General Manager / Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Essentials
Location: Romania (Bucharest)
Industry: Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI / IFN)
Employment Type: Full-time, Executive
Role Summary
We are seeking a visionary and highly experienced General Manager / CEO to lead, scale, and innovate our Non-Banking Financial Institution (IFN) in Romania. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of executive leadership within the Romanian IFN sector, specifically operating under the rigorous supervision of the National Bank of Romania (BNR).
This role is heavily focused on expanding a hybrid business model: scaling a physical branch network for secured lending (asset-backed loans, specifically jewelry and pawnshop operations) while simultaneously spearheading our digital transformation by deploying modern core banking infrastructure and customer-facing mobile applications.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & P&L Management
- Develop and execute the overarching business strategy to achieve aggressive growth, profitability, and market share targets within the Romanian secured lending space.
- Manage the full P&L, optimize operational costs, and drive revenue generation across both physical and digital channels.
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing executive team (Operations, Risk, IT, Finance, and Legal).
Secured Lending Operations (Pawnshop Model)
- Oversee the end-to-end operations of secured lending products, specifically those collateralized by physical assets such as jewelry.
- Establish strict valuation, appraisal, and safekeeping protocols for physical collateral to minimize risk and ensure operational security.
- Design competitive loan products and pricing strategies tailored to the target demographic.
Network Expansion & Branch Management
- Lead the strategic rollout of a nationwide physical branch network.
- Identify optimal real estate locations, oversee the setup of secure physical storefronts, and establish standardized operating procedures for all branches.
- Hire, train, and manage regional and branch managers to ensure excellent customer service and operational consistency.
Digital Transformation & IT Infrastructure
- Spearhead the design, selection, and implementation of a robust Core Banking System tailored to the specific needs of an IFN.
- Lead the development and launch of a secure, user-friendly mobile application to allow customers to manage loans, make payments, and access digital services.
- Ensure the seamless integration of digital infrastructure with physical branch operations (omnichannel experience).
Regulatory Compliance & BNR Relations
- Act as the primary liaison with the National Bank of Romania (BNR), ensuring all operations, reporting, and capital requirements strictly adhere to current regulations.
- Successfully pass the BNR’s “fit and proper” assessment for executive leadership.
- Implement and maintain rigorous Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and risk management frameworks.
Mandatory Requirements
- Executive Experience: 2 to 5 years of proven experience as a General Manager, CEO, or Deputy CEO of a Romanian Non-Banking Financial Institution (IFN).
- Regulatory Expertise: Extensive, hands-on experience operating under the direct supervision and regulatory frameworks of the National Bank of Romania (BNR). Must be eligible for immediate BNR approval for an executive mandate.
- Secured Lending / Pawn Operations: Demonstrated success in setting up, managing, or scaling NBFIs that provide secured consumer loans (specifically asset-backed lending collateralized by jewelry/pawnshop models).
- Retail Expansion: Proven track record of successfully opening, structuring, and managing a physical retail branch network from the ground up.
- Digital Infrastructure: Direct experience leading complex IT projects, specifically the implementation of core banking software and the launch of fintech/mobile applications.
Additional Qualifications & Skills
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Risk Management: Deep understanding of credit risk, market risk, and operational risk, particularly concerning physical collateral valuation and storage.
- Language: Native-level fluency in Romanian and professional proficiency in English.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Highly adaptable, comfortable with building from scratch, and capable of balancing traditional brick-and-mortar operations with modern fintech innovations.
- Communication: Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management, and presentation skills.
What We Offer
- Highly competitive executive compensation package (Base Salary + Performance Bonus).
- Equity/Stock options (if applicable to your company structure).
- The autonomy to build and scale a hybrid financial institution from the ground up.
- Comprehensive executive health and benefits package.
- A dedicated budget for technological innovation and branch expansion.
Apply today
If you meet the minimum requirements and are interested in applying for this position, please send your details to careers@key-talents.com with “General Manager / Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in the subject line.