VP of Ops vs. COO And Why It Matters
Hiring a strong operations leader? Make sure you know what you actually need, because a VP of Operations and a COO are not the same thing.
Candidates, make sure you know what you are applying for.
Too often, companies tell us:
“We need a rockstar to run operations.”
But when we dig deeper, they’re unclear on whether they need a tactical executor or a strategic leader. That’s a dangerous (and costly) place to start a search from.
Here’s how I break it down:
VP of Operations
- Day-to-day operator
- Focused on execution, delivery, and productivity
- Great at managing teams, improving workflows, and driving KPIs
- Usually reports to the COO or CEO
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Second-in-command executive
- Focused on strategy, scalability, and cross-functional alignment
- Builds structure to support growth and vision
- May oversee multiple departments: HR, IT, Finance, etc.
If you’re:
- Stabilizing production
- Improving on-time delivery
- Tightening operational discipline
You likely need a VP of Ops.
If you’re:
- Scaling fast
- Preparing for M&A
- Dealing with leadership bandwidth issues
Then you likely need a COO.
Hiring the wrong level of leadership leads to:
- Misalignment
- Burnout
- Wasted budget
- Frustrated teams
Before launching your next search, ask the right question: What’s the real problem we’re solving with this hire?
Then bring in someone like me, who’s been in the trenches and knows how to match the right operator to the right phase of your growth.
If you are considering your next career move VP of Ops or COO and you have more questions, feel free to reach out.
Until next time!
David
