COO Jobs in New Jersey
COO jobs in New Jersey draw consistent demand across pharmaceuticals, financial services, logistics, and technology, with openings at every level from director-of-operations track roles through full C-suite positions. The heaviest hiring concentrates in Newark, Jersey City, and Princeton, where anchor employers like Johnson & Johnson, Prudential Financial, and Cognizant maintain major operations footprints. Operations strategy, supply chain optimization, and healthcare administration are the most in-demand specialties for coos in the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
JOB DESCRIPTION
At Uncommon Schools, we know running exceptional schools takes more than great instruction—it also takes exemplary operations! Uncommon Schools' operations leaders work passionately to ensure that our faculty maximizes time and energy on student achievement. They design, implement, and refine systems that anticipate the needs of the school community. As service-oriented leaders, they tackle problems, share standard methodologies across campuses, and respond to urgent needs. They partner to build an academic and cultural environment that supports our ultimate goal: ensuring that every student will earn a college degree.
The Director of Operations Fellow is a full-time position that prepares you to become a Director of Operations (DOO) of an Uncommon school. As DOO, you will lead a school in partnership with the Principal, working together to ensure your students receive an exemplary education. The DOO Fellowship is based on a foundation of four core elements that are aligned to the competencies of Uncommon leaders. Each element is designed to build Fellows’ capacity towards becoming effective DOOs. These include Professional Development, Experiential Learning, Practical Application, and Reflective Practice. The DOO Fellowship typically lasts one year; however, the length of time will vary based on open positions and DOO Fellow readiness. Fellows should expect to work in multiple locations and gradespans within the region. Fellow placement is based on the region’s needs as well as Fellows’ growth areas and matching them with host DOOs to best support their development.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
All Fellows will attend a series of professional development workshops throughout the Fellowship. The subject matter of these workshops is grounded in the leadership competencies that DOOs are evaluated and developed on.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Feedback and coaching, especially when individualized, are critical tools that will support the Fellow’s growth as a leader. Fellows will engage in experiential learning activities and receive feedback targeted at their individualized areas of growth. Experiential learning activities include: submission of weekly deliverables; on-site coaching with real-time feedback; and practice clinics where fellows will engage in case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Fellows are placed at an existing Uncommon school and serve as full-time members of the school's operations team. They engage in operations work at their host school, tackle school or regional-based operations projects, and conduct observations and analysis of operational systems. Fellows are responsible for completing a variety of pre-determined deliverables that expose them to all of the key components of DOO work. Practical application includes an Immersion in which the Fellow acts as DOO in place of their host DOO for 4-6 weeks. During this time, their host DOO is offsite and the Fellow is acting DOO and co-leads the school alongside the Principal.
REFLECTIVE DISCOURSE
The Fellowship will create space at in-person sessions for reflective discourse, so that Fellows can learn from their own experiences and those of others in the cohort. Fellows will also be supported in developing a reflective practice, where they will codify their learning through written reflections and create plans to make their growth and development actionable.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools;
- Passionate commitment to improve the minds, characters, and lives of students both in and out of school;
- Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks effectively to fully meet the needs of their school, with a lens towards systems thinking;
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed;
- Comfort with managing ambiguous situations and moving to clarity/solution;
- Ability to learn something new and/or “do what it takes” to ensure the school receives high-quality operations despite obstacles;
- Proactive, strategic problem-solver who is able to work successfully in a fast-paced environment, often while balancing competing priorities;
- High-quality communication and relationship-building skills with multiple partners including teachers, students, families, vendors, and colleagues;
- Ability to have difficult conversations in a respectful manner;
- Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Access;
- Dedication to self-reflection and continual professional growth; approaches every experience as a chance to learn and grow and understands that introspection and the outward expression of that learning is essential to leadership;
- School-based or other educational experience preferred;
- Required experience:
+ 4 or more years of work experience;
+ At least 1 year of experience in operations leadership (experience in K-12 school operations is preferred);
+ At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing others (e.g., Special Projects Manager, Associate Director of Operations, Instructional Leader, or other equivalent experience);
+ Project planning experience, with proven ability to see large projects through to completion;
+ A Bachelor’s degree.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
COMPENSATION
Compensation for this role is between $101,000 to $107,100. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $101,000. Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.
BENEFITS
- Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
- Extensive, best-in-class training and development.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA).
- Financial Planning + New Jersey Pension program.
- Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
- Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits.
A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE. At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve—with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.
INTRODUCTION
Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
JOB DESCRIPTION
At Uncommon Schools, we know running exceptional schools takes more than great instruction—it also takes exemplary operations! Uncommon Schools' operations leaders work passionately to ensure that our faculty maximizes time and energy on student achievement. They design, implement, and refine systems that anticipate the needs of the school community. As service-oriented leaders, they tackle problems, share standard methodologies across campuses, and respond to urgent needs. They partner to build an academic and cultural environment that supports our ultimate goal: ensuring that every student will earn a college degree.
