Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Alabama

Chief Operating Officer jobs in Alabama are concentrated in manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services, with steady demand for senior operational leaders who can manage large, multi-site organizations. Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile anchor most of the hiring, where employers such as Protective Life, Huntsville Hospital Health System, and Austal USA regularly seek experienced chief operating officers to oversee complex operations. The most in-demand specialties are healthcare operations, defense and aerospace systems management, and manufacturing process leadership. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles43
Top employerAuburn University
Top cityBirmingham, AL
Cities hiring18
Work type67% On-site
Top industryConsulting

Showing 5 of 43+ Chief Operating Officer jobs

ENTERPRISE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Director of Facilities Operations - Shoals Campus
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ENTERPRISE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Added 1d ago
Director of Facilities Operations - Shoals Campus
ENTERPRISE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$68k - $105k/yr
High school diploma or GED
51-200

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ENTERPRISE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Director of Facilities Operations - Phil Campbell
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ENTERPRISE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Added 1d ago
Director of Facilities Operations - Phil Campbell
ENTERPRISE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$68k - $105k/yr
High school diploma or GED
51-200

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Clearway Pain Solutions Institute
Assistant Director of Clinical Operations
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Clearway Pain Solutions Institute
Added 2d ago
Assistant Director of Clinical Operations
Clearway Pain Solutions Institute
Montgomery, Alabama
Compliance & Legal
Compliance & Risk
Human Resources
Bachelor of Science

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Auburn University
Assistant Director, Ticket Operations
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Auburn University
Added 3d ago
Assistant Director, Ticket Operations
Auburn University
Auburn University, Alabama
Business Operations
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$36k - $54k/yr
Bachelor's degree
1,001-5,000

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Auburn University
Assistant Director, NCAT Business Operations & Planning
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Auburn University
Added 4d ago
Assistant Director, NCAT Business Operations & Planning
Auburn University
Auburn University, Alabama
IT Support & Systems Administration
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Technical Product & Program Management
$65k - $117k/yr
Bachelor's degree
1,001-5,000

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See All 43 Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Alabama

Find roles in Alabama that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Chief Operating Officer Jobs by City in Alabama

Where Alabama roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Birmingham
9 jobs
Montgomery
6 jobs
Huntsville
5 jobs
Hoover
3 jobs
Opelika
3 jobs
Foley
2 jobs
Muscle Shoals
2 jobs
Auburn University
2 jobs
Troy
1 job

Chief Operating Officer Job Market in Alabama

A snapshot from current Alabama openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Auburn University
Auburn University2 open roles
Dragonfly Internet
Dragonfly Internet2 open roles
American Family Care
American Family Care2 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Consulting & Professional Services
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Agriculture & Farming
  • Technology & Software

What Alabama Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in chief operating officer jobs across Alabama.

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field required
  • Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience in a relevant Alabama industry sector
  • Demonstrated experience managing P&L responsibility across large or multi-site operations
  • Strong background in regulatory compliance within Alabama's healthcare or manufacturing environments
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional executive teams and drive organizational performance
  • MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred by most Alabama employers

Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Alabama: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a chief operating officer in Alabama?

The path to a chief operating officer role in Alabama typically starts with a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field, followed by progressive management experience in your target industry. Alabama does not require a state-issued license for the role itself, but executives in healthcare operations must be familiar with Alabama Department of Public Health regulations, and those overseeing financial operations should understand Alabama Securities Commission requirements. Most hiring organizations in Alabama expect candidates to have held a VP or director-level role before advancing to COO.

How much do chief operating officers make in Alabama?

Chief operating officers in Alabama earn a median of about $166,420 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $101,670 for the lowest 10% to over $317,400 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.

Which companies hire chief operating officers in Alabama?

Companies currently hiring chief operating officers in Alabama include Auburn University, Dragonfly Internet, and American Family Care, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Alabama's concentration of healthcare systems, defense contractors, and regional financial institutions means demand is consistent across both publicly traded corporations and large private employers headquartered in the state.

Which Alabama cities have the most chief operating officer jobs?

Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville are the Alabama cities with the most chief operating officer openings. Birmingham leads because it is home to the state's largest hospital systems, regional banks, and corporate headquarters, while Huntsville's growth as a defense and aerospace hub has made it a rising market for operations executives, and Mobile's port-driven manufacturing and logistics sector generates consistent demand for senior operational leaders.

Are there remote chief operating officer jobs in Alabama?

Yes, but they're rare. Chief operating officers are typically expected to be present on-site to lead teams, manage facilities, and engage directly with operations, making full remote arrangements uncommon for the role. About 33% of chief operating officer openings tied to Alabama are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those arrangements are most common in technology-driven or corporate services functions where physical presence is less critical.

How can I get hired as a chief operating officer in Alabama with little or no experience?

The most realistic path is building a record in director or VP-level roles within Alabama's anchor industries before targeting COO positions. Large healthcare employers such as UAB Health System and Ascension St. Vincent's often hire operations directors who move laterally into COO tracks, and defense contractors in the Huntsville corridor promote from program management and engineering leadership roles. Earning an MBA from the University of Alabama or Auburn University strengthens your candidacy, and involvement with the Alabama Hospital Association or Alabama Manufacturers Association builds the network that often leads to executive referrals.

Where can I find and apply to chief operating officer jobs in Alabama?

You can find and apply to chief operating officer jobs in Alabama on Migrate Mate, which lists current Alabama openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your industry background and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 43 Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Alabama

Find roles in Alabama that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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