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Founder Chief Operating Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cogent IBS, Inc

Chief Operating Officer

Glenview, IL · On-site

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Location: Glenview, IL (On-Site) Job Type: Full-Time Compensation ... Founder & CEO About the Company We are a high-growth, founder-led technology company specializing ...

Cogent IBS, Inc

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Glenview, IL · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Founder & CEO Position Overview As Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will serve as a strategic partner to the Founder & CEO, responsible for translating our vision into operational excellence. You ...

Aardvark Studios

Chief Operating Officer

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

The COO will work directly with the founder and leadership team, stay close to the work and have meaningful authority to make decisions, develop people, improve systems, restructure departments and ...

Apply Early

Museum of Ice Cream

Chief Operating Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The COO will serve as the CEO's closest strategic partner -- translating creative ambition into ... We need someone who knows how to operate inside a founder-led, fast-growth environment: a leader ...

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Museum of Ice Cream

Chief Operating Officer

Boston, MA · On-site

The COO will serve as the CEO's closest strategic partner -- translating creative ambition into ... We need someone who knows how to operate inside a founder-led, fast-growth environment: a leader ...

Apply Early

Museum of Ice Cream

Chief Operating Officer

Miami, FL · On-site

The COO will serve as the CEO's closest strategic partner -- translating creative ambition into ... We need someone who knows how to operate inside a founder-led, fast-growth environment: a leader ...

Apply Early

Museum of Ice Cream

Chief Operating Officer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

The COO will serve as the CEO's closest strategic partner -- translating creative ambition into ... We need someone who knows how to operate inside a founder-led, fast-growth environment: a leader ...

Apply Early

Museum of Ice Cream

Chief Operating Officer

New York, NY · On-site

The COO will serve as the CEO's closest strategic partner -- translating creative ambition into ... We need someone who knows how to operate inside a founder-led, fast-growth environment: a leader ...

Apply Early

The People Brand

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Nampa, ID · On-site

$300K - $350K/yr

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as the operational engine of the business ... Experienced leader in founder-led businesses $300,000 - $350,000 a year We may use artificial ...

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All JobsFounder Chief Operating Officer Jobs

Founder Chief Operating Officer information

See salary details

$41.5K

$151.2K

$269.5K

How much do founder chief operating officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for founder chief operating officer in the United States is $151,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $185,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Founder Chief Operating Officer vs Chief Operating Officer?

AspectFounder Chief Operating OfficerChief Operating Officer
CredentialsOften includes entrepreneurial experience, startup background, and sometimes technical or industry-specific certificationsTypically requires extensive management experience, business administration, and leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentStartup or early-stage company, high-growth environment, often involved in strategic decision-makingEstablished company, focused on operational efficiency, process management, and scaling
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in startups, tech companies, and entrepreneurial venturesWidely used across industries in mature organizations

The Founder Chief Operating Officer is usually a startup founder with a focus on building and scaling the business from the ground up, often wearing multiple hats. The Chief Operating Officer is a senior executive in established companies, concentrating on operational management and efficiency. While both roles require leadership skills, the Founder COO combines entrepreneurial drive with operational expertise, whereas the COO focuses more on organizational processes within a mature company.

What are some common challenges a Founder Chief Operating Officer faces when scaling a startup team?

A Founder Chief Operating Officer often encounters challenges such as balancing rapid growth with maintaining a cohesive company culture, implementing scalable processes, and adapting organizational structures as the team expands. Navigating resource constraints while ensuring operational efficiency is also a frequent hurdle. Additionally, the COO must foster collaboration between departments, align strategic goals, and support the CEO in translating vision into actionable plans, all while responding quickly to market changes.

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

To excel as a Founder Chief Operating Officer, you need strong business acumen, operational management expertise, and experience in scaling startups, typically supported by a relevant degree or entrepreneurial background. Familiarity with business intelligence tools, financial management systems, and project management platforms is essential. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience are crucial soft skills for driving company growth and navigating uncertainty. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively executing the company's vision, managing rapid change, and ensuring sustainable business operations.

What are the responsibilities of a Founder Chief Operating Officer?

A Founder Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a startup or early-stage company. They work closely with the CEO and other founders to develop and implement business strategies, manage teams, and ensure organizational efficiency. The Founder COO often sets up operational processes, manages budgets, and helps scale the business as it grows. Their role is crucial in translating the company's vision into actionable plans and driving execution across various departments.
More about Founder Chief Operating Officer jobs
What job categories do people searching Founder Chief Operating Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Founder Chief Operating Officer jobs are:
Founder Chief Operating Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Founder Chief Operating Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,203 per year, or $72.7 per hour.
Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Cogent IBS, Inc

Glenview, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Glenview, IL (On-Site)
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $200,000 PA + Performance Bonus + ESOP Eligibility
Reports To: Founder & CEO

About the Company

We are a high-growth, founder-led technology company specializing in AI-powered Engineering Solutions, Robotics, Construction Technology (ConTech), Industrial Automation, Physical AI, and Advanced Manufacturing. We are seeking a hands-on COO to partner with the Founder & CEO and lead the company''s next phase of growth.

Position Summary

The COO will oversee day-to-day operations across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, and Customer Delivery while driving operational excellence, business scalability, profitability, and strategic execution.

This role is ideal for an executive who has successfully scaled founder-led technology companies operating in AI, Robotics, Automation, or Advanced Manufacturing.

Mandatory Qualifications

  • Bachelor''s degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field (MBA preferred).
  • 15+ years of leadership experience, including 5+ years as a COO, President, General Manager, or VP/SVP Operations.
  • Executive leadership experience in AI, Robotics, Industrial Automation, ConTech, Physical AI, Advanced Manufacturing, Smart Manufacturing, Industrial IoT, or Mechatronics.
  • Proven experience in founder-led startups, scale-ups, or high-growth technology companies.
  • Demonstrated success scaling operations, building organizations, and partnering directly with Founders/CEOs.
  • Full company or business unit P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.
  • Leadership across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, and Customer Delivery.
  • Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence.
  • Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI), product commercialization, and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or Epicor).

Key Responsibilities

  • Partner with the Founder & CEO to execute the company''s strategic vision.
  • Lead Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, and Customer Delivery.
  • Scale operations to support rapid business growth.
  • Drive operational excellence, Lean initiatives, and continuous improvement.
  • Own P&L, KPIs, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability.
  • Build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and innovation.
  • Support new product launches, engineering-to-manufacturing transitions, and strategic growth initiatives.

Apply