Chief Operating Officer Jobs in California
Chief Operating Officer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, healthcare, and financial services, with openings ranging from divisional operations leads at growth-stage companies to enterprise-level COOs at Fortune 500 headquarters. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego account for the largest share of postings, with major employers such as Apple, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo maintaining deep operations leadership pipelines across the state. The most in-demand specialties include operational transformation, supply chain optimization, and scaling functions within venture-backed technology firms. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Sr. Director, Corporate Planning, Strategy, M&A & Portfolio Operations
Our new global headquarters is conveniently located in Irvine, CA near John Wayne Airport in the Park Place development. For our onsite and hybrid employees you will be able to enjoy amenities such as access to many restaurants and shops, running trails, a fitness deck, outdoor seating, dry cleaning, car wash, free garage parking, car charging stations, shuttle service for train commuters, outdoor games like bocce, horseshoes, gaming tables, pickle ball, and basketball. For more information on Park Place visit parkplaceirvine.com.
Who We Are:
Ever wonder who brings the entertainment to your flights? Panasonic Avionics Corporation is #1 in the industry for delivering inflight products such as movies, games, Wi-Fi, and now Bluetooth headphone connectivity!
How exciting would it be to be a part of the innovation that goes into creating technology that delights millions of people in an industry that’s here to stay! With our company’s history spanning over 40 years, you will have stability, career growth opportunities, and will work with the brightest minds in the industry.
If you want to learn more about us, visit us at www.panasonic.aero
And for a full listing of open job opportunities go to https://careers.na.panasonic.com/avionics/jobs
The Position:
Serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, leading corporate strategy, planning, M&A, strategic partnerships, business development, and portfolio management to drive PAC's long-term growth and enterprise value. Oversees development and execution of the Mid-Term Plan (MTP) and annual Business Plan, while directing strategic investments, portfolio governance, product prioritization, profitability management, and executive decision-making processes.
Corporate Planning & Enterprise Strategy - 30%
- Lead the development, execution, and governance of PAC's annual Business Plan (BP), Mid-Term Plan (MTP), and long-range strategic plans.
- Serve as strategic advisor to the CEO, CFO, and Executive Management Team on growth strategy, investment priorities, risk mitigation, and enterprise performance.
- Direct strategic planning activities including market analysis, competitive intelligence, scenario planning, and financial forecasting to support executive decision-making.
- Lead cross-functional planning teams in the development of strategic objectives, revenue/profitability targets, and transformation initiatives.
- Prepare and present strategic recommendations and MTP updates to PAC executives, Panasonic Holdings, Panasonic Connect, and Board members.
- Monitor external market trends, emerging technologies, customer needs, and competitive dynamics that may impact strategic direction.
M&A, Strategic Alliances & Business Development - 25%
- Identify, evaluate, and execute strategic growth opportunities including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, joint ventures, and licensing arrangements.
- Lead end-to-end M&A processes including opportunity sourcing, valuation analysis, due diligence, negotiation support, and integration planning.
- Partner with business and functional leaders to identify adjacent markets, emerging technologies, and new revenue streams supporting long-term growth.
- Develop business plans, market entry strategies, competitive assessments, and financial models to evaluate strategic investments.
- Establish and maintain executive-level relationships with strategic partners, customers, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders.
- Lead negotiations and executive recommendations regarding partnership structures, commercial agreements, and alliance frameworks.
- Drive post-acquisition or partnership integration activities to ensure realization of financial, operational, and strategic objectives.
Strategic Portfolio Management & Portfolio Operations - 25%
- Lead enterprise portfolio management strategy to optimize product investments and align them with corporate objectives.
- Own and govern the Product & Portfolio Review Board (PPRB), enterprise prioritization processes, and investment decision frameworks.
- Oversee evaluation, prioritization, funding, and monitoring of product, technology, and innovation investments across business units.
- Direct portfolio profitability reviews, business case assessments, ROI analyses, and lifecycle management activities.
- Provide executive oversight of product development project portfolios, including funding governance, milestone reviews, and dependency management.
- Drive organizational transformation from project-centric execution toward scalable product portfolio management.
- Lead Portfolio Operations teams responsible for business intelligence, product management process, reporting, and analytics.
Leadership, Organizational Effectiveness & Stakeholder Management - 20%
- Manage, coach, and mentor team employees to promote professional growth and provide direction to employees in support of corporate vision, values, and goals.
- Manage departmental budgets, headcount planning, and resource allocation to support operational effectiveness.
- Support executive communications, Board-level presentations, and shareholder/investor engagement activities.
- Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements, audit obligations, and Panasonic policies while maintaining the highest confidentiality standards.
