I’m looking for a remote role with an international company where I can build AI automations and agents that improve operations, or lead remote operations and outsourcing teams. I’m based in Tirana (CET) and comfortable working with US and EU time zones.
Open to opportunities
Athanasios Canko
@athanasioscanko
Founder and AI systems builder. Grew an outsourcing operation to 200+ people, now I build the AI tools that run operations.
AlbaniaWhat I'm looking for
I founded TalentBridge in Tirana in 2020 and grew it to 200+ people across engineering, QA, data operations, accounting support and virtual assistance. I built the operating stack myself: hiring, payroll, compliance, client delivery and the P&L, then trained managers to run it day to day.
That freed me to build the software around the operation, and I write it myself: internal CRMs, recruiting tools, client portals and AI agents that take manual coordination out of how teams work. I started as a backend developer, so I’m as comfortable in a codebase as I am in an employment contract.
I also work independently as an AI Operations Consultant for businesses with heavy operational overhead. I build what I recommend, so engagements end with a working system, not a report: recruiting automation, contract and document workflows, internal agents, CRM and data pipelines.
Experience across six delivery markets: Albania, Kosovo, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa and Kenya. Fluent in English, Albanian and Greek.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
TS
Current
Founder & CEO
TalentBridge sh.p.k.
Feb 2020 - Present (6 years 8 months)
Founded in 2020 and grew it to 200+ people across engineering, QA, data ops, accounting support and virtual assistance for US clients. Built the operating stack (hiring, payroll, compliance, delivery, P&L) and recruiting end to end, then trained managers to run it. Set up cross-border contracts in five markets. Now launching Spaces by TalentBridge, a coworking space in Tirana.
Current
Independent work on AI systems for businesses with heavy operational overhead. I build what I recommend, so engagements end with a working system, not a report. Focus areas: recruiting automation, contract and document workflows, internal AI agents (Claude, MCP), CRM and data pipelines, and visibility in AI search results.
CH
Current
VP of Global Operations
CheaperTeam
May 2025 - Present (1 year 5 months)
Set hiring and contracting standards across six delivery markets (Albania, Kosovo, the Philippines, Mexico, South Africa, Kenya). Own the internal tooling: client portal, CRM, and the AI systems used across recruiting, onboarding and account management. Work on market expansion and cost structure.
CH
General Manager
CheaperTeam
Sep 2020 - May 2025 (4 years 8 months)
Ran the Albania delivery site through its growth years, owning headcount growth, client satisfaction and margin at the company's largest site. Opened the Kosovo office with local leadership, reaching 25+ people in the first year. Wrote the hiring and onboarding process that the other markets later adopted.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
TU
Tirana Business University
Bachelor of Science, Software Engineering
Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, expected to complete in 2026.
University of Tirana
Coursework, Computer Science
2014 - 2017
Completed coursework in computer science from 2014 to 2017.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Open to opportunities
Location
AlbaniaAuthorized to work in
Salary expectations
36k+ USD
Social media
Job categories
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