Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Italy
Operations, Strategy & International Expansion – Institute Itech
Full-time position
On-site (Milan, Italy – with frequent international travel)
Travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed upon approval
The selected candidate is expected to enter Institute Itech not solely as an executive, but as a strategic partner — with a defined path toward equity participation and co-ownership of the company.

Institute Itech is a private research, development and technological innovation institute based in Italy with an international vision. It was created to transform scientific knowledge, advanced engineering and emerging technologies into concrete solutions for the environment, health, data intelligence, artificial intelligence, urban systems and technological infrastructure.
The company is built on a multidisciplinary vision structured around six pillars: Education, Technology, Social, Nature, Research and Urban. Through these areas, Institute Itech develops high-impact projects capable of improving quality of life, making cities more sustainable and creating new models of scientific, industrial and social progress.
Its flagship projects include Memoria™ (AI-based neuroimaging and cognitive data intelligence), Oxyleaf™ (environmental monitoring and air quality technologies), Terra™ (advanced soil and ecological remediation systems), Polaris™ (strategic data infrastructure and positioning systems), Balloon™ (high-altitude sensing and urban climate platforms), and Biocity™ (integrated biourban planning and smart city ecosystems).
Institute Itech is entering a critical phase of international expansion, with active operations and development initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The COO will be the principal architect of the operational infrastructure required to support and sustain this growth.

Institute Itech is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to lead the operational strategy, organizational development, and international expansion of the Institute at a defining moment in its evolution.
This is not a conventional COO appointment. Institute Itech is looking for an operational leader who brings not only executive expertise and organizational rigor, but also entrepreneurial conviction and a genuine stake in the company’s future — someone prepared to enter as a strategic partner with equity participation and a clear path toward co-ownership of the entity .
The COO will work in direct partnership with the CEO, translating strategic vision into operational reality across all departments, geographies, and flagship projects. The role demands a candidate capable of building and scaling organizational structures, managing complex cross-border operations, and driving institutional efficiency while preserving the innovative and research-driven culture that defines Institute Itech.
The ideal candidate combines deep operational expertise with an international mindset, a proven track record in scaling organizations across multiple markets, and the personal commitment to grow with the company as a co-founder in spirit and in structure.

Define and lead Institute Itech’s operational strategy in full alignment with the CEO’s vision and the organization’s international growth roadmap
Establish processes, governance frameworks, and organizational systems capable of supporting rapid international expansion
International Expansion & Cross-Border Operations
Lead the operational dimension of Institute Itech’s international expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia
Oversee the establishment and operational setup of new offices, entities, and partnerships in target geographies
Coordinate cross-border teams and ensure operational consistency and institutional alignment across all locations
Support the operational integration of new markets, including the Riyadh entity and future international presences
Project Portfolio Operations
Ensure operational excellence across Institute Itech’s flagship projects: Coordinate with project leads, department heads, and external partners to ensure timely delivery and resource alignment
Define and monitor KPIs, milestones, and performance metrics across the project portfolio
Anticipate and manage operational risks at both project and organizational level
Build and lead a high-performing operations team as the organization scales
Define hiring priorities, organizational structures, and talent development frameworks in collaboration with the CEO
Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and international ambition
Support the onboarding and integration of senior executive hires across geographies
Strategic Partnership & Corporate Co-Ownership
Enter Institute Itech with a defined equity stake, reflecting the founding and strategic nature of the ap