(Russian Speaker)

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (with future office transition to Portugal)
Experience Level: 15-20 years in senior operational management, with at least 4 years in a leadership role

Job Summary:

One of our largest clients in the finance domain in Tbilisi, Georgia is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and manage all aspects of operations across our global operations. This leadership role will report directly to the CEO and play a key part in driving operational excellence, efficiency, and scaling our business. The ideal candidate will bring significant operational experience, having led large teams in complex environments, and demonstrated success in implementing and optimizing operational processes in financial services.

As COO, you will also play a crucial role in the strategic office transition from Georgia to Portugal, which is anticipated to take place in the future. You will be responsible for leading the transition, managing logistics, overseeing the operational shift, and ensuring that the move aligns with the company’s goals and objectives. (Exact timeline for this transition is to be determined.)

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership for all operational activities, working closely with the CEO and other executives to define and execute the company’s growth strategy.
• Operational Efficiency: Develop, implement, and continually improve processes to optimize the organization’s operational efficiency, scalability, and profitability.
• Team Management: Lead and mentor a diverse operational team, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently, and teams are performing at their highest potential.
• Budget & Financial Oversight: Manage operational budgets, financial reporting, and KPIs, ensuring cost-effective operations while meeting growth and performance targets.
• Process Improvement: Implement and streamline policies and procedures to enhance operational workflows, reduce risk, and ensure compliance with local and international regulations.
• Risk Management: Ensure robust risk management practices across operations, identifying potential operational risks and putting in place mitigation plans.
• Transition Management: Lead the planning and execution of the office relocation from Georgia to Portugal, overseeing all aspects of the move, including logistics, talent retention, regulatory considerations, and local integration.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the heads of HR, IT, Legal, Finance, and other departments to ensure alignment across the organization and successful project execution.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum 15-20 years in operational management roles, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership position (COO, VP, or Director of Operations) within a financial services or similar industry.
• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated success in leading teams through periods of growth, transformation, and operational change.
• Financial Expertise: Strong understanding of financial management and operational performance, with a proven track record of managing budgets, forecasts, and driving financial improvements.
• International Experience: Experience managing cross-border operations, with an understanding of both local and international regulations, particularly in the EU and Eastern Europe.
• Change Management: Experience in managing large-scale organizational transitions, including office relocations and restructuring, is highly desirable.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to solve complex operational challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field; MBA or similar advanced degree preferred.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English and Russian is mandatory.