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Chief Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chief Operating Officer

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$165K - $225K/yr

Position Summary The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as the senior operational leader of the organization and is responsible for translating the company's vision into consistent operational ...

As COO at Swarms, you will oversee all operational aspects of the company and help scale Swarms to power the agent economy worldwide. You will ensure operational excellence while we grow rapidly.

Chief Operating Officer

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$200K - $225K/yr

The COO oversees Human Resources, Information Technology, and business operations, building the systems, talent management practices, governance frameworks, and operational discipline necessary to ...

The COO oversees Human Resources, Information Technology, and business operations, building the systems, talent management practices, governance frameworks, and operational discipline necessary to ...

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of Cardea Health's Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across the organization ...

COO

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$150K/yr

Chief Executive Officer / Founder (Visionary) Location: Newport Beach, CA - in-office / hybrid ... This role is ideal for an experienced operator who is energized by building, has a strong financial ...

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as BEAM Circular's senior internal leader and organizational integrator. The COO is responsible for translating BEAM's strategy into effective execution by ...

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as BEAM Circular's senior internal leader and organizational integrator. The COO is responsible for translating BEAM's strategy into effective execution by ...

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as BEAM Circular's senior internal leader and organizational integrator. The COO is responsible for translating BEAM's strategy into effective execution by ...

Chief Operating Officer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key executive, overseeing the practice's operational management and strategic direction. Overseeing Patient Service and Clinic departments, the ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Operator information

See California salary details

$41K

$149.2K

$266K

How much do chief operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief operator in California is $149,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $182,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief operator?

Chief Operators are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a plant, facility, or technical system, such as a water treatment plant, power plant, or manufacturing facility. They supervise and coordinate the activities of other operators and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Chief Operators are also involved in training staff, troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining records, and optimizing operational efficiency. Their leadership helps to ensure smooth and safe operations, minimize downtime, and meet production or service goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief operator?

To thrive as a Chief Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of industrial operations, process optimization, and safety regulations, typically backed by relevant technical education and experience in plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, DCS controls, and industry-specific certifications like OSHA or water treatment licenses is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills enable Chief Operators to manage teams and respond to operational challenges efficiently. These competencies are essential for maintaining smooth, compliant operations and ensuring the safety and productivity of the facility.

What are some common challenges chief operators face when overseeing daily plant operations?

Chief Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules for a diverse team, ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations, and responding promptly to equipment malfunctions or process disruptions. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on problem solving is a key part of the role. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Chief Operators frequently collaborate with engineers, maintenance staff, and upper management to maintain smooth operations and address unforeseen issues.

What job categories do people searching Chief Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Operator jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Chief Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,223 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Chief Operating Officer

7 Flags Car Wash

Vallejo, CA • On-site

$165K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description


Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as the senior operational leader of the organization and is responsible for translating the company's vision into consistent operational execution across all locations.

This is a highly engaged, field-oriented executive leadership role. The COO maintains a visible presence throughout the organization, working alongside operational leaders to develop leaders, strengthen systems, remove organizational barriers, and ensure operational excellence. The COO builds organizational capability by improving decision-making, strengthening accountability, and designing systems that enable the organization to perform consistently without unnecessary executive intervention.

Working in close partnership with the President/CEO and executive leadership team, the COO ensures the organization's people, systems, and operational performance support the company's long-term growth while preserving its culture and values.

Essential ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Talent Development
  • Provide executive leadership, coaching, and mentorship to operational leaders throughout the organization.
  • Establish clear leadership expectations, decision authority, and performance standards that promote consistency across all locations.
  • Strengthen leadership capability and business acumen throughout the organization by developing managerial judgment, accountability, coaching effectiveness, critical thinking and leadership succession.
Operational Excellence
  • Assume overall responsibility for operational performance across all company locations.
  • Maintain a visible and engaged presence throughout company operations ensuring operational execution remains aligned with the company's strategic objectives.
  • Translate strategic priorities into consistent execution through clear ownership, disciplined follow-through, and defined decision authority.
  • Ensure consistent execution of company standards, operating procedures, safety expectations, regulatory compliance, financial objectives, and guest experience initiatives.
  • Promote cross-functional collaboration to achieve shared organizational objectives.
  • Partner with operational leaders to optimize labor, operating expenses, resource allocation, and site performance while maintaining exceptional guest experience.
  • Ensure significant operational incidents, customer damage claims, and corrective actions are resolved consistently and effectively.
Organizational Capability
  • Continuously refine leading indicators, key performance indicators (KPIs), and forecasting processes to anticipate business needs, improve resource planning, and enable proactive operational decision-making.
  • Design, implement, and strengthen operating systems, workflows, management disciplines, and organizational practices that improve consistency, increase organizational capacity, and support long-term scalability.
  • Establish operating rhythms, performance review processes, and management systems that enable leaders to identify, address, and resolve issues before executive intervention becomes necessary.
  • Leverage operational metrics, reporting, and performance data to strengthen decision-making and improve organizational performance.
Strategic Execution
  • Lead strategic initiatives that strengthen organizational capability while reinforcing organizational principles.
  • Partner with the President/CEO and executive leadership team to establish priorities, allocate resources, and execute the company's long-term strategic objectives.
  • Provide the President/CEO and executive leadership team with timely assessments of operational performance, organizational risks, and emerging business needs to support strategic decision-making.
  • Partner with the President/CEO and executive leadership team to achieve operational and financial objectives through disciplined execution, sound resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
  • Evaluate organizational performance to identify opportunities that improve efficiency, consistency, safety, financial results, guest experience, and long-term growth.
Financial Performance
  • Assume responsibility for operational P&L performance across the organization.
  • Improve profitability through disciplined management of labor, operating expenses, and operational efficiency.
  • Utilize operational and financial data to identify trends, prioritize improvements, and support informed business decisions.
  • Develop and execute strategies that improve EBITDA, membership growth, retention, customer lifetime value, and overall profitability.
Qualifications
  • 10+ years of progressive multi-site operational leadership experience, including responsibility for multiple locations and large, geographically dispersed teams.
  • Proven ability to develop leaders and build high-performing management teams.
  • Strong operational, financial, and strategic business acumen.
  • Exceptional coaching, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to build systems, improve processes, and create organizational scalability.
  • Experience leading organizational change and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ability to analyze operational and financial data to support sound business decisions.
  • Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, workplace safety, and operational risk management.
  • Ability to build trust and credibility at every level of the organization through visible, hands-on leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution.
Leadership Expectations

The successful COO consistently demonstrates the ability to:

  • Maintain a visible presence throughout the organization.
  • Develop leaders before solving problems personally.
  • Make timely decisions despite incomplete information.
  • Hold leaders accountable while providing coaching and support.
  • Use data to inform judgment rather than replace it.
  • Build trust through consistency, transparency, and follow-through.
  • Preserve the company's culture while raising organizational performance.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements
  • Stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift)
  • Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach
  • Frequently use hands and arms
  • Occasionally lift and move items up to 50 pounds
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Exposure to water, cleaning agents, and operational equipment
  • Work in a fast-paced operational environment with frequent exposure to noise, interruptions, and multiple simultaneous activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.


This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment and may be modified at any time.