An operations executive, also known as the chief operating officer or chief operations officer, is an executive-level position within an organization that is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company. Operations executives report to the chief executive officer (CEO) and might have junior executives that handle some of the job duties. An operations executive usually is responsible for creating policies and procedures that help the company function optimally.

The operations executive job is a somewhat fluid position whose duties differ from industry to industry and even from company to company. There is only one per company, but not every company has one. In some businesses, the operations executive is groomed to take over the position of the chief executive officer if the CEO retires, is terminated or leaves the company.

The general focus of the operations executive's job is to develop and manage systems and resources within the company that help the business achieve its stated goals. For example, the human resources department generally falls under the operations executive's purview. A few of the operations executive's responsibilities would be to maintain proper staffing levels as well as to ensure that positions are filled with qualified personnel.

Operations executives are found in businesses of all sizes and in both the public and private sectors. It is an office job that might require extensive travel, depending on the position's specific job duties within the company. This is especially true for an operations executive whose company has offices in multiple locations. Although he or she often has a flexible schedules, the operations executive's job might require him or her to work long hours and pull weekend duty.

Like the other executive officers, an operations executive might be put under tremendous pressure to ensure that the company succeeds in achieving its goals. The most common traits held by people in this position include the ability to communicate effectively, analyze large amounts of data and exhibit sound business judgment. People in this position also need the ability to lead others, must be self-motivated and need to be able to make quick decisions.