What does a Chief of Staff do all day? It is a question with no single answer. The role works closely with a CEO, founder or senior leader, but the shape of the day depends heavily on the individual they support and the size and structure of the business.
Unlike a conventional line-management role, a Chief of Staff works alongside the senior leader to protect their time, drive priorities forward and make sure decisions turn into action. So, what does a typical day look like?
What Does a Chief of Staff Do?
At its simplest, a Chief of Staff helps a senior leader focus on what matters most while ensuring the wider organisation continues to move in the same direction.
The Chief of Staff role can cover strategic planning, cross-functional projects, executive communications and stakeholder management.
The exact remit varies considerably by company and sector, so when considering a Chief of Staff job description, the responsibilities are often more important than the title itself.
A Typical Day, Hour by Hour
No two days are exactly the same. There is usually a rhythm to the role, but unexpected issues and changing priorities are part of the job.
Morning: Priorities, Briefings and Leadership
The day might begin with reviewing the executive's diary and inbox, identifying decisions that need to be made and preparing them for the day ahead. A Chief of Staff may brief a CEO before a board call, chair a leadership stand-up or review progress against quarterly priorities. They are not simply managing the diary. They are deciding which meetings require the leader's time and which can be handled elsewhere.
Midday: Meetings, Projects and Problem Solving
The middle of the day often involves cross-functional work that sits outside the remit of a single department. A Chief of Staff may lead a project involving several teams, attend meetings as the CEO's proxy or help resolve an issue that needs senior-level coordination. This requires strong judgement and discretion, particularly when handling confidential information relating to people, performance or commercial decisions.
Afternoon: Reporting and Preparing for Tomorrow
Afternoons may shift towards written and strategic work, including board papers, investor updates and internal communications. A Chief of Staff also tracks progress against agreed priorities and holds department heads accountable for delivery. Before the day ends, they will often review what has moved forward, what remains outstanding and what needs to be prioritised the following morning.
The Skills That Make a Good Chief of Staff
A successful Chief of Staff needs to combine strategic thinking with strong operational skills. Judgement under pressure, clear written communication and the ability to influence senior stakeholders without formal authority are all essential.
The relationship with the leader also depends on candour. A Chief of Staff is not there simply to execute decisions. They need to be comfortable challenging ideas, asking difficult questions and offering an alternative perspective when appropriate.
For this reason, relevant operational or strategic experience often carries more weight than a particular qualification. As we explored in our article on how support roles drive better business decisions, senior support roles can have a significant influence behind the scenes.
Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant or COO?
While there can be some overlap, the roles have different focuses.
An Executive Assistant typically optimises the diary, systems and priorities a leader already has. A Chief of Staff helps shape which priorities go into them.
A COO, meanwhile, usually has direct responsibility for operational functions and line management, whereas a Chief of Staff generally has few or no direct reports.
For growing businesses, a Chief of Staff can therefore provide strategic and operational support before the organisation is ready to appoint a COO.
Chief of Staff Salaries in the UK
A Chief of Staff salary can vary considerably depending on experience, company size, sector, location and level of responsibility.
London-based roles and positions within sectors such as finance, private equity and technology can command a premium, particularly where the role carries significant strategic responsibility.
For experienced professionals, the role can also provide a route into senior leadership, including future opportunities in operations, general management or COO positions.
At Bain and Gray, we work with experienced professionals and businesses across London to find the right Chief of Staff opportunities.
