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How to Become A Chief Operating Officer

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What is a Chief Operating Officer

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the person who keeps a company running smoothly every single day. Think of the COO as the CEO’s right hand, turning big plans into real results.

The role covers a lot of ground. COOs write policies, set budgets, and make sure every team is working towards the same goals. They spot problems early and fix them before they grow.

Day to day, COOs lead meetings with department heads. They dig into performance data and work on plans to improve how things run. They also help recruit top talent and keep the culture strong.

If you love fast-paced work and want to make a real difference, the COO path is worth exploring. It takes time and experience to get there, but the rewards are significant.

Explore study options in Business Management

Career Outlook for Chief Operating Officer

A Chief Operating Officer role suits people who love leading teams and driving results. Most COOs are in their 40s or older, with 15 or more years of leadership behind them. The role is almost always full-time and permanent. Long hours are common, with many COOs working 50-plus hours per week.

Pay is strong. COOs earn around $210,000 a year on average, with packages reaching $350,000 for large companies (SEEK, 2026). Unemployment for executives at this level is very low. Most COOs get the role through internal promotion rather than outside hiring.

The outlook is positive. Australian businesses are growing more complex, and the need for skilled business leaders is rising. Work up through senior management and keep building your skills. The COO role is a realistic and rewarding goal.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

How to Become a Chief Operating Officer

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor Degree in Business or Management

Enrol in a Bachelor of Business, Commerce, or Management at an Australian university. These degrees take three years full-time and cover finance, strategy, economics, and people management. They provide the foundation every COO needs to understand how organisations work. Check the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 7) details on the university website before applying.

Step 2: Build Experience Across Different Management Roles

Work your way up through different management positions after finishing your degree. COO roles typically require 10 to 15 years of progressive leadership experience. Aim to work in at least two or three different departments, such as finance, operations, and human resources. This cross-functional experience is essential for the broad operational view a COO needs.

Step 3: Complete the Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420)

Enrol in the Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This qualification takes 1 to 2 years part-time and covers strategic planning, managing change, and leading high-performance teams. It is a strong mid-career qualification for those moving into senior executive roles. Alternatively, pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at an Australian university. This takes 1.5 to 2 years full-time and covers corporate strategy, governance, and finance.

Step 4: Join Professional Bodies and Build Your Network

Become a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) or the Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML ANZ). Membership gives you access to research, events, and professional networks vital for senior leadership careers. The AICD Company Directors Course takes four to five days and is widely respected across Australian boardrooms. Attend industry events and connect with other senior executives to build the relationships that lead to COO opportunities.

Step 5: Move into Senior Executive Positions and Apply for COO Roles

Target General Manager or senior director roles as the final step before the C-suite. Show a clear track record of improving operations, managing large budgets, and leading cross-functional teams. Most COO roles are filled through internal promotion, so let your CEO and board know your goals. Once you have the right experience, apply for COO positions and tailor your application to show operational results.

What does a Chief Operating Officer do?

A COO’s day is never the same. They might review sales data in the morning. Then they join planning meetings with the senior team before fielding calls from major clients. They keep every department on track, from finance and marketing to HR and operations. They also work closely with the CEO to make sure the whole business is moving in the right direction. It is a big job, but every day brings new challenges and chances to lead real change.

Tasks

The COO role is one of the most varied in any business. From big-picture strategy to hands-on team leadership, there is never a dull moment.

  • Strategic Planning – Working with the CEO to set the company’s direction and goals.
  • Operations Management – Keeping all departments running smoothly and on schedule.
  • Performance Monitoring – Tracking KPIs and metrics to find what is working and what is not.
  • Team Leadership – Guiding department heads and building a motivated, high-performing team.
  • Budget Management – Making sure money is spent wisely and targets are met.
  • Process Improvement – Finding smarter ways to do things and cutting out waste.
  • Risk Management – Spotting problems early and putting plans in place to handle them.
  • Stakeholder Communication – Keeping staff, clients, and investors in the loop.
  • Compliance – Making sure the business follows all relevant laws and regulations.
  • Project Oversight – Keeping key projects on track and within budget.

Skills for Success

To become a great COO, you need a mix of hard and soft skills. Strong leadership is at the top of the list. COOs guide large teams and set the tone for the whole organisation.

Communication skills are just as vital. COOs talk to everyone, from front-line staff to board members. They need to be clear, confident, and able to listen well. Financial know-how, problem-solving, and time management round out the core skill set for this role.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strategic thinking
  • Leadership
  • Financial management
  • Operational oversight
  • Project management
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Team building
  • Data analysis
  • Adaptability
  • Negotiation
  • Risk management
  • Change management
  • Decision-making
  • Time management

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a Chief Operating Officer in Australia is around $210,000 (source: SEEK, 2026). Salaries range from about $170,000 to $350,000 depending on industry, company size, and years of experience.

min $170 K

max $350 K

av $210 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.