Operations
Operations
When you say “Operations,” many things come to mind depending on the industry or company. The role of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) – a staple in larger companies over the last few decades – has evolved to cover a broader set of functions. However, the role is defined, success depends on a leader having a rock-solid operations platform and team in place before they can achieve peak performance.
The ability to intimately know what is happening across the enterprise allows Operations to provide the support that ensures an exceptional customer journey. While the CEO focuses on strategy, the board, external communications, and employee relations, the COO focuses on field service, manufacturing, outsourcing, customer care, repair and return, and maybe even channel support. The relationship, chemistry, and trust between the CEO and COO is the linchpin to effectively pulling off this classic “bridge vs. engine room” division of duties.
Unlike many other roles, the successful operations leader needs to have a strategic vision for what has to be accomplished alongside a detailed grasp of minute details. They have to demonstrate visible leadership and determination and have the ability to motivate others to action. Often this involves bringing cross-organizational groups together to solve problems impacting all parts of the organization.
As companies become more complex or global, a second-in-command enables companies to stay on top of business transformation initiatives, compliance requirements, and new market opportunities. Reporting up to these C-suite roles is a host of support staff with their fingers on the pulse of the business. These roles enable the rest of the organization to deliver on their responsibilities and improve the overall company performance.
Our search partners are experienced in working with companies large and small on their overall go-to-market strategy and hiring needs by understanding and measuring the operational impact a specific role is required to have. The typical roles in Operations we recruit for include:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Vice President Operations
- Vice President, Operations and Supply Chain
- Vice President, Manufacturing and Operations
- Vice President, Sales Operations
- Vice President Merchandising
- Vice President Services
- Vice President Customer Experience
