Chief Operating Officer (COO) vs Project Manager vs Program Manager

Primary Role:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages day-to-day operations of the company

Project Manager: Leads and manages specific projects

Program Manager: Oversees specific programs, ensuring they align with organizational goals

Reporting Relationship:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Typically reports to CEO or President

Project Manager: Reports to a project sponsor or senior manager

Program Manager: Reports to a senior manager or director

Scope of Responsibilities:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees all operational activities (finance, HR, etc.)

Project Manager: Oversees project lifecycle from initiation to closure

Program Manager: Manages program objectives, resources, and timelines

Decision-Making Authority:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Significant authority over operations

Project Manager: Decision-making within the scope of the project

Program Manager: Decision-making within the scope of program management

Strategic Planning:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Involved in the strategic planning process and responsible for implementing the strategy at an operational level

Project Manager: Involved in planning project strategy and objectives

Program Manager: Participates in strategic planning of program objectives

Team Management:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages multiple teams or departments across the organization

Project Manager: Manages project teams

Program Manager: Manages program teams and coordinates with other departments

Meeting Involvement:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Often leads meetings related to operations and strategy implementation

Project Manager: Leads project meetings, coordinates team communication

Program Manager: Leads program-related meetings and updates

Project Management:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees large-scale projects that affect multiple areas of the company

Project Manager: Responsible for complete project management

Program Manager: Responsible for end-to-end program management

Communication:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Responsible for communicating decisions and strategies to the teams they manage and the broader organization

Project Manager: Communicates project updates and liaises with stakeholders

Program Manager: Communicates program goals and updates to stakeholders

Professional Development:

Chief Operating Officer (COO): Focuses on the professional development of the teams they manage

Project Manager: Focuses on project management skills and methodologies

Program Manager: Develops in program management and strategic coordination