What Is a Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)? (Plus Job Duties)
Updated March 7, 2023
What is a chief commercial officer?
A chief commercial officer, also known as a chief business officer, oversees the implementation of sales or commercial strategies and objectives, defines the organization's commercial policies and ensures the company adheres to the annual budget. Typically, CCOs manage a large team, which can include the company's sales team but may also include the marketing, advertising and branding departments. CCOs usually report directly to the chief executive officer (CEO).Related: Chief Commercial Officer vs. Chief Growth Officer vs. VP of SalesWhat does a chief commercial officer do?
The CCO's specific job duties can vary depending on the organization's size and industry. Common CCO job responsibilities include:- Analyzing data: Many CCOs spend the majority of their time reviewing data and reports to understand a helpful way to help the company meet its objectives.
- Monitoring financials: The CCO often presents financial reports, specifically related to sales, to the other members of the c-suite. So, it's helpful for these individuals to have strong math skills.
- Managing employees: A major responsibility for most CCOs is overseeing a team of employees. This can include guiding them with beneficial instructions and advice.
- Overseeing procedures: Many CCOs provide guidance and input when teams or departments are designing new processes or procedures for conducting work. They can also receive feedback from different teams and departments about how they feel the new processes are working and make adjustments accordingly.
- Assisting with employment decisions: CCOs can have input in the hiring and termination decisions for their teams.
- Leading launches: When the company launches a new product or service, the CCO leads the launch. They can work with the marketing, advertising and other relevant departments to ensure the project is on track and the launch is anticipated to go as intended.
- Assessing customer satisfaction: The CCO uses customer feedback to help establish new practices for the sales and marketing departments.
The average CCO salary
Chief commercial officers are well-established individuals, usually with extensive education and experience. Generally, they're well-compensated for their credentials and their impressive work. In the United States, the national average salary for a CCO is $153,060 per year. Most CCOs receive additional compensatory benefits from their companies, like stock options, profit sharing, health care benefits, commuter assistance and child care assistance.Numerous factors can affect your anticipated annual salary as a CCO:- Industry: The industry you work in as a CCO can affect your salary.
- Company: The size of your company can also affect your earning potential. For example, the larger the organization, the more you can expect to make there.
- Location: If you work in a big city or another region with a high cost of living, you're likely to make more money than if you work in a lower cost-of-living area.
- Scope: The scope of your work is a major factor in how much you make as a CCO, which can mean the more duties you have, the higher your salary.
- Education: Most CCOs have earned college degrees. The more education you have can increase your salary.
- Experience: CCOs are usually highly experienced people with lengthy careers in their industry. More experience may mean more compensation.
How to become a CCO in 6 steps
Here are a few steps you can follow if you're interested in becoming a CCO:1. Finish high school or obtain a GED
Finishing high school or obtaining your GED can help you begin your CCO career path. There are some colleges and universities that accept students into specific classes, adult programs or vocational classes to help with their education if they haven't completed their high school diploma or GED.While in school, focus on developing your writing and speaking skills. Consider joining a debate club or a business-focused organization to help you build valuable skills for the corporate world.Related: GED vs. High School Diploma: What's the Difference?2. Complete a bachelor's degree
Attending college or university and completing a bachelor's degree is a vital step for future CCOs. Future CCOs can major in fields like marketing and business. You may consider combining a marketing and business degree for additional career preparation.Additionally, a degree specific to the industry you hope to work in is helpful. For example, if you wish to work in the technology industry, then a bachelor's degree in computer science can be effective.Related: A Guide To Marketing Degrees3. Gain experience
After completing your bachelor's degree, consider joining the workforce to obtain marketing experience. Gaining marketing experience can help you understand various industry concepts and trends, which you can apply to your current and future roles. Typically, CCOs begin with an entry-level position and work their way up by gaining skills and experience. For aspiring CCOs, a sales role is a great way to build beneficial skills to get a job as a CCO later.Related: How To Get Into Marketing: A Beginner's Guide4. Consider earning a master's degree
Some CCOs return to school to earn a master's degree before rejoining the workforce as managers or lower-level executives. You can earn a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or degrees related to the field, like communication and marketing, though others may complete a program that combines business knowledge with marketing education and experience.Related: Master's in Communication: Definition, Types and Careers5. Develop management skills
Look for positions that allow you to develop your managerial skills and experience. You might apply for sales manager positions or similar roles to help you build your portfolio for marketing and management. If you're hoping to work your way up through a single company, seek a position with potential promotion.Related: 9 Good Management Skills and How To Improve Them6. Apply for a promotion
After spending time with the company in a leadership position, apply for an open CCO role. Since there is usually only one CCO per company, you may look outside your organization for a CCO opportunity.If you're seeking a promotion at your current company, keep a list of your successes and strengths to add positive statistics to your request. This can help the company recognize how well you have been doing, which means you may continue to do well in a position with more responsibilities.Related: How To Get Your First Promotion in Your Career (With FAQs)Showcase your skills with help from a resume expert
Common skills for CCOs
Generally, CCOs share skills and qualities, allowing them to succeed in their jobs. The three most common skill areas that CCOs excel at include:- Decision-making: CCOs make large decisions for their teams, so they're required to have strong decision-making skills. Knowing how to review data and come to a conclusion is a vital skill for this role.
- Communication: CCOs may present reports and information to other c-suite executives and their team members. Using communication skills well, both verbally and in writing, helps these individuals excel at their jobs.
- Problem-solving: Often, if lower-level employees can't come to a solution, the CCO is responsible for finding an answer. Creative problem-solving skills are helpful in this role.
Jenn, a career coach, explains how to choose and develop your leadership style and provides examples to help you identify which style is right for you.
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