VP of RevOps? SVP of RevOps? What's the difference?

A quick take on how I see the differences in the roles.

A few weeks ago, I published an article called 'Advice for a New VP of RevOps.' Today, I'm here to answer a question that many of you have asked: What's the difference between an SVP of RevOps and a VP of RevOps? Simply put, the SVP is the strategist, setting the long-term direction for the entire RevOps function, while the VP is the operational tactician, overseeing the day-to-day execution and optimization of revenue operations processes.

If you follow my substack, you know that both roles are critical for driving growth and aligning various revenue-generating organizational functions. While both positions play essential roles in optimizing revenue processes, they have notable differences in scope, strategic focus, and level of influence.

The SVP of RevOps, typically reporting directly to the CFO or CRO, is the strategic leader of the RevOps function. Their primary focus is setting the long-term strategic direction, ensuring alignment with the company's overall business objectives. This involves collaborating with other C-suite executives to define revenue goals, develop go-to-market plans, and make high-level resource allocations and investment decisions.

An SVP of RevOps takes a more macro-level approach, driving major company-wide initiatives that impact revenue generation. They lead large-scale business transformation efforts, such as process re-engineering, mergers and acquisitions, or market expansions. Their extensive experience and unique perspective make them well-equipped to navigate change management at a broader scale and communicate their vision effectively to all stakeholders.

On the other hand, a VP of RevOps operates at a more tactical level, overseeing the day-to-day execution and optimization of revenue operations processes. They manage teams responsible for data management, sales forecasting, technology stack implementation, and cross-functional team alignment. Their role is crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of the revenue engine. Still, their scope of influence is more limited to within their department and immediate collaborators in sales, marketing, and customer success.

The distinction between VP and SVP roles may be less pronounced in smaller companies or startups, where an SVP might have responsibilities more closely resembling those of a VP in a larger enterprise. Ultimately, the SVP of RevOps acts as the strategist, charting the course for the entire revenue machine, while the VP of RevOps serves as the skilled operational tactician, ensuring its smooth performance and continuous optimization.

Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear your opinion. As always - ending with a picture of Ollie who decided that he wanted what we were having at the dining room table tonight (and he's tall enough to just stand there and rest his head on the table).

Best,

Steve

steve@revopz.net