1349 CEO Food Processing Romania

About Our Client:

For a private equity-backed food manufacturing business in Romania we are seeking an Interim CEO to lead operational stabilisation, performance improvement, and commercial acceleration.

The company operates its own manufacturing facility and supplies major retail chains across Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and selected international markets in Central and Western Europe. With approximately 100 employees and an established product portfolio, the business has built a strong market position within the food manufacturing sector.

Following a period of rapid expansion, the company now requires stronger operational discipline, manufacturing optimisation, and sharper commercial focus to unlock profitability and support long-term value creation. The investment fund is seeking a hands-on operational leader capable of improving manufacturing performance, accelerating international top-line growth, and preparing the business for a successful future exit.

Project Description:

The CEO will take full operational leadership of the Romanian business, with an immediate focus on manufacturing optimization, cost containment, and restoring sustainable profitability.

This is a highly practical leadership assignment requiring strong on-site presence and close engagement with manufacturing operations.

• Report directly to the private equity shareholder group
• Lead operational turnaround and manufacturing optimisation initiatives
• Improve plant efficiency, cost control, and operational performance
• Implement targeted organisational restructuring where required
• Drive operational excellence across production and supply chain activities
• Support commercial growth and international expansion initiatives
• Evaluate strategic opportunities including partnerships and outsourcing scenarios
• Prepare the business for future value creation and exit readiness

Interim Manager Required Skills:

The ideal candidate will be a senior operational leader from the food manufacturing or broader process manufacturing sector, comfortable operating in investor-led environments where speed, accountability, and measurable results are expected.

• Strong background in food manufacturing or FMCG production
• Track record of improving plant performance and operational efficiency
• Experience managing manufacturing complexity and cost optimisation programmes
• Commercially minded leader capable of supporting growth acceleration
• Comfortable operating in founder-led and private equity environments
• Hands-on, pragmatic, and resilient leadership style
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capability
• Willingness to spend significant time on-site within the Romanian operation

Competitive executive package including long-term incentive structure and participation linked to future value creation and exit outcomes.

Key Requirements:

Top Line Growth Acceleration, Food manufacturing, International Expansion, Performance Improvement

Type of Assignment:

Permanent

Scope of Interim Assignment:

Turnaround / Scale-Up

Functional Area of the Interim Manager:

General Management

Location:

Romania

Duration:

Permanent

Start Date:

June 2026

Why work with us?

CE Interim delivers proven executive interim leaders within 72 hours across borders, cultures, and industries. We specialize in high-impact interim management for private equity firms, family offices, and global corporations facing moments of transition: digital transformation, market entry, operational turnaround, post-merger integration, or crisis.

What sets us apart is not just the speed or depth of our network, it’s how we lead. Every engagement is personally guided by a CE Interim managing partner: former CEOs, CFOs, or COOs who’ve been on your side of the table, steering organizations through high-stakes decisions.

With a global talent pool and operational reach spanning Europe, the USA, and the Middle East, we don’t fill roles, we build trust, lead transitions, and deliver outcomes.

As part of the Valtus Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of Executive Interim Management companies, we ensure seamless international execution through 25+ offices and 80+ senior partners in over 50 countries.

Executive Leadership Breaking Borders. Outcomes Without Compromise.