Most companies work smoothly with one or the other, as long as they choose the right one. The chief operating officer (COO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the daily administrative and operational functions of a company. Usually, the chief operating officer reports directly to the chief executive officer (CEO) and is considered to be second in the chain of command. The Vice President of Operations is responsible for planning and implementing the operations strategy.
They collaborate with company executives to determine business needs and analyze operational data. Vice Presidents of Operations contribute to a company's overall profitability and success by leading business operations and working closely with other company leaders to set objectives, analyze business needs, and understand the company's success. A successful VP of Operations analyzes operational data and informs company leaders about business needs and changes that can be made to optimize processes and budgets. Vice Presidents of Operations typically have a degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field.
You might be wondering if you should hire a chief operating officer or a vice president of operations as part of this effort. The vice president of operations is responsible for overseeing the operational tasks and activities of an organization. Vice Presidents of Operations can span many industries and can begin their careers as operations associates.
