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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Position Summary
The Director of Facilities Operations is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the College's Shoals Campus facilities department, including maintenance, custodial services, skilled trades, grounds, and facility support operations. This position supervises facilities personnel, manages daily maintenance operations, oversees preventive maintenance programs, coordinates work requests, and ensures College facilities are maintained in a safe, efficient, and functional manner. The Director of Facilities Operations serves as the operational leader of the department and works closely with the Executive Director of Facilities to support the College's facilities management goals.
This position is not eligible for tenure/non-probational status.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Directly supervises Maintenance Supervisors, Maintenance Technicians, Skilled Tradesmen, Custodial staff, Grounds personnel, and other Facilities employees on the Shoals Campus.
- Plans, organizes, assigns, and monitors daily work activities to ensure efficient departmental operations.
- Establishes work priorities and allocates personnel and resources to meet operational needs.
- Conducts employee performance evaluations and provides coaching, mentoring, and corrective action as appropriate.
- Assists with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, and professional development for Facilities personnel.
- Reviews employee time records, leave reports, and other personnel documentation for accuracy.
- Promotes teamwork, accountability, and professional customer service throughout the department.
- Directs the daily maintenance, repair, custodial, and grounds operations of all Shoals Campus facilities.
- Oversees preventive maintenance programs to ensure buildings, equipment, and infrastructure remain in good operating condition.
- Conducts routine inspections of facilities to identify maintenance deficiencies, equipment failures, and operation concerns.
- Coordinates routine repairs, equipment replacements, and facility improvement projects performed by College personnel.
- Oversees facility setup, support, and restoration for campus events and special activities.
- Responds to emergency maintenance issues and coordinates appropriate corrective actions.
- Ensures maintenance activities are completed in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
- Oversees the Shoals Campus work order system and prioritizes maintenance requests based on operational needs.
- Coordinates daily schedules and work assignments for Shoals Campus Facilities personnel.
- Monitors work order completion, response times, and departmental productivity.
- Coordinates routine maintenance activities with campus departments to minimize operational disruptions.
- Assists the Executive Director of Facilities with planning and coordinating minor renovation and facility improvement projects.
- Coordinates with vendors and contractors performing routine maintenance and service worked as assigned.
- Ensures Shoals Campus Facilities personnel comply with College policies, departmental procedures, and established safety practices.
- Promotes safe work practices and proper use of equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment.
- Identifies safety hazards and ensures corrective actions are taken in a timely manner.
- Assists in implementing departmental safety programs and operations procedures.
- Supports compliance with applicable safety standards, environmental requirements, and institutional policies.
- Monitors inventory levels of maintenance supplies, equipment, tools, and materials on the Shoals Campus.
- Coordinates purchasing requests and inventory replenishment for Shoals Campus in conjunction with the Executive Director of Facilities.
- Maintains accurate records of maintenance activities, work orders, equipment usage, and departmental operations.
- Assists in preparing operational reports, maintenance metrics, and departmental recommendations.
- Assists the Executive Director of Facilities with developing operational budges and monitoring departmental expenditures.
- Evaluates departmental operations and recommends improvements to maintenance practices, staffing, equipment, and workflow.
- Serves as the primary operational contact for Shoals Campus maintenance requests.
- Communicates maintenance schedules, work progress, and operational updates with campus departments.
- Report significant operational issues, facility concerns, and staffing needs to the Executive Director of Facilities.
- Collaborates with College departments to support instructional, administrative, and student service operations.
- Represents the Facilities Department on committees and meetings as assigned.
- Serves as the operational leader of the Facilities Department in the absence of the Executive Director of Facilities as delegated.
- Responds to emergencies, severe weather events, and other situations requiring departmental leadership.
- Attends required meetings, training programs, and professional development activities.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Facilities, Vice President, or President.
Qualifications
- Associate Degree from a regionally accredited institution in Industrial Systems, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities, maintenance, construction, or operations management. OR High school diploma or GED and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, maintenance operations, construction, or skilled trades. REQUIRED
- Supervisory experience, required.
Application Procedures/Additional Information
A complete application packet consists of the following:
- a completed Northwest Shoals Community College online application form,
- a current resume, and
- postsecondary transcripts (unofficial or official), which must include institution’s name, college degree, and degree date.
Applications should be received by no later than August 26, 2026.
Incomplete application packets will eliminate the possibility of an interview. Application packets received after the deadline date will eliminate the possibility of an interview. The submission of all required application materials by the deadline date is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
SALARY: Compensation is in accordance with the Alabama Community College System’s Salary Schedule C3-4 ($68,332 - $104,693).
Northwest Shoals Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, including all postsecondary community and technical colleges under the control of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, that no employee or applicant for employment or promotion, on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.
Northwest Shoals Community College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. Applicants in need of an accommodation(s), should contact the Office of Human Resources prior to the interview. 256-331-5279
Applicants must adhere to the College’s prescribed interview schedule and must travel at their own expense.
Northwest Shoals Community College will not be responsible for copying application packets for current or future positions.
In accordance with Alabama Community College System Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon an acceptable background check as determined by the College President.
Northwest Shoals Community College is an active participant in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-verify). E-verify electronically confirms an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States as required by the Department of Homeland Security.
Northwest Shoals Community College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to awarding of employment.
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Chief Operating Officer Job Market in Alabama
A snapshot from current Alabama openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



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.
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