Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

We are looking for a full-time Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join and work with K3Y Ltd, a fast-growing SME with presence in Bulgaria and Greece. K3Y Ltd is one of the most dynamic and vibrant technology companies in Bulgaria, Greece and Europe, dealing with deep tech topics like cybersecurity, data privacy, artificial intelligence, 6th generation of cellular networks and next generation internet of things. K3Y Ltd invests in innovative and sustainable software solutions and tools, while delivering professional services and consulting worldwide. Participating in more than 24+ illustrious EU-funded projects (H2020, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ and more), K3Y Ltd is to emerge as a leading technology and service provider by materializing innovation into business and market solutions in Balkans, Eastern Europe, across Europe and worldwide.

As a COO in our R&D Department in Sofia, Bulgaria or in our Business Development & Innovation Department in Thessaloniki, Greece, you will play a key leadership role in managing the company’s day-to-day operations, implementing scalable processes, and aligning business objectives with technology-driven solutions. This role is ideal for a professional with a strong technical foundation, business acumen, and proven experience in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) project management. You will coordinate cross-functional teams and oversee budgets and resources, while aligning R&D initiatives with commercial objectives, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with local and EU regulations, funding programs, and intellectual property standards.

 

Responsibilities

- Oversee daily operations and ensure alignment between R&D, production, finance, and business development functions.

- Lead and optimize company operations, ensuring strategic alignment between departments.

- Design and implement R&D-oriented operational systems, processes, and best practices to support growth and innovation.

- Drive technology adoption and digital transformation initiatives to enhance efficiency and decision-making.

- Oversee cross-functional teams, improving communication and accountability across departments.

- Translate the company’s innovation strategy into actionable research programs and development milestones.

- Manage budgeting, approve expenditures, monitor costs, and ensure sound management of public, European, and private funds; forecast and track operational performance.

- Collaborate with the CEO and technical leaders to transition innovations from research to market-ready solutions.

- Establish KPIs for R&D progress, operational efficiency, and overall business performance.

- Develop and refine internal processes to improve collaboration between scientific, engineering, and commercial teams.

- Identify and mitigate operational and technical risks associated with research activities and product development.

- Ensure organizational compliance with funders' requirements, state regulations, and policy frameworks.

- Implement efficient project management frameworks to monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables for multiple R&D initiatives.

- Build a culture of execution, transparency, and continuous improvement.

- Represent K3Y in meetings with Ministries, working groups, and events, while cultivating relationships with existing and potential funders and supporters.

 

Basic Qualifications

- BSc in Computer science, engineering, ICT or related fields.

- Master in Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

- Excellent communication and presentation skills in English language.

- 6+ years of experience in ICT Project Management, R&D Management, Operations Management, or related leadership roles.

- Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing complex technology-driven projects.

- Strong understanding of process optimization, business strategy, and organizational development.

 

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

- Proven experience in technically leading or coordinating EU-funded R&D/R&I projects such as H2020, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Interreg, EDF, Digital Europe or similar.

- Project management professional certification.

- Experience in R&D-intensive environments (e.g., deep tech, software, manufacturing).

 

Benefits

- Friendly, motivated, and inclusive team with a strong European and International network;

- Competitive remuneration package based on qualifications and experience;

- Exposure to multinational and multicultural environments;

- Diversity of challenges, experience and working teams;

- Opportunity to enrich your skills and experience by working with experienced and talented professionals;

- Flexible working hours;

- Career progression opportunities.

 

Selection Process

- Interested applications will be invited for a remote or on-site interview;

- Only short-listed applications will be invited to the selections process;

- For more information about the Job Offer, you can contact: [email protected]

 

Equal Opportunities

K3Y Ltd is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity without unlawful regard to race, colour, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, or other local legally protected characteristics.

 

Preferred Starting Date
There is no fixed application deadline, but we are looking to fill this position at the earliest.

 

To apply, K3Y Ltd invites applicants to send a detailed CV to the following email address: [email protected] with the title "Application for the position of Chief Operating Officer" in the subject.