Becoming an Electrical Supervisor or Project Manager

Introduction

If you are a professional electrician in Global thinking about moving to Romania, you are not alone. Romania's electrical and construction services sector is expanding faster than the talent pipeline can supply, creating real opportunities for experienced electricians to step into supervisory and project management roles. With EU-aligned standards, a cost of living that stretches your salary further than in many Western European capitals, and a growing demand for renewable energy and smart building installations, Romania offers an attractive career runway.

This guide is written for working electricians who want to move up into coordination and leadership: electrical supervisors, site foremen, construction managers for MEP, and project managers overseeing scheduling, quality, safety, budgets, and client communication. It covers how your skills translate, what Romanian employers look for, and the legal and certification steps you will need to take to work legally and safely. You will find practical how-to steps for visas and work permits, an overview of the ANRE authorization system, salary and cost-of-living expectations, and cultural tips to help you integrate smoothly.

Whether your background is in industrial wiring, commercial installations, renewable energy, or building automation, moving to Romania can give you access to EU projects, competitive compensation, and a lifestyle many electricians find hard to match elsewhere. Let us dive in.

Why Romania?

Romania sits at the intersection of strong EU demand for infrastructure upgrades and local investment in residential and industrial development. For Global electricians ready to lead crews or manage projects, several advantages stand out:

EU membership: Romania is in the European Union and follows EU directives such as the Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive. You will work with internationally recognized standards and documentation practices.
Career growth potential: Utility upgrades, grid connections for new industrial parks, data centers, and accelerating renewable energy installations drive steady demand for supervisory and project management roles.
Cost of living advantage: Salaries in Romania stretch further compared to many Western EU countries. Housing, transportation, and daily expenses are notably lower in cities like Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi compared to Paris, Munich, or Amsterdam.
Quality of life: Access to mountains and the Black Sea, vibrant cultural life in cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, and a slower pace outside the capital contribute to strong work-life balance.
Gateway to the European market: Base yourself in Romania to build experience on EU-aligned projects and later target roles in neighboring EU countries if desired.

Job Market Overview

Romania's electrical and construction services landscape is diverse. Supervisors and project managers are needed across public infrastructure, residential and commercial real estate, and complex industrial and energy projects.

Sectors with strong demand

Renewable energy installations
- Utility-scale and commercial rooftop solar PV are booming across the country, with notable activity in Dobrogea and southern regions. Wind projects continue, especially in Dobrogea.
- Supervisory roles cover PV plant installation, testing and commissioning, grid connection works, and operations and maintenance (O&M) teams.
Industrial automation and manufacturing
- Automotive and electronics clusters around Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Oradea, Arad, Ploiesti, and Craiova require plant expansion, modernizations, and control system upgrades.
- Supervisors and PMs coordinate installation crews for MCCs, control panels, instrumentation, and conveyor systems, and interface with engineering teams on commissioning.
Residential and commercial construction
- New builds and refurbishments across Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, and Iasi drive demand for project managers to oversee MEP coordination, subcontractors, procurement, and compliance with building codes.
Smart building systems
- Building management systems (BMS), access control, CCTV, fire detection, EV charging, and energy efficiency retrofits are growing markets, typically operated by specialized contractors seeking site leads and PMs with vendor experience (Schneider Electric, Siemens, Honeywell, ABB, Johnson Controls, and local system integrators).
Utilities and grid modernization
- Distribution operators and their contractors upgrade substations, medium-voltage lines, and metering systems. Supervisory roles require strong safety and live-line work coordination credentials.

Cities and regional hotspots

Bucharest: Largest project volume, including commercial real estate, data centers, infrastructure, and corporate offices. Highest salary ranges but also higher housing costs.
Cluj-Napoca: Tech hub with strong industrial and commercial automation work; vibrant startup scene and many EPC contractors.
Timisoara: Western industrial corridor with cross-border projects, manufacturing, and logistics centers.
Iasi: Growing residential and commercial construction; university city with a rising tech and services sector.
Constanta: Port and energy corridor; opportunities in industrial electrics, renewables, and logistics.
Brasov, Sibiu, Oradea, Arad, Craiova, Ploiesti: Manufacturing, automotive suppliers, and mixed-use developments.

Typical employers

Electrical contractors and EPC firms delivering LV/MV installations, substations, and renewable projects.
General construction companies with in-house MEP divisions.
Industrial facilities hiring in-house maintenance supervisors and project coordinators.
Renewable energy developers and O&M service providers.
Utilities and distribution network operators through their contractor networks.

