Chief Operations Officer
The chief operations officer (COO) of a business occupies the second tier below the CEO and/or chairperson, which means that they have incredible influence and responsibility in the company, especially if it’s a large one. It’s an executive position, serving on the board, but the specific responsibilities vary from business to business and sector to sector.
There’s usually just one chief operations officer in a production and operations company, but they will usually be on a par with other executives such as finance, marketing, innovation or specific disciplines that are unique to the company. What makes the COO different is that their role will be to oversee the actual workings of the business, from sourcing resources to manufacture, design and delivery. Needless to say, they’ll have a dedicated team and possibly several layers of management between themselves and the shop floor, but as far as the core operations of the business are concerned, the buck stops with the COO.
In short, their responsibility is to ensure the decisions made by the CEO or chair (or other body depending on the structure of the company) are implemented within the boundaries set by the other executives.
The skills required
Chief operations officer jobs are usually filled by people who are already at the top of their game in the businesses they currently work in, and will be senior persons with highly impressive CVs and track records of delivering successfully wherever they have worked. If you’ve overseen the implementation of complex operations systems that have delivered on corporate goals for your previous employers, there will always be COO jobs with your name on them.
At this level, you’ll also be well connected in your industry and in the wider business world, as you’ll often need to draw on those connections to get things done. You’ll be excellent at communicating the often complicated plans and aims of the company to your subordinates, who may themselves occupy executive positions, while remaining on the ball and able to deeply monitor progress to steer projects in the right direction.
Chief Operations Officer Jobs in Rotherham
Rotherham first came into bloom in the Middle Ages, when it became an important market town for the region. But it was the discovery of coal in the area that made it into an industrialised town in the 18th and 19th centuries. This helped the iron smelting works that sprung up, and Rotherham became well known for its cast iron, with its fireplaces, stoves and fencing being exported widely.
Later, the skills were used to develop steelworks, but although successful, it was neighbouring city Sheffield that became synonymous with quality steelware. Ironically, Rotherham is now a respected centre of high-tech steel components, and some of its local firms precision engineer steel for the aviation and motor racing industries. Rolls Royce have recently started work on a casting factory for their jet engine components, such is the expertise in the area.
One trade Rotherham also became well known for was milling (hence Rotherham United FC’s nickname “the millers”). Dozens of large mills were erected in the town, with grain being brought into the city from the surrounding areas. The link with the food industry remains today, as Premier Foods has a warehousing and distributions centre, which is in fact on the site of a mill. This is one of the reasons, along with good road, rail and industry links, that makes Rotherham a good place for Chief Operations Officer vacancies.
Rotherham is the home town of goalkeeper David Seaman (and referee Howard Webb), politician William Hague and, most importantly, Barry and Paul Elliott, also known as the Chuckle Borthers.
Popular locations
COO jobs are needed now
Companies are always looking for executive level talent to come in and manage radical changes or oversee efficiency drives. These are quite often on an interim or short-term contractual basis, but other times you’ll be steering a company for many years. If you’re an experienced COO and are used to working at this level of pressure and responsibility, please register your details with us by clicking the link below.
If you’re running a business and are looking for a talented chief operations office, please call Cast UK today on 0333 121 3345 and speak to one of our consultants. We only deal with professional level talent, and we’re sure to be able to bring you a superb shortlist.
Contact us