Сhief Operating Officer Payments & iGaming (Full-time, Office-based, Bulgaria)

Our client - International Payment Gateway Provider is looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational strategy and ensure effective execution across the business. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership, you will translate strategic priorities into scalable operational plans, processes and systems while overseeing key operational functions across payments, customer service, finance and partner management. What You'll Do  Own end-to-end operational execution across the company and act as a strategic partner to the CEO. Translate business strategy into clear operating plans, priorities, KPIs and execution frameworks . Build and scale operational processes, systems and structures to support company growth. Oversee Finance Operations, Vendor & Partner Management, Customer Onboarding & Management and PSP Onboarding & Management . Lead Payments Operations and Customer Service Operations . Work closely with Legal and Compliance on KYC/KYB, AML, payment network requirements and licensing-related matters . Develop and monitor operational KPIs, dashboards and reporting ; identify bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions. Manage senior relationships with clients, PSPs, payment networks, vendors and infrastructure partners . Support organizational development, including hiring, team structure, employee development and performance management . Partner with Finance on budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation . Represent the company at industry conferences and lead meetings with clients, partners, and prospects. You Have  4+ years of experience in operations leadership , including at least 2–3 years in a senior operations / COO-type role . Strong experience in fintech, payments or financial services . Proven experience building and scaling operations in a growing company environment . Experience scaling operations in a company of approximately 20–100+ employees . Strong understanding of payment processing and the broader payments ecosystem. Experience managing cross-functional operations , including payment flows and Customer Success / Customer Operations. Strong data-driven mindset with hands-on experience working with KPIs, dashboards and operational metrics. Experience working in a startup or high-growth environment and confidence operating in situations with ambiguity. Strong executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills. Commercial awareness and experience working with clients, PSPs, payment networks and external partners . Strong leadership, organizational and decision-making skills. Nice to Have  Experience in the high-risk payments, iGaming, Forex or other high-risk verticals . Hands-on exposure to PSP onboarding, acquiring, payment orchestration and merchant operations . Experience working with KYC/KYB, AML, fraud, risk and compliance processes . Previous experience managing international teams, partners or clients. Work Setup  Office-based role in Sofia, Bulgaria. Close collaboration with the CEO and cross-functional leadership team . Relocation support and a relocation package are available if relocation to Sofia is required. Compensation & Benefits  €100/month meal vouchers. €75/month transportation allowance. Supplementary health insurance. Extra paid day off for your birthday. Progressive annual leave up to 25 days. Life-event bonuses (birthday, wedding, newborn). Office perks: snacks, drinks, team breakfasts/lunches.