What Makes a Great Chief Operating Officer?

A great chief operating officer (COO) is a leader who can see the big picture and fill any leadership gaps. They must be able to solve important problems, execute the basic strategy in conjunction with senior management, and collaborate effectively with others. A COO may also be referred to as a vice president of operations. The COO is second in command to the CEO and is responsible for providing leadership, management, and vision to ensure that the company has effective staff, operational controls, and administrative and reporting procedures.

They must help the company grow effectively and ensure its financial strength and operational efficiency. Alexander Tuff '03 is the chief operating officer and chief strategy officer of the Winged Keel Group in New York City. The chief operating officer can also perform a variety of roles within a company, from executing business strategy or managing a major organizational change to simply complementing the CEO's skills and experience. A great COO will recognize the hard work that others put into the company and foster employee loyalty and satisfaction.

An operations manager position requires many years of experience in various facets of a company's operations. To find the best candidate for this role, ask questions that will reveal key information about their background and experience. You need someone who can not only excel as the company's chief operating officer, but who you can easily work with on a day-to-day basis. The salary of an operations director varies depending on their area of specialization, level of experience, education, certifications, and other factors.

Cowen Partners is the country's top executive search firm, specializing in hiring the best candidates for the position of chief operating officer.