The COO of a company is a senior-level executive who provides management, leadership and vision to ensure the organisation meets its short-term and long-term objectives. They help create enduring policies and a company culture that strengthens operational efficiency and generates revenue. Their main duties and responsibilities can include:

Overseeing the daily business and administrative operations and improving operating procedures for optimal efficiency
Assessing and enhancing the efficiency of internal and external operational processes
Leading and motivating staff to achieve sales and organisational objectives
Overseeing the recruitment process to attract the best candidates and reduce employee turnover
Mentoring and inspiring employees to key into the vision of management
Establishing policies that improve and promote company vision and culture
Evaluating company performance and recommend strategies to improve results
Collaborating with management and other colleagues to raise capital and carry out other business-expanding strategies

Chief Operating Officer experience requirements

typically have a minimum of 15 years’ work experience in their chosen field. The role requires extensive experience across diverse departments in the field in which the COO’s employer operates. In many organisations the COO must have at least five years of proven work experience in a senior management position. This experience shows that the COO has valuable insight into the policies, practices and cultures of the industry and places them in a strong position to help move their company forward towards its goals.
Chief Operating Officer education and training requirements

The minimum academic requirement for Chief Operating Officers is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or other relevant disciplines. Candidates who completed an advanced apprenticeship relevant to an industry can also work their way up to the position of a Chief Operating Officer, although they may require professional certifications. Some employers may require candidates to have a Master of Business Administration (MBA). In specialised industries, such as engineering and medicine, the COO is usually a professional Engineer or Physician who rose through the corporate ladder. Some organisations require their Chief Operating Officers to have professional certifications, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA).