Deputy CEO vs. coo: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
There are many different types of CEO positions available, each with their own set of responsibilities. Two common CEO positions are the deputy CEO and the coo. Though these roles share some similarities, there are also several key differences between them.
In this article, we discuss the differences between a deputy CEO and a coo, and we provide additional information on other types of CEO positions.
What is a Deputy CEO?
A Deputy CEO is a second-in-command executive who supports and works closely with the CEO. They act as a sounding board for the CEO and offer advice on strategic decisions. The Deputy CEO is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the company and ensuring that all departments are running smoothly. They often have a broad range of responsibilities that include human resources, finance, marketing, and product development. The Deputy CEO is a key member of the executive team and works closely with the CEO to execute the company’s vision and strategy.
What is a COO?
A chief operating officer (COO) is a corporate officer who oversees the day-to-day operations of a company. The COO typically reports to the chief executive officer (CEO) and is considered to be a member of the executive team. The COO is responsible for ensuring that the company’s operations are efficient and effective. He or she works closely with the CEO to develop and implement strategic plans. The COO is also responsible for managing the company’s resources, including its human resources, financial resources, and physical resources.
Deputy CEO vs. COO
Here are the main differences between a Deputy CEO and a COO.
Job Duties
A deputy CEO is a senior-level employee who works closely with the CEO to ensure that all company operations are running smoothly. The duties of a deputy CEO vary depending on the needs of their company, but they often oversee major projects and make executive decisions when the CEO is unavailable. In contrast, a coo oversees most aspects of corporate operations, but they typically remain within their departmental responsibilities. For example, a coo may decide to implement new software for customer support or redesign packaging for shipping orders.
Job Requirements
The job requirements for a deputy CEO and COO are very similar. Both positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, though many candidates have a master’s degree as well. In addition, both positions often require several years of experience in management or a related field. Some employers also prefer candidates who have experience working in the same industry as the company they are applying to. Finally, both positions may require the candidate to pass a background check and drug test.
Work Environment
The work environment for a deputy CEO and COO can vary depending on the company. For example, if they’re working in a large corporation, they may spend most of their time in an office setting with other executives. If they’re working in a smaller business, they may travel to different locations to meet with employees or clients.
A deputy CEO and COO typically have similar work environments because both positions are high-level management roles. They may also share some responsibilities, such as attending meetings with investors or board members.
Skills
Both deputy CEOs and coos require excellent problem-solving skills to be successful in their roles. They also both need to have strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with employees, clients and other stakeholders. However, there are some key differences in the skills required for these two positions.
A deputy CEO typically needs to have excellent communication skills to deliver presentations, write reports and develop proposals. They also need to be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and have strong time management skills to ensure that deadlines are met.
A coo usually needs to have highly developed strategic and decision-making skills, as much of their job involves choosing improvements to make to a company’s technical operations, like manufacturing and production. They also can benefit from having an in-depth knowledge of business and marketing concepts that can inform how they design and guide the implementation of new marketing and advertising initiatives. Organization can also be crucial to a COO, as they can oversee multiple departments or initiatives in a company at one time and need to ensure they devote adequate time and effort to each task.
Salary
The average salary for a deputy CEO is $118,522 per year, while the average salary for a COO is $132,974 per year. The salary for both positions can vary depending on the size of the company, the industry in which the company operates and the level of experience the individual has in the position.