What employers look for in supervisors and PMs

Hands-on experience leading crews on LV and, ideally, MV installations.
Familiarity with EU standards and Romanian norms (more on this below).
Ability to create and track schedules, interpret schematics and as-builts, and run site coordination meetings.
Safety leadership: toolbox talks, permits-to-work, lockout/tagout, and incident reporting.
Documentation and quality control: ITPs, test reports, cable schedules, and commissioning records.
Communication skills in English and willingness to learn Romanian.
ANRE authorization or a clear plan to obtain it soon after arrival.

Legal Requirements

Your legal path to work depends on whether you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or a non-EU Global citizen.

For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

You can work in Romania without a work permit.
Within 90 days of entry, apply for a Registration Certificate at the territorial office of the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). Bring your employment contract or proof of employment, a rental contract, and ID.
Once registered, you receive a residence certificate. You can obtain a personal numeric code (CNP) and register for tax with ANAF (the tax authority), often handled by your employer.

For non-EU Global citizens

Job offer first
- A Romanian employer must offer you a role and apply for a work permit ("aviz de munca") on your behalf.
Employer applies for work permit
- Submitted to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) with supporting documents: job description, proof of company compliance, and your documents.
- You will supply: passport, CV, proof of qualifications, clean criminal record, medical certificate, and sometimes proof of accommodation. Non-Romanian documents must be translated into Romanian by a certified translator and often apostilled or legalized.
- Processing time is typically 30-60 days.
Long-stay employment visa
- After the work permit is approved, you apply at a Romanian consulate for a long-stay employment visa (type D/AM). Bring your work permit, passport, health insurance, and proof of means.
- Visa decisions are generally made within 10-30 days.
Residence permit after arrival
- Enter Romania with your D visa and apply for a residence permit at IGI before your visa expires. You will receive a residence card valid for the term of your employment contract.
Family members
- Spouses and dependent children can apply for family reunification visas and residence permits once you have your residence permit. Processing times vary.
Tax and social contributions
- Your employer will typically register you for payroll tax and social contributions. If you work as a contractor (PFA or SRL), you will register with ANAF for tax and social security as applicable.

Tip: Employers accustomed to hiring international staff will guide you through each step. Ask directly during interviews how experienced they are with the work permit and visa process.

Certification & License Recognition

To perform electrical work and especially to lead teams in Romania, you will interact with ANRE, the national energy regulator.

ANRE authorization in brief

ANRE (Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in domeniul Energiei) authorizes electricians and technical personnel who design, execute, operate, and verify electrical installations. Authorizations are issued by grade and by activity type:

Grades I to IV: broadly aligned with installation complexity and voltage level.
Types A and B:
- Type A: design and technical documentation responsibilities.
- Type B: execution, operation, testing, and maintenance responsibilities.

Typical scope by grade (indicative; ANRE will specify the exact scope on your certificate):

Grade I: low voltage (up to 1 kV) installations in buildings and small industrial sites, testing and maintenance.
Grade II: medium voltage (commonly 1-20 kV) equipment and installations, substation works under supervision, commissioning tasks.
Grade III: higher complexity installations including HV interfaces, protections coordination, and complex systems integration, typically for experienced personnel.
Grade IV: advanced responsibilities such as coordination, verification, and specialized technical functions.

Your authorization card will explicitly list the scope for which you are authorized. Many supervisors aim for Grade II or above, Type B, to lead crews on LV/MV projects, and Type A if they also take responsibility for design deliverables.

Converting or validating foreign credentials

Gather documentation: diplomas, apprenticeship certificates, trade licenses, and employment references. Prepare detailed descriptions of your roles and voltage levels worked on.
Translate and legalize: certified Romanian translations and apostille/legalization for foreign documents.
Apply to ANRE: you or your employer submit the application for authorization, including proof of education and experience, plus a medical certificate and criminal record where requested.
Examination: ANRE may require you to pass a written and/or oral exam covering Romanian norms, safety, and EU directives. Exams are typically in Romanian. Some employers sponsor language support and preparatory courses.
Renewal: ANRE authorizations are issued for a limited period (e.g., 2 years). Maintain CPD and renew on time.

Experienced foreign electricians often start under supervision while waiting for ANRE authorization, focusing on quality and coordination tasks. Clear plans and timelines for obtaining ANRE credentials make your candidacy stronger.

