Deyan Valkanov
@deyanvalkanov
Senior Import & Procurement Manager, 15+ yrs in FMCG, retail & energy. Managed €55–70M import portfolio and procurement for 11 power plants.
BulgariaWhat I'm looking for
I'm a Senior Import & Procurement Manager with 15+ years of experience across FMCG, retail, fresh produce, and energy sectors.
At Maxima Bulgaria (T Market), one of Bulgaria's leading retail chains, I managed the entire import operation — an annual portfolio of approximately €55–70M covering all product categories, sourced from 50+ suppliers across Europe and Turkey.
Currently at Energy Holding, I'm responsible for procurement across 11 thermal power plants, covering high-value planned maintenance, emergency repairs, and capital equipment. I've also led energy transition projects including gas conversion, solar and biogas plant construction.
Earlier in my career, I founded and ran my own import/export company (fresh and frozen produce) for 8 years, managing all commercial, logistics, and financial operations.
Core strengths: vendor negotiation, strategic sourcing, contract management, supply chain optimization, cross-functional coordination.
Languages: Bulgarian (native), English (fluent), French and Russian (written).
Looking for fully remote opportunities in procurement, sourcing, vendor management, or operations.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Purchase & Procurement PM
Energy Holding
Sep 2020 - Present (5 years 9 months)
Oversaw procurement and project execution for 11 coal-fired TPPs and led transition projects to gas-powered plants. Managed solar and biogas power plant construction and directed infrastructure planning for a new ski resort.
Import Manager
Maxima Bulgaria EOOD
Sep 2018 - Sep 2020 (2 years)
Identified and developed strategic product categories while managing vendor relationships, price negotiations, and transport planning. Optimized supply chain processes to improve efficiency.
Category Manager (F&V)
Van Holding (Fantastico Chain)
May 2017 - Jul 2018 (1 year 2 months)
Sourced and negotiated with international suppliers for fruits and vegetables. Streamlined logistics for fresh produce imports to improve delivery flow.
Sales & Purchase Manager
FruitMarket Ltd.
Sep 2016 - May 2017 (8 months)
Managed HORECA distribution of fresh and frozen produce and nuts. Coordinated purchasing and sales activities to support ongoing supply to clients.
International Sales Manager
O-Connect Premium Group Ltd.
Jun 2016 - Sep 2016 (3 months)
Developed and executed international sales strategy. Maintained international client relationships and handled reporting to support ongoing business performance.
Export/Sales Manager
Steviaparaguaya Europe JSC
Jun 2015 - Jun 2016 (1 year)
Identified new markets in Europe and managed export operations. Led sales activities to expand international reach and ensure continuity of export execution.
Managing Partner
Devex Ltd.
Jan 2007 - Jun 2015 (8 years 5 months)
Launched and managed import/export operations in the food industry. Built long-term supplier and customer relationships to support sustained business growth.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics
Master's Degree, Currency, Tax, and Customs Control
Completed a master’s program in Currency, Tax, and Customs Control at D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics.
University of Mining and Geology
Bachelor's Degree, Business Administration
Earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Mining and Geology.
125th High School Boyan Penev
French Language Program, French
Completed a French language program at 125th High School Boyan Penev in Sofia.
Availability
Location
BulgariaAuthorized to work in
Social media
Job categories
Skills
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