What does a chief of operations do?

The chief of operations is responsible for monitoring the overall operational process of a company, maintaining efficient project management, and accurate project deliverables. They contribute to the implementation of corporate decisions, including the development of the company's policies and procedures. They also support the CEO in board meetings to report the business' performance and identify opportunities to increase brand awareness and boost profitability. The chief of operations handles financial transactions of the business, as well as budgeting and allocating resources for each department.
Chief of operations responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real chief of operations resumes:
- Evaluate progress of program plans to determine whether overall command-wide objectives are being accomplish economically with reference to budget and manpower.
- Prepare tactical instructions and operational doctrine.
- Design security and counterintelligence training and briefings for delivery throughout DHS.
- Ensure compliance with federal procedures by leading training and providing PowerPoint presentations.
- Select by-name for key intelligence position with world-wide responsibilites supporting combating terrorism.
- Draft and disseminate significant activity reports concerning events requiring DIA leadership focus.
- Identify variances, incompatibilities or interferences between AMC and DA, and initiated/facilitate conflict resolution strategies.
- Maintain communication with higher, adjacent and supporting units to ensure the timely delivery of ammunition to combat units.
- Publish orders, integrate knowledge management, maintain standard operating procedures and battle drills for garrison and combat operations.
- Evaluate progress of program plans to determine whether overall command-wide objectives are being accomplish economically with reference to budget and manpower.
- Company XO takes care of the behind the scenes things such as supply, maintenance and unit administration.
- Coordinate several classify SOF programs and synchronization of international exercises, plans and policies
Chief of operations skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Chiefs Of Operations are proficient in Oversight, Emergency Operations, and Logistical Support. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.
We break down the percentage of Chiefs Of Operations that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Oversight, 13%
Provided oversight, tracking and assistance of deploying unit country and mission requirements in accordance with operational orders and directives.
- Emergency Operations, 9%
Provided expeditionary responses in support of base-wide crisis, humanitarian disasters and domestic emergency operations for the Wing Commander.
- Logistical Support, 8%
Executed numerous deployment operations providing logistical support with package petroleum products and over 100 million gallons of fuel.
- Human Resources, 6%
Presented key metrics to leadership to assist with crucial decision-making pertaining to allocation of physical assets and Human Resources.
- Combat, 6%
Participated in two Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluations dealing with intelligence operational readiness and security received high marks in each inspection.
- Technical Assistance, 5%
Provide technical assistance to subordinates engaged in the operation and maintenance of tactical through strategic satellite communication systems.
Common skills that a chief of operations uses to do their job include "oversight," "emergency operations," and "logistical support." You can find details on the most important chief of operations responsibilities below.
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a chief of operations to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Additionally, a chief of operations resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "managed and controlled communications of security operations. "
Leadership skills. Another essential skill to perform chief of operations duties is leadership skills. Chiefs of operations responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." Chiefs of operations also use leadership skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "provided leadership for various law enforcement activities including physical security, arrest procedures, vehicle checkpoints, and personnel checkpoint procedures. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what chiefs of operations do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to chief of operations responsibilities because "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical chief of operations tasks: "delivered $42m in contract isr solutions providing unprecedented insight into two hard ct targets. "
Time-management skills. Another crucial skill for a chief of operations to carry out their responsibilities is "time-management skills." A big part of what chiefs of operations relies on this skill, since "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." How this skill relates to chief of operations duties can be seen in an example from a chief of operations resume snippet: "meet aggressive deadlines while adhering to customer service level agreements. "
The three companies that hire the most chief of operationss are:
- General Dynamics3 chiefs of operations jobs
- Veolia Water Tech3 chiefs of operations jobs
- ABM Industries2 chiefs of operations jobs
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Chief of operations vs. Operations support manager
Operations Support Managers are employees who handle different support initiatives for the employees or operations-related departments. These support initiatives may come in people management and upskilling, IT infrastructure assistance, or process improvement, among others. Operations Support Managers must have a deep understanding of company operations and the employees' needs. They manage processes and standards to ensure that company operations are fully supported and will not be disrupted. They resolve concerns and anticipate problems that may come. They can plan and create safeguards to ensure that such problems will not arise in the future.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a chief of operations are more likely to require skills like "oversight," "emergency operations," "combat," and "technical assistance." On the other hand, a job as an operations support manager requires skills like "customer service," "project management," "support operations," and "process improvement." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Operations support managers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $68,847. Comparatively, chiefs of operations tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $111,931.On average, operations support managers reach similar levels of education than chiefs of operations. Operations support managers are 4.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Chief of operations vs. Operations superintendent
Operations Superintendent plans and oversees the daily operations of an organization. They have the authority to set objectives and guidelines, establish budgets and schedules, delegate tasks among staff, and develop strategies to optimize operations and meet project requirements. It is also their responsibility to monitor the performance of the workforce and resolve issues promptly and efficiently. Moreover, an Operations Superintendent leads and encourages the employees to reach goals while implementing their policies and regulations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real chief of operations resumes. While chief of operations responsibilities can utilize skills like "oversight," "emergency operations," "human resources," and "technical assistance," operations superintendents use skills like "safety program," "osha," "direct supervision," and "direct reports."
Operations superintendents earn a lower average salary than chiefs of operations. But operations superintendents earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $106,725. Additionally, chiefs of operations earn the highest salaries in the government with average pay of $111,931 annually.In general, operations superintendents achieve lower levels of education than chiefs of operations. They're 6.9% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Chief of operations vs. Operations vice president
The responsibilities of an operations vice president will revolve around overseeing business operations and ensuring workforce and workflow efficiency through evaluations and providing strategic plans that would drive the company to meet its vision and mission. An operations vice president, in adherence to the company policies and regulations, also has the power to hire and train employees, even to execute disciplinary actions such as termination or suspension when necessary. Furthermore, an operations vice president also has discretion in reviewing and approving reports and requirements in various aspects such as budgeting and new policies.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a chief of operations is likely to be skilled in "emergency operations," "logistical support," "combat," and "technical assistance," while a typical operations vice president is skilled in "customer service," "project management," "process improvement," and "continuous improvement."
Operations vice presidents earn the highest salary when working in the hospitality industry, where they receive an average salary of $167,073. Comparatively, chiefs of operations have the highest earning potential in the government industry, with an average salary of $111,931.operations vice presidents typically earn similar educational levels compared to chiefs of operations. Specifically, they're 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Chief of operations vs. Administrative operations manager
An administrative operations manager spearheads and oversees a company's administrative operations, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Among their responsibilities include setting goals and budgets, establishing guidelines and timelines, training staff, and developing strategies to optimize various departments' daily operations. Their responsibilities include performing inspections and assessments, conducting research and analysis, liaising with external parties, and presenting progress reports to higher-ranking officials. Moreover, an administrative operations manager must lead and encourage teams to reach goals, all while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.
Types of chief of operations
Updated January 8, 2025