The Director of Operations Fellow is a full-time position that prepares you to become a Director of Operations (DOO) of an Uncommon school. As DOO, you will lead a school in partnership with the Principal, working together to ensure your students receive an exemplary education. The DOO Fellowship is based on a foundation of four core elements that are aligned to the competencies of Uncommon leaders. Each element is designed to build Fellows’ capacity towards becoming effective DOOs. These include Professional Development, Experiential Learning, Practical Application, and Reflective Practice. The DOO Fellowship typically lasts one year; however, the length of time will vary based on open positions and DOO Fellow readiness. Fellows should expect to work in multiple locations and gradespans within the region. Fellow placement is based on the region’s needs as well as Fellows’ growth areas and matching them with host DOOs to best support their development.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
All Fellows will attend a series of professional development workshops throughout the Fellowship. The subject matter of these workshops is grounded in the leadership competencies that DOOs are evaluated and developed on.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Feedback and coaching, especially when individualized, are critical tools that will support the Fellow’s growth as a leader. Fellows will engage in experiential learning activities and receive feedback targeted at their individualized areas of growth. Experiential learning activities include: submission of weekly deliverables; on-site coaching with real-time feedback; and practice clinics where fellows will engage in case studies, role plays, and problem-solving exercises.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Fellows are placed at an existing Uncommon school and serve as full-time members of the school's operations team. They engage in operations work at their host school, tackle school or regional-based operations projects, and conduct observations and analysis of operational systems. Fellows are responsible for completing a variety of pre-determined deliverables that expose them to all of the key components of DOO work. Practical application includes an Immersion in which the Fellow acts as DOO in place of their host DOO for 4-6 weeks. During this time, their host DOO is offsite and the Fellow is acting DOO and co-leads the school alongside the Principal.
REFLECTIVE DISCOURSE
The Fellowship will create space at in-person sessions for reflective discourse, so that Fellows can learn from their own experiences and those of others in the cohort. Fellows will also be supported in developing a reflective practice, where they will codify their learning through written reflections and create plans to make their growth and development actionable.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools;
- Passionate commitment to improve the minds, characters, and lives of students both in and out of school;
- Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks effectively to fully meet the needs of their school, with a lens towards systems thinking;
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed;
- Comfort with managing ambiguous situations and moving to clarity/solution;
- Ability to learn something new and/or “do what it takes” to ensure the school receives high-quality operations despite obstacles;
- Proactive, strategic problem-solver who is able to work successfully in a fast-paced environment, often while balancing competing priorities;
- High-quality communication and relationship-building skills with multiple partners including teachers, students, families, vendors, and colleagues;
- Ability to have difficult conversations in a respectful manner;
- Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Access;
- Dedication to self-reflection and continual professional growth; approaches every experience as a chance to learn and grow and understands that introspection and the outward expression of that learning is essential to leadership;
- School-based or other educational experience preferred;
- Required experience:
+ 4 or more years of work experience;
+ At least 1 year of experience in operations leadership (experience in K-12 school operations is preferred);
+ At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing others (e.g., Special Projects Manager, Associate Director of Operations, Instructional Leader, or other equivalent experience);
+ Project planning experience, with proven ability to see large projects through to completion;
+ A Bachelor’s degree.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
COMPENSATION
Compensation for this role is between $101,000 to $107,100. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $101,000. Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.
BENEFITS
- Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
- Extensive, best-in-class training and development.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA).
- Financial Planning + New Jersey Pension program.
- Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
- Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits.
A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE. At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve—with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.
See All 105+ COO Jobs in New Jersey
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Find COO JobsCOO Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
COO Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Retail
- Medical Devices
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in COO jobs across New Jersey.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field required
- Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience in operations or general management
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams of at least fifty employees
- Proven ability to develop and execute multi-year operational strategy and financial planning
- Experience in New Jersey-dominant industries such as pharmaceuticals, financial services, or logistics
- Familiarity with New Jersey regulatory and compliance environments affecting operations and supply chain
COO Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a coo in New Jersey?
There is no state-issued license required to work as a coo in New Jersey, so the path runs through education and progressive experience. Most employers expect at least a bachelor's degree in business, operations, or a related field, and many prefer an MBA. The practical route is to build a record in operations management, move into VP or SVP roles at mid-size or large New Jersey employers, and accumulate P&L ownership before targeting C-suite searches.
Which companies hire coos in New Jersey?
Employers hiring coos in New Jersey right now include Teva Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, and BRAVEN, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. New Jersey's dense concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, financial services firms, and third-party logistics companies makes it one of the more active states for senior operations leadership searches.
Which New Jersey cities have the most coo jobs?
New Jersey, Parsippany-Troy Hills, and Princeton account for the largest share of coo openings in New Jersey. Newark and Jersey City drive volume through financial services, insurance, and logistics firms headquartered or regionally based there, while Princeton and the Route 1 corridor attract pharmaceutical and life sciences companies that maintain large operational campuses and regularly search for senior operations leaders.
Are there remote coo jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, but they're rare. The coo role is inherently operational and typically requires regular on-site presence to manage people, facilities, and cross-departmental execution. About 48% of coo openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with hybrid arrangements more common than fully remote. The portions of the role most likely to be done remotely are strategic planning, board reporting, and financial oversight rather than direct operational management.
How can I get hired as a coo in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an operations manager or director of operations role at a mid-size New Jersey company, then building toward VP before a C-suite move. Large New Jersey employers in logistics and pharma, including third-party logistics operators in the Meadowlands area and life sciences firms along Route 1, regularly hire operations associates and rotational business leadership program graduates. An MBA from a New Jersey institution strengthens candidacy for fast-track advancement into senior leadership.
Where can I find and apply to coo jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to coo jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and target industry, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 105+ COO Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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