Additional site and safety certifications

SSM (Occupational Safety and Health) training: mandatory site safety induction and role-specific training.
PSI (fire safety) familiarization: especially when coordinating fire detection, evacuation, and emergency power systems.
First aid and work at height: common requirements for supervisors.
LOTO and electrical safety procedures based on SR EN 50110 (Operation of electrical installations).
For hazardous areas (ATEX): ensure competence with EN/IEC standards and have your training documentation recognized.

When do you need additional construction supervisor attestations?

Romania has a role called "site supervisor" (diriginte de santier) authorized by the State Inspectorate for Constructions (ISC). This is typically required for the investor's representative who formally checks works against approved designs. If you are a project manager employed by a contractor, you generally do not need the ISC attestation. If your role includes signing as the investor's site supervisor, you must secure the appropriate ISC authorization in the electrical installations category. Many foreign PMs work successfully without this, provided there is a separate authorized site supervisor assigned by the investor.

Standards and Regulatory Landscape You Must Know

Working in Romania means aligning your projects with both EU and national technical norms. As a supervisor or PM, familiarity with these is critical.

EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): product safety requirements for equipment operating within certain voltage limits. Ensures CE marking and conformity.
EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC): applies to machinery and safety components; crucial for industrial automation and packaging lines.
ATEX Directives (2014/34/EU for equipment and 1999/92/EC for workplaces): explosive atmosphere compliance.
Romanian Normative I7 for electrical installations in buildings: national standard guiding design and execution practices for LV installations. The most recent edition should be consulted on each project.
SR HD 60364 series: harmonized standards for LV electrical installations, aligned across the EU.
SR EN 50110: operation of electrical installations, including safety procedures for work near live parts.
SR EN 61439: LV switchgear and controlgear assemblies.
SR EN 60204: safety of machinery - electrical equipment of machines.
SR EN 50583 and related PV standards: for solar installations.
Fire code references such as P118: for fire safety in buildings, affecting cable types, routing, and firestopping.

Voltage and frequency: Romania uses 230/400 V at 50 Hz with Type F (Schuko) sockets. Many tools from 110 V markets will require transformers or EU-compliant replacements. Ensure your test instruments are CE marked and calibrated according to EU requirements.

Salary & Benefits

Compensation varies by city, sector, and your authorization level. The figures below are approximate and for guidance only. Conversion used: 1 EUR ~ 5 RON.

Electrician, supervisor, and project manager ranges

Skilled electrician (LV):
- Gross: 6,000-10,000 RON/month (about 1,200-2,000 EUR)
- Net take-home: 3,600-6,300 RON (about 720-1,260 EUR)
Electrical supervisor / site foreman:
- Gross: 10,000-16,000 RON/month (about 2,000-3,200 EUR)
- Net take-home: 6,300-9,800 RON (about 1,260-1,960 EUR)
Project manager (electrical / MEP), depending on project size and city:
- Gross: 16,000-28,000 RON/month (about 3,200-5,600 EUR)
- Net take-home: 9,800-16,800 RON (about 1,960-3,360 EUR)

On large industrial or renewable EPC projects, senior PMs can exceed these ranges, especially with performance bonuses.

Typical benefits

Meal vouchers (tichete de masa) worth 20-40 RON per workday.
Transport allowance or company car for supervisors and PMs.
Phone and laptop; data plan.
Health insurance top-ups and occasional private clinic access.
Accommodation and per diem for out-of-town sites.
Annual performance bonuses.
Training sponsorship for ANRE exams and safety courses.

Taxes at a glance

Romania applies a 10% flat income tax. Employee social contributions typically include pension (around 25%) and health (around 10%), with an additional small labor insurance contribution paid by the employer. The net ranges above reflect these standard deductions from gross salary. Exact net pay depends on your individual situation and any tax exemptions.

Comparison with Global

While headline gross salaries may be lower than in some Western countries, the net purchasing power in Romania can be strong due to lower living costs. Many supervisors and PMs report higher savings rates in cities like Timisoara and Iasi compared to living in Western European capitals when housing and daily costs are considered.

Cost of Living

Costs vary across cities. Below are typical ranges for a single professional in 2026.

Housing (monthly rent)

Bucharest:
- 1-bedroom apartment, central: 600-900 EUR
- 1-bedroom apartment, non-central: 450-700 EUR
Cluj-Napoca:
- Central: 550-850 EUR
- Non-central: 450-700 EUR
Timisoara:
- Central: 450-700 EUR
- Non-central: 350-600 EUR
Iasi:
- Central: 400-650 EUR
- Non-central: 300-550 EUR

Utilities and services

Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for a 1-bedroom: 70-150 EUR/month depending on season.
Internet and TV: 7-15 EUR/month; Romania has fast and affordable broadband.
Mobile phone plan: 5-15 EUR/month for generous data.