- Drive continuous improvement, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration throughout the enterprise.
The wage range of $199,000 - $333,000 is just one component of Panasonic’s total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives (please also ensure to include a full list of “other forms of compensation” applicable to any posting too, and this would include GEB, NQDC, commissions, profit-sharing, as just some illustrative examples).
What We're Looking For:
Bachelors' degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field required. Masters Business Administration (MBA) strongly preferred.
12+ years of progressive experience in corporate strategy, business planning, or corporate development within a global organization, preferably with a Japanese-headquartered company.
5+ years working with company focused on business development, corporate planning or financial planning (within a Panasonic company preferred).
In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Experience preferred.
- Ability to travel 30%-40% of time, both domestic and international.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements:
Strategic Planning & Business Leadership
- Comprehensive knowledge of corporate strategy, business planning, enterprise performance management, market analysis, competitive intelligence, financial forecasting, and growth strategy development.
- Proven ability to develop and execute business strategies that support corporate objectives and drive long-term growth.
Corporate Development & Financial Acumen
- Strong knowledge of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, joint ventures, licensing agreements, and business development initiatives.
- Demonstrated expertise in investment evaluation, valuation methodologies, due diligence, financial modeling, business case development, ROI analysis, and strategic investment recommendations.
Portfolio Management & Governance
- Knowledge of portfolio management, investment prioritization, product lifecycle management, capital allocation, and governance frameworks.
- Ability to establish governance processes, evaluate business cases, and drive execution across complex, cross-functional initiatives.
- Deep understanding of corporate governance, risk management, compliance requirements, and executive reporting practices.
Leadership
- Strong leadership capability with expertise in organizational leadership, talent development, and cross-functional team management, including the ability to lead enterprise initiatives, drive organizational transformation, and align teams to achieve strategic business objectives.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and drive results in a complex, global business environment.
Communication, Influence & Relationship Management
- Excellent executive communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and build effective relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
- Must have keen understanding of Japanese business culture and expectations.
Our Principles:
Contribution to Society | Fairness & Honesty | Cooperation & Team Spirit | Untiring Effort for Improvement | Courtesy & Humility | Adaptability | Gratitude
What We Offer:
At Panasonic Avionics Corporation we realize the most important aspects in leading our industry are the bright minds behind everything we do. We are proud to offer our employees a highly competitive, comprehensive and flexible benefits program.
- Paid time off: Exempt Salaried employees receive flexible paid time off. This means that there is no fixed number, range, or limit to the amount of Personal and Vacation Days that may be taken for exempt employees. Non-exempt hourly employees accrue 14 vacation days per year + 7 sick days + 3 personal days. Accrual rate increases with tenure. All employees receive 11 company paid holidays per year. We also close our offices at the corporate level in the U.S. between Christmas and New Year. For operational positions that are expected to work on holidays, we provide additional compensation for hours worked.
- Health Insurance: Medical insurance offerings from Aetna and Kaiser (CA &HI). Options for Employee Only, Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner, Employee + Children, or Family. Dental PPO and DMO options & Vision insurance through EyeMed or VSP.
- Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
- Health Management and Wellbeing Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
- 401K with 50% match on up to 8% contribution, full vested from day 1.
- Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
- Washington residents only are eligible for: Washington’s Family and Medical Leave program and Washington’s Paid Sick Leave program.
We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, send us your application!
Panasonic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law or company policy. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Pre-employment drug testing is required for safety sensitive positions or as may otherwise be required by contract or law. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Avionics Corporate.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-VE1
#LI-TA1
Sr. Director, Corporate Planning, Strategy, M&A & Portfolio Operations
Our new global headquarters is conveniently located in Irvine, CA near John Wayne Airport in the Park Place development. For our onsite and hybrid employees you will be able to enjoy amenities such as access to many restaurants and shops, running trails, a fitness deck, outdoor seating, dry cleaning, car wash, free garage parking, car charging stations, shuttle service for train commuters, outdoor games like bocce, horseshoes, gaming tables, pickle ball, and basketball. For more information on Park Place visit parkplaceirvine.com.
Who We Are:
Ever wonder who brings the entertainment to your flights? Panasonic Avionics Corporation is #1 in the industry for delivering inflight products such as movies, games, Wi-Fi, and now Bluetooth headphone connectivity!
How exciting would it be to be a part of the innovation that goes into creating technology that delights millions of people in an industry that’s here to stay! With our company’s history spanning over 40 years, you will have stability, career growth opportunities, and will work with the brightest minds in the industry.
