Director of Operations
The title of Director of Operations (DO), sometimes called Chief Operations Officer (COO), is a highly placed position in any company. Responsible for the daily operations of a company, the executive usually answers to the Chief Executive Officer, also called the company president, and the Board of Directors, depending on the exact structure of the organization.
Most modern corporate structures have eliminated the Director of Operations or COO position. In 2006, more than 60 percent of corporations did not have the slot. In 2007, less than 58 percent still had the position, whether called a DO, COO, President, General Manager or any other title. Instead, responsibilities have been separated and specialized by section or responsibility.
Despite the trend in job title reduction, globalization from established corporations and the success of newer businesses in the technology fields lead experts to believe a resurgence of at least national or theater directors of operations will occur during the two decades from 2010 to 2030.
The DO or COO position is also used as a retention position and as a training position for CEO successors, enhancing the probability that the position will reappear as a standard position in the future.
Minimal Qualifications in Major Corporations
Those Directors that remain and their divisional replacements usually must possess at least a bachelor’s degree and many years of experience. Many Directors possess a higher education level, such as an online masters degree or an online PhD. Most have degree specialties in their corporate or manufacturing focus or in business management or administration. The Chief Financial Officer often has an advanced degree in Accounting or Finance.
Common Difficulties
The position of Director of Operations can be a difficult and tricky one. While the working relationships with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board of Directors must be positive ones, DOs are often considered ‘second fiddle’ or ‘operations only’ instead of ‘executive’ or ‘strategic’ material, which can hamper potential promotion to a CEO position.
If you have ambitions within a business or corporate environment, prepare early and continuously for the next higher position. Get as much education as you possibly can from top online schools and widen your scope of learning and experience. You just might find yourself one day earning the title of Director of Operations.
