Chief operating officer (COO): job role, education, and salary
While the CEO may set the vision, it’s the Chief Operating Officer who brings that vision to life, one process, policy, and performance metric at a time. Often seen as the right hand of the president or board, the COO is responsible for orchestrating the company’s day-to-day operations with precision, focus, and authority. This role is not just about managing departments, it’s about building the operational backbone of a business.
With a deep understanding of strategy, data, people, and systems, the COO ensures that the firm’s resources are used effectively to deliver on key objectives. From driving technology adoption to resolving functional issues, this senior executive crafts policies, improves productivity, and streamlines workflows to enhance organizational outcomes.
It’s a position that demands extensive experience, critical thinking, and a sharp eye for improvement. If you're a candidate with strong administrative skills, a solid academic background, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams, the COO role could be your launchpad to the highest levels of executive leadership. Here's what it takes to step into this commanding, high-impact field.
What is a chief operating officer?
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a critical role in shaping and executing an organization’s operational strategy. Tasked with overseeing daily operations, this high-level executive ensures that all business functions run efficiently and effectively to drive growth, productivity, and long-term success. By aligning strategic planning with data-driven decision-making, the COO creates the conditions necessary for sustainable expansion across products, services, and markets.
As a key member of the executive team, the COO collaborates closely with the CEO, the board of directors, and other senior leaders to set priorities, monitor performance metrics, and optimize processes across departments such as human resources, manufacturing, finance, and customer service. Often viewed as the heir apparent or successor to the CEO, the COO must demonstrate a strong track record, advanced leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the firm’s strategy, operations, and culture.
Main responsibilities of a COO
A COO’s daily tasks are highly varied and include:
- Developing operational strategies aligned with company objectives, budget, and brand image
- Supply chain management
- Supervising operations and optimizing processes
- Identifying areas for improvement
- Operations management
- Making decisions to improve operational efficiency
- Analyzing daily and monthly tasks
- Managing operations and workflows
- Defining and implementing strategic objectives
- Maintaining relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners
- Driving business development
- Ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations
- Preparing and participating in strategic decision-making meetings
- Leading and managing teams
- Introducing new protocols to teams
- Collaborating with other departments such as commercial management, marketing, finance, HR, logistics, and procurement
What skills are needed to become a COO?
To become a COO, a combination of technical expertise and soft skills is required.
Technical skills
These essential competencies, acquired through education and internships, include:
- Advanced financial knowledge
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Understanding and applying industry-specific laws and regulations
- Innovation in logistics
- Proficiency in business management software tools
Soft skills
You must also demonstrate strong interpersonal qualities:
- Excellent strategic vision and ability to see the bigger picture
- Leadership to motivate teams to meet objectives and follow procedures
- Persuasiveness and interpersonal communication
- Problem-solving
- Stress management, resilience, and quick decision-making
- Rigor, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize
How to become a chief operating officer?
If you aspire to build an international career under the best conditions, it’s advisable to study at one of the top business schools in France and Europe, such as emlyon business school, by enrolling in a Grande École program or a advanced master’s.
The Master of Science in Supply Chain & Operations Management is an ideal gateway to an exceptional career in operations management.
This degree, accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles, is taught in English in Lyon and includes an international component. Open to students with an excellent academic record and a minimum of a bachelor's degree (bac+3), the program provides in-depth knowledge of responsible purchasing management in a complex and global environment.
Since emlyon is committed to staying at the cutting edge of innovation, you will also learn to integrate new digital and robotic technologies into your daily work, becoming a strategic player in your field.
You’ll apply your solid theoretical knowledge during a 4- to 6-month internship, in France or abroad. The school will assist you in securing a placement, and the teaching staff will support you throughout your internship to help you make the most of the experience and boost your skills before entering the job market.
Ranked second among French business schools for employability in the 2025 Times Higher Education ranking, emlyon places great importance on strengthening its powerful alumni and corporate partner network.
Recruiters from the world’s leading companies know how to identify students from elite programs such as the MSc in Supply Chain & Operations Management.
What is the salary of a chief operating officer?
The salary of a COO varies greatly depending on their industry, level of expertise, and the company's performance-based compensation policies.
The average fixed salary of a COO is around €4,500 gross per month. Based on performance, they may also receive substantial bonuses.
With around ten years of experience, a COO’s salary can exceed €15,000 gross per month.
The most lucrative sectors include finance, investment banking, asset management, and logistics.
However, professionals holding a prestigious degree can achieve high compensation levels in any field, provided they seize the right opportunities and are open to international mobility.
Career outlook for a chief operating officer
Over time, a COO can move into roles such as logistics director, subsidiary director, executive vice president, or even Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Career growth can occur within the same company or through new opportunities elsewhere, depending on personal goals.
If they are passionate about a specific industry, they can leverage successful experiences or a prestigious degree to enter their desired sector.
Since COOs work closely with their teams, they develop new skills across diverse areas, supporting continuous career development.
Conclusion
Offering access to a high-status role and a competitive salary, the position of Chief Operating Officer presents nearly unlimited opportunities for career growth within any organization.
This role provides a strategic vantage point over all core operations and empowers the person in charge to directly influence their execution for maximum efficiency and impact. As such, COOs are highly valued across industries for their ability to drive performance and lead transformation.
If you aspire to join a renowned company or a global organization, focus on excellence, leadership, and strategic vision to stand out in the eyes of the most discerning recruiters.
Professions related to the Chief Operating Officer:
Purchasing director
The purchasing director define and implement the purchasing policy while ensuring performance in purchasing and supply management.
Business unit manager
He is responsible for establishing the parent company's subsidiary or business unit in a new country or region, aligning with strategic business objectives.
Sales director
The Sales Director plays a pivotal role in an organization, overseeing sales operations and driving growth.