Understanding positions below the Chief Operating Officer (COO) helps map out potential career paths in corporate hierarchies.
The organizational structure varies between companies, but several key positions typically report to the COO.
This quick guide outlines common roles that fall under COO supervision in most organizations.
Direct Reports to COO
- Vice President of Operations
- Director of Supply Chain Management
- Head of Manufacturing/Production
- Regional Directors
- Division Presidents
Department Heads
- Operations Manager
- Logistics Director
- Quality Control Manager
- Facilities Manager
- Production Manager
Mid-Level Management
- Plant Supervisors
- Shift Managers
- Team Leaders
- Project Coordinators
- Site Managers
Specialized Roles
| Function | Common Titles |
|---|---|
| Process Improvement | Process Engineer, Six Sigma Lead |
| Safety | Safety Director, EHS Manager |
| Quality | Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Control Specialist |
| Supply Chain | Procurement Manager, Inventory Controller |
Support Staff
- Operations Analysts
- Administrative Assistants
- Data Specialists
- Operations Coordinators
- Technical Support Staff
Career Development Path
Start in entry-level operations roles to gain foundational experience.
Move into team leadership or specialized roles after 2-3 years.
Advance to department management with 5+ years experience.
Consider pursuing an MBA or relevant certifications for senior positions.
Next Steps for Growth
Join professional organizations like the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) or Operations Management Association (OMA).
Network with industry professionals through LinkedIn and industry events.
Develop both technical and leadership skills through continuous learning.
Seek mentorship from experienced operations executives.
Performance Metrics
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Operational Efficiency Rates
- Cost Per Unit
- Production Cycle Time
- Quality Metrics
- Employee Productivity
Required Skills Development
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Process Optimization
- Team Leadership
- Change Management
Industry Certifications
| Certificate | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| CPIM | Production and Inventory Management |
| CSCP | Supply Chain Professional |
| PMP | Project Management |
| Six Sigma | Process Improvement |
Technology Integration
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Supply Chain Management Software
- Business Intelligence Tools
- Quality Management Systems
Building Your Operations Career
Success in operations management requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership ability, and strategic thinking.
Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies.
Build cross-functional relationships and develop a strong professional network.
Focus on both short-term results and long-term strategic objectives.
FAQs
- What positions typically report directly to a COO?
Division heads, General Managers, VP of Operations, Supply Chain Director, and Regional Directors are common positions that report to a COO. - What level of management is immediately below a COO?
Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs) and Vice Presidents (VPs) typically form the immediate layer of management below a COO. - Are Directors considered below a COO in the organizational hierarchy?
Yes, Directors are positioned below a COO, usually reporting through VPs or directly to the COO in smaller organizations. - What operations roles are typically subordinate to a COO?
Operations Managers, Plant Managers, Facility Directors, Production Managers, and Quality Control Managers typically fall below the COO position. - Where do Department Heads fit in relation to a COO?
Department Heads are positioned below a COO, usually reporting through Directors or VPs in the organizational structure. - What support function leaders report to a COO?
Heads of Logistics, Procurement Managers, Process Improvement Directors, and Operations Analytics Managers commonly report up to the COO. - How do Regional Managers fit into the hierarchy below a COO?
Regional Managers are positioned below a COO, typically reporting through Regional Directors or directly to the COO depending on company size. - What project management positions are subordinate to a COO?
Program Directors, Project Management Office (PMO) Directors, and Senior Project Managers usually fall below the COO in the organizational structure. - Where do technical operations leaders fit below a COO?
Technical Operations Directors, Engineering Managers, and Infrastructure Leaders typically report up through the COO’s organizational structure. - What customer-facing operational roles report up to a COO?
Customer Service Directors, Field Operations Managers, and Service Delivery Managers typically fall below the COO position.