If you want to learn more about us, visit us at www.panasonic.aero
And for a full listing of open job opportunities go to https://careers.na.panasonic.com/avionics/jobs
The Position:
Serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, leading corporate strategy, planning, M&A, strategic partnerships, business development, and portfolio management to drive PAC's long-term growth and enterprise value. Oversees development and execution of the Mid-Term Plan (MTP) and annual Business Plan, while directing strategic investments, portfolio governance, product prioritization, profitability management, and executive decision-making processes.
Corporate Planning & Enterprise Strategy - 30%
- Lead the development, execution, and governance of PAC's annual Business Plan (BP), Mid-Term Plan (MTP), and long-range strategic plans.
- Serve as strategic advisor to the CEO, CFO, and Executive Management Team on growth strategy, investment priorities, risk mitigation, and enterprise performance.
- Direct strategic planning activities including market analysis, competitive intelligence, scenario planning, and financial forecasting to support executive decision-making.
- Lead cross-functional planning teams in the development of strategic objectives, revenue/profitability targets, and transformation initiatives.
- Prepare and present strategic recommendations and MTP updates to PAC executives, Panasonic Holdings, Panasonic Connect, and Board members.
- Monitor external market trends, emerging technologies, customer needs, and competitive dynamics that may impact strategic direction.
M&A, Strategic Alliances & Business Development - 25%
- Identify, evaluate, and execute strategic growth opportunities including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, investments, joint ventures, and licensing arrangements.
- Lead end-to-end M&A processes including opportunity sourcing, valuation analysis, due diligence, negotiation support, and integration planning.
- Partner with business and functional leaders to identify adjacent markets, emerging technologies, and new revenue streams supporting long-term growth.
- Develop business plans, market entry strategies, competitive assessments, and financial models to evaluate strategic investments.
- Establish and maintain executive-level relationships with strategic partners, customers, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders.
- Lead negotiations and executive recommendations regarding partnership structures, commercial agreements, and alliance frameworks.
- Drive post-acquisition or partnership integration activities to ensure realization of financial, operational, and strategic objectives.
Strategic Portfolio Management & Portfolio Operations - 25%
- Lead enterprise portfolio management strategy to optimize product investments and align them with corporate objectives.
- Own and govern the Product & Portfolio Review Board (PPRB), enterprise prioritization processes, and investment decision frameworks.
- Oversee evaluation, prioritization, funding, and monitoring of product, technology, and innovation investments across business units.
- Direct portfolio profitability reviews, business case assessments, ROI analyses, and lifecycle management activities.
- Provide executive oversight of product development project portfolios, including funding governance, milestone reviews, and dependency management.
- Drive organizational transformation from project-centric execution toward scalable product portfolio management.
- Lead Portfolio Operations teams responsible for business intelligence, product management process, reporting, and analytics.
Leadership, Organizational Effectiveness & Stakeholder Management - 20%
- Manage, coach, and mentor team employees to promote professional growth and provide direction to employees in support of corporate vision, values, and goals.
- Manage departmental budgets, headcount planning, and resource allocation to support operational effectiveness.
- Support executive communications, Board-level presentations, and shareholder/investor engagement activities.
- Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements, audit obligations, and Panasonic policies while maintaining the highest confidentiality standards.
- Drive continuous improvement, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration throughout the enterprise.
The wage range of $199,000 - $333,000 is just one component of Panasonic’s total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives (please also ensure to include a full list of “other forms of compensation” applicable to any posting too, and this would include GEB, NQDC, commissions, profit-sharing, as just some illustrative examples).
What We're Looking For:
Bachelors' degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field required. Masters Business Administration (MBA) strongly preferred.
12+ years of progressive experience in corporate strategy, business planning, or corporate development within a global organization, preferably with a Japanese-headquartered company.
5+ years working with company focused on business development, corporate planning or financial planning (within a Panasonic company preferred).
In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity Experience preferred.
- Ability to travel 30%-40% of time, both domestic and international.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements:
Strategic Planning & Business Leadership
- Comprehensive knowledge of corporate strategy, business planning, enterprise performance management, market analysis, competitive intelligence, financial forecasting, and growth strategy development.
- Proven ability to develop and execute business strategies that support corporate objectives and drive long-term growth.
Corporate Development & Financial Acumen
- Strong knowledge of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, joint ventures, licensing agreements, and business development initiatives.
- Demonstrated expertise in investment evaluation, valuation methodologies, due diligence, financial modeling, business case development, ROI analysis, and strategic investment recommendations.
Portfolio Management & Governance
- Knowledge of portfolio management, investment prioritization, product lifecycle management, capital allocation, and governance frameworks.
- Ability to establish governance processes, evaluate business cases, and drive execution across complex, cross-functional initiatives.
