cross-functional teams, and drive strategic growth before the interview is crucial. A structured COO assessment ensures you hire a leader who can scale operations, improve efficiency, and align business functions with long-term goals.
Here’s how you can assess COO proficiency effectively with WeCP:
- Operational Strategy & Execution – Test candidates on their ability to design operational frameworks, implement process improvements, and execute company-wide initiatives.
- Cross-Functional Leadership – Evaluate how well they lead diverse teams, collaborate with department heads, and foster organizational alignment.
- Financial Oversight & Budget Management – Assess their ability to manage budgets, optimize costs, and make data-driven financial decisions.
- Risk Management & Problem-Solving – Check their capability to identify risks, mitigate operational challenges, and maintain business continuity.
- Performance Optimization & KPI Management – Ensure they can define KPIs, track performance metrics, and drive continuous improvement across departments.
With WeCP’s COO assessments, you can filter out underqualified candidates early, streamline your executive hiring process, and ensure you bring in a leader capable of elevating operational excellence and driving scalable growth.
