Finance & Operations Manager Greece (all genders)

About Us:
STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems, not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe today.

Your mission:
As our Finance and Operations Manager in Greece, your mission is to serve as the strategic and operational right hand to the local Managing Director, laying the foundation for one of Europes fastest growing defence startups. This position is designed for a high achiever who thrives on removing obstacles to enable the company’s growth trajectoryYou will be our first Business/Finance hire on the ground — with a rare opportunity to own not just the P&L, but the entire operational engine. You will turn vision into reality by implementing the financial processes, administrative workflows, and compliance standards that will allow our R&Dand Sales teams to focus entirely on innovation and customersYou will operate at the intersection of finance, general operations, HR, and strategy. You will act asa force multiplier for the local leadership, driving sustainable growth in a fast-moving, complex environment. This is not a maintenance role — it’s a build, challenge, and improve role where no taskis too small, and no ambition is too big.

Responsibilities:
Finance Leadership: Be the financial backbone of the market: oversee financial strategy, accounting, tax, and treasury. Own the local P&L and cash flow management
Strategic Partner: Act as a "Chief of Staff" / Business Partner to the local MD, providing data-driveninsights to support strategic decisions and pitch decks
Operational Excellence: Manage day-to-day administrative operations, including office management, IT equipment procurement, and vendor relationships, ensuring the R&D team can focus on development
Planning & Analysis: Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis cycles. Identify risksand opportunities early
Systems Implementation: Build and scale financial processes, including the local roll-out of OracleNetSuite
People Operations: Oversee local HR administration (payroll coordination, employment contracts, onboarding) and ensure compliance with Greek labor laws
Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with external advisors, tax authorities, auditors and banks
Project Management: Lead cross-departmental projects (e.g., office moves, grant applications)and resolve operational bottlenecks

Qualifications:
• High operational agency: You do what is needed to keep the operations running
• Fluent Greek and English communication skills (you would be dealing with local authorities and the international HQ)
• Located in Thessaloniki
• 4+ years of relevant experience in high-growth environments
• Collaborative, service-oriented approach to teamwork — high standards, low ego 
• Experience with hardware, manufacturing or R&D environment is a plus
• Structured, detail-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently and manage complexity with confidence
• A completed bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field
• Willingness to relocate to Thessaloniki, in case Thessaloniki is not homebase
• A strong and consistent track record, demonstrated through academic or professional achievements and increasing responsibility
• Solid understanding of financial statements and financial modelling