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Chief Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Minnwest Corporation

Chief Operating Officer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$190 - $300/hr

Chief Operating Officer Location(s) Availability: Eagan, Minnetonka, or Sioux Falls Job Summary: Lead the planning and development of the organization's operational policies and related execution ...

Minnwest Bank

Chief Operating Officer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$190K - $300K/yr

Develop operating budgets. Establish effective operational policies and procedures under guidance from the CEO. * Provide strategic oversight to change management initiatives and implementation of ...

New

Minnwest Bank

Chief Operating Officer

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$190K - $300K/yr

Develop operating budgets. Establish effective operational policies and procedures under guidance from the CEO. * Provide strategic oversight to change management initiatives and implementation of ...

Minnwest Bank

Chief Operating Officer

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$190K - $300K/yr

Develop operating budgets. Establish effective operational policies and procedures under guidance from the CEO. * Provide strategic oversight to change management initiatives and implementation of ...

Minnwest Bank

Chief Operating Officer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$190K - $300K/yr

Develop operating budgets. Establish effective operational policies and procedures under guidance from the CEO. * Provide strategic oversight to change management initiatives and implementation of ...

New

Nbutexas

CEO/COO

Hopkins, MN · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

Position Summary The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall leadership ... Monitor labor, food, beverage, and operating costs while identifying opportunities for improvement.

Sprung Services, Inc.

Be Seen First

Chief C Boiler Operator

White Bear Lake, MN · On-site

$39 - $48/hr

With a staff that includes more than 150 Minnesota Licensed Boiler Operators up to MN Chief A Licenses. Sprung Services offers dependable, qualified boiler operators to operate and maintain boilers ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective ... Duties are inclusive of approximately 50% operating engineer responsibilities; May be only ...

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All JobsChief Operator JobsChief Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Chief Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$40.6K

$148.1K

$264K

How much do chief operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief operator in Minnesota is $148,090.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,200.00 and $181,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

The role of Chief Operator may decline in the future due to automation and technological advancements, especially in industries relying heavily on manual oversight and operational control. Tasks such as routine monitoring and basic decision-making are increasingly automated through AI and machine learning tools, reducing the need for some traditional operational roles. However, leadership and strategic responsibilities will still require human oversight and expertise.

What are Chief Operators?

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 does a chief operator do?

A chief operator oversees the daily operations of a facility or system, ensuring processes run efficiently and safely. They often coordinate staff, monitor equipment, and implement procedures, requiring strong leadership and technical skills. Certifications or experience in operations management are typically necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Operator, and why are they important?

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 is a typical COO salary?

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) salary varies widely depending on the industry, company size, and location, but it generally ranges from $100,000 to over $300,000 annually. In large corporations, COOs often earn higher compensation, including bonuses and stock options, reflecting their senior management role and operational responsibilities.

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Chief Operators in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or utilities can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and specialized skills. High-level executive roles like CEOs or CFOs also often reach this compensation level, but they are not typically classified as Chief Operators. These roles usually require advanced education, certifications, and significant industry experience.
Chief Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Operator job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,090 per year, or $71.2 per hour.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

GUARDIAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT LLC

Prior Lake, MN • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Prior Lake, MN, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1104

Guardian Energy has an exciting opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the team! As the COO, you will be a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This role is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Guardian Energy’s facilities, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals, values, and mission, and building a sustainable future for Guardian. This position will be an essential member of the Guardian Executive Leadership team and will have an important role in developing a vision for the operational growth of the company and delivering this to gain buy-in from the Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative, hands‑on leader with a strong operational background and exceptional communication skills. They will drive performance and accountability, build high‑performing teams, and promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES
  • Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership team in developing and executing the company’s vision and long‑term goals.
  • Participate in board meetings and provide regular updates on operations, capital projects, and strategic initiatives.
  • Represent the company in interactions with owners, stakeholders, and industry partners, as needed.
  • Operational Oversight
    • Oversee the operations of multiple manufacturing facilities, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and profitability.
    • Lead and mentor Plant Managers and cross‑functional teams to drive collaboration, standardization, and best practices across all sites.
    • Translate key business initiatives (KBIs) into actionable operational goals and metrics.
  • Vendor and Partner Management
    • Develop and manage strategic relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and partners.
    • Collaborate with commodity and finance teams on projects that drive cost‑efficiency and margin optimization.
  • Compliance and Risk Management
    • Work closely with the Compliance Officer to ensure regulatory compliance across all operations.
    • Proactively monitor industry trends and regulations to plan for future compliance needs and operational risk.
  • Talent Development and Team Building
    • Lead efforts in hiring, developing, and retaining top management talent at each plant.
    • Support continuous learning and development through mentoring, performance management, and training programs.
    • Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence.
  • Reporting and Performance Monitoring
    • Provide regular reporting and data‑driven insights to the CEO and board regarding key operational metrics and capital expenditures (CAPEX).
    • Develop and maintain tools and systems to monitor production performance and costs.

Travel Requirements: 25-50% travel

REQUIRED SKILLLS & QUALIFICATIONS
  • Proven experience (15+ years) in senior operations leadership, preferably in a multi‑site manufacturing environment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA preferred).
  • Experience working with Senior decision makers.
  • Prior experience working in a dry‑mill ethanol plant preferred.
  • Strong strategic planning, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a track record of building collaborative teams.
  • Experience working closely with finance, compliance, and operations functions.
  • Proven experience in capital project management and execution of projects larger than $10M required.
PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES
  • High level of integrity and professionalism.
  • Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and lead at all levels.
  • Ability to maintain effective relationships with internal teams, external partners, and industry contacts.
  • Adaptable and forward-thinking, with a passion for innovation and process improvement.

Guardian Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, bonus eligibility and generous time off
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Guardian HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Employee Assistance Program with no cost to employees
  • Continuous learning opportunities supported by a tuition reimbursement program
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