Chief Operating Officer

About the role

AccuWeather is actively searching for a Chief Operating Officer to join its executive leadership team and serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO. The Chief Operating Officer will own the end-to-end operational strategy and execution framework for the entire organization, driving a unified vision that enhances performance and sustainability. This role is responsible for developing a cohesive strategic operational vision and a detailed execution plan designed to drive superior performance, efficiency, and automation across all facets of the business. The Chief Operating Officer will be the pivotal leader ensuring AccuWeather maintains operational excellence while significantly boosting productivity and steering overall organizational success. This position requires a leader who can synthesize complex information and translate it into actionable plans that strengthen the company's market position. The Chief Operating Officer will act as a critical force multiplier for the CEO, providing rigorous analysis and oversight to support high-stakes decision-making. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to foster a culture where data-driven decisions and process discipline empower the organization to outperform.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop and implement long-term operational strategies that align with the company's overarching goals and long-term vision for growth.

Participate actively in the executive management team, providing leadership and strategic input on key planning issues and major corporate business decisions.

Oversee the assessment and redesign of core workflows to integrate advanced automation technologies, including artificial intelligence, for maximum efficiency.

Lead focused initiatives to implement sophisticated software tools and platforms that automate repetitive tasks, thereby significantly improving operational efficiency and accuracy.

Establish and maintain deep organizational knowledge regarding markets, products, customers, and competitive dynamics to ensure business unit goals are met and exceeded.

Work seamlessly with IT, finance, human resources, marketing, and other essential departments to guarantee the seamless integration of automated processes into the existing business fabric.

Liaise directly with functional and departmental managers to understand all operational nuances and requirements, ensuring complete alignment with corporate objectives and performance standards.

Foster a pervasive culture of collaboration and continuous improvement that drives innovation and elevates team performance across the entire organization.

Manage critical relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, strategic partners, and key customer segments to optimize value delivery.

Define and enforce key performance indicators to rigorously measure the effectiveness and efficiency of automated workflows and overall operational performance.

Utilize advanced data analytics and business intelligence to drive evidence-based decision-making and uncover further opportunities for operational optimization.

Ensure unwavering quality control of all company output, confirming that service delivery consistently meets or exceeds defined standards and customer expectations.

Guarantee that all operational activities adhere strictly to organizational requirements for quality management, health and safety, legal stipulations, environmental policies, and general duty of care.

Develop and manage the comprehensive operational budget across all business units, ensuring strategic resource allocation directly supports automation initiatives and long-term financial health.

Monitor financial performance in real-time and implement proactive cost-saving measures and efficiency gains where applicable and strategically sound.

Collaborate with direct reports to prepare detailed business plans for each business unit, encompassing profit, revenue, sales targets, personnel budget, and investment in research, development, and marketing.

Build and mentor a high-performing operations team, instilling a culture of innovation, accountability, and relentless pursuit of operational excellence.

Provide ongoing training and support to staff members on new technologies and automated processes to ensure organizational readiness and capability.

Inspire and manage the day-to-day activities of the team, fostering a collaborative, engaging, and highly productive work environment that attracts top talent.

Assess and mitigate operational risks by identifying potential issues before they escalate, ensuring business continuity and resilience.

Champion the adoption of best practices across all departments to streamline processes and eliminate redundancies.

Serve as the primary operational liaison between the executive team and the broader workforce to ensure transparent communication and alignment.

Drive the development of tools, systems, and processes that enhance the scalability and flexibility of the business model.

Evaluate and recommend strategic partnerships or acquisitions that could accelerate operational capabilities or market reach.

Lead cross-functional projects that require deep coordination and integration of diverse business functions.

Requirements

Demonstrate extensive experience in a senior operations leadership role, with a proven track record of managing complex operational environments.

Possess a deep understanding of operational principles, process optimization, and workflow automation strategies within a dynamic business landscape.

Show strong business acumen and an entrepreneurial spirit, balancing strategic vision with the ability to manage detailed execution.

Have a history of successfully developing and implementing long-term operational strategies that deliver measurable business results.

Exhibit exceptional leadership skills with the ability to build, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams across diverse functions.

Display superior analytical and problem-solving skills, utilizing data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and collaborating effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional partners.

Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Nice to have

Experience in the weather, media, or technology sectors is preferred given the specific nature of the business.

Practical notes

Full-time

This position is based in State College, Pennsylvania.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Travel is not expected as part of this role.

This is not eligible for visa sponsorship.