- Deep understanding of corporate governance, risk management, compliance requirements, and executive reporting practices.
Leadership
- Strong leadership capability with expertise in organizational leadership, talent development, and cross-functional team management, including the ability to lead enterprise initiatives, drive organizational transformation, and align teams to achieve strategic business objectives.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and drive results in a complex, global business environment.
Communication, Influence & Relationship Management
- Excellent executive communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and build effective relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
- Must have keen understanding of Japanese business culture and expectations.
Our Principles:
Contribution to Society | Fairness & Honesty | Cooperation & Team Spirit | Untiring Effort for Improvement | Courtesy & Humility | Adaptability | Gratitude
What We Offer:
At Panasonic Avionics Corporation we realize the most important aspects in leading our industry are the bright minds behind everything we do. We are proud to offer our employees a highly competitive, comprehensive and flexible benefits program.
- Paid time off: Exempt Salaried employees receive flexible paid time off. This means that there is no fixed number, range, or limit to the amount of Personal and Vacation Days that may be taken for exempt employees. Non-exempt hourly employees accrue 14 vacation days per year + 7 sick days + 3 personal days. Accrual rate increases with tenure. All employees receive 11 company paid holidays per year. We also close our offices at the corporate level in the U.S. between Christmas and New Year. For operational positions that are expected to work on holidays, we provide additional compensation for hours worked.
- Health Insurance: Medical insurance offerings from Aetna and Kaiser (CA &HI). Options for Employee Only, Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner, Employee + Children, or Family. Dental PPO and DMO options & Vision insurance through EyeMed or VSP.
- Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
- Health Management and Wellbeing Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
- 401K with 50% match on up to 8% contribution, full vested from day 1.
- Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
- Washington residents only are eligible for: Washington’s Family and Medical Leave program and Washington’s Paid Sick Leave program.
We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, send us your application!
Panasonic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law or company policy. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Pre-employment drug testing is required for safety sensitive positions or as may otherwise be required by contract or law. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Avionics Corporate.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-VE1
#LI-TA1
See All 442+ Chief Operating Officer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chief Operating Officer JobsChief Operating Officer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chief Operating Officer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Gilead Sciences10
- Meta5
- Bon Appétit5
- Stanford University5
- CBRE4
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Retail
- Banking & Financial Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Manufacturing
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chief operating officer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field required
- Ten or more years of progressive operations leadership experience in a relevant California industry
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams of fifty or more employees
- Proven ability to build and execute operational strategy aligned to revenue and growth targets
- Strong financial acumen including P&L ownership and budget management at scale
- Experience with California labor law compliance, including wage and hour regulations
Chief Operating Officer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chief operating officer in California?
Becoming a chief operating officer in California typically requires a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or operations, with many employers preferring an MBA from a recognized program such as those at UCLA Anderson, UC Berkeley Haas, or USC Marshall. There is no state-issued license for this role, but the California path most often runs through director or VP-level operations roles at technology, healthcare, or enterprise companies before advancing to COO.
How much do chief operating officers make in California?
Chief operating officers in California earn a median of about $218,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,790 for the lowest 10% to over $486,830 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chief operating officers in California?
Employers hiring chief operating officers in California right now include Gilead Sciences, Meta, and Bon Appétit, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, large integrated health systems, and entertainment studios makes it one of the most consistent states for senior operations leadership hiring year-round.
Which California cities have the most chief operating officer jobs?
The cities with the most chief operating officer openings in California are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. San Francisco and the broader Bay Area drive demand through its density of technology and venture-backed firms, Los Angeles through entertainment, media, and healthcare employers, and San Diego through its life sciences and defense sector anchors, each generating distinct operations leadership needs.
Are there remote chief operating officer jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical or individual-contributor roles, since chief operating officers are typically expected to be present for leadership, culture, and cross-functional coordination. About 62% of chief operating officer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026. Strategy, finance oversight, and vendor management components of the role are most frequently performed remotely when hybrid arrangements exist.
How can I get hired as a chief operating officer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is building a foundation in operations management, program management, or chief of staff roles at California-based technology or healthcare companies, where exposure to executive decision-making and cross-functional leadership is accelerated. Large California employers including Kaiser Permanente, Salesforce, and major health systems run high-potential leadership development programs that place strong performers on a COO track. Earning a PMP credential or an MBA from a California business school strengthens candidacy significantly for those without direct C-suite experience.
Where can I find and apply to chief operating officer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to chief operating officer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search by city, industry, or specialty to narrow results to roles that match your background, then apply directly to the listings that fit.
See All 442+ Chief Operating Officer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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