Title: Chief Operating Officer
Industry: Pharmaceutical
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Public Company Experience Required

SUMMARY:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO)plays a critical role in company operation. The position entails running the day-to-day business operations of The Company, freeing up the CEO to fulfill responsibilities as specified by the Board.

In functional respects, the COO will be a vital member of the CEO's core staff, working with the CEO to develop and implement Company’s long-term strategy. The COO will also interact extensively with department heads to provide leadership and direction for all business activities. The COO will be responsible for all major operational decisions, freeing up the CEO to focus on broader issues and the long-term strategy. Each of the department heads will report directly to the COO; only exceptionally difficult and important operational decisions should involve the CEO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● General oversight of all operational and business functions, including finance, sales, business development, administration and operations.
● Travel, as required, to customer locations, supplier facilities and other executive matters.
● Advise the CEO on strategic business development and key corporate planning issues and make recommendations on major business decisions.
● Keep the CEO informed about business activities, potential threats, opportunities, and recommended actions.
● Help determine resource allocation among departments.
● Shape and develop department strategy and organization. Help identify opportunities and potential threats to each department. Ensure proper report structure within departments.
● Encourage managers to evaluate and take actions that are consistent with Company’s overall strategy which will lead to high performance. Challenge basic assumptions underlying each department's operations. Act as a sounding board for department managers.
● Set performance goals which are tailored to each department. Develop operational goals for each department which are aggressive and tied to long-term goals.
● Monitor department performance against performance goals to ensure that progress is being made and collective action - if necessary - is taken. Ensure adherence to annual budgets. Build an organization culture in which performance matters by communicating rewards/consequences.
● Lead program to build organizational capabilities. Develop a group of well-rounded, capable managers in each department. Oversee (with HR director) the implementation of effective HR program to build critical core competencies and organizational values.
● Select management team for each department.
● Conduct regular meetings with department heads to ensure that priorities are clear and coordination is good.
● Follow-up on decisions made in management meetings and ensure proper execution.
● Meet regularly with department heads to negotiate operational objectives and performance goals.
● Conduct regular reviews of department performance and decide on actions required as a result.
● Facilitate resolution of issues between departments.
● Take charge in high-priority crises.