Transportation

Public transport monthly pass: 15-25 EUR in most cities; Bucharest closer to 20-30 EUR.
Rideshare: 3-8 EUR for common trips inside the city.
Fuel: roughly 1.5-1.8 EUR/liter; parking fees vary by zone.

Food and daily expenses

Groceries for one: 150-250 EUR/month depending on diet.
Lunch menu near sites: 5-10 EUR.
Coffee: 2-3 EUR; casual dinner: 8-15 EUR.

Example budgets

Timisoara supervisor living modestly: 1,500 EUR net income; 500 EUR rent; 150 EUR utilities and internet; 200 EUR food; 100 EUR transport and phone; 150 EUR other. Savings potential: 500 EUR/month.
Bucharest PM living centrally: 2,600 EUR net income; 850 EUR rent; 170 EUR utilities/internet; 300 EUR food; 150 EUR transport and phone; 250 EUR other. Savings potential: 880 EUR/month.

Cultural Integration

Romania is welcoming and practical. Your willingness to learn the language and adapt to local processes will accelerate your integration and credibility on site.

Language basics for supervisors

Romanian is the working language on most sites. English is common among engineers and younger trades. Learn key phrases for safety, tools, and site coordination.
Prepare multilingual signage where needed: Romanian first, English second. Translate permits-to-work and toolbox talk notes when necessary.
Invest in a beginner Romanian course; target operational vocabulary quickly: cable sizes, breakers, PPE, lockout, lifting, measurements, and days of the week.

Workplace culture

Hierarchy but practical: Sites often have a clear chain of command. Respect formal roles while offering solutions; your credibility grows with reliability and clear documentation.
Safety is rising in priority: Expect regular toolbox talks, risk assessments, and incident reporting. Lead by example on PPE and permits.
Punctuality and planning: Start-of-day briefings, delivery scheduling, and coordination meetings are standard. Share look-ahead plans and update them weekly.
Direct but polite communication: Be clear, avoid confrontation, and document decisions in follow-up emails.
Work hours: Commonly 8:00-16:30 or 9:00-17:30 with a lunch break; overtime is typical during commissioning and milestone phases.

Life outside work

Affordable leisure: gyms, hiking in the Carpathians, seaside trips to Constanta, and vibrant cafes and music scenes in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.
Public holidays: plan around major holidays such as Orthodox Easter, Labor Day, and Great Union Day. Sites may slow during holiday weeks.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this step-by-step roadmap to move from Global to a supervisory or PM role in Romania.

Clarify your target role and sector
- Decide between electrical supervisor, site manager, or project manager, and choose a focus area: renewable energy, industrial automation, residential/commercial construction, or smart buildings.
- Prepare a competency matrix: voltage levels, systems you can lead, software (MS Project, Primavera, AutoCAD, EPLAN), and safety leadership examples.
Prepare your CV and portfolio
- Use a clear EU-style CV. Include project names, locations, contract values, your team size, and scope of work.
- Add photos of panels, conduits, ladder racks, control cabinets, site logistics plans, and commissioning sheets (redact sensitive info).
- List standards you have worked under and any ANRE-equivalent authorizations.
Map your certifications to ANRE
- Gather diplomas, trade licenses, apprenticeships, and letters from employers. Translate and legalize where needed.
- Contact ANRE or work through your employer to identify the grade and type you should apply for. Plan your exam timeline.
Target cities and employers
- Bucharest for high-volume projects; Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara for industrial automation; Iasi for growing construction and IT-related developments; Constanta for energy and port projects.
- Search job boards: eJobs, BestJobs, LinkedIn, and company careers pages. Many contractors list roles like Electrical Site Manager, MEP Coordinator, or Project Manager Electrical.
Start applications and interviews
- Emphasize safety leadership, schedule control, and your plan to secure ANRE authorization.
- Ask about the employer's experience with hiring non-EU staff and their ability to sponsor the work permit.
Confirm employment and initiate the work permit (non-EU)
- Provide your employer with required documents for the work permit application. Track timelines and reserve appointment slots at the consulate for your D/AM visa.
Plan your move logistics
- Decide what tools to bring. Confirm voltage compatibility and CE compliance. Consider buying or leasing site tools in Romania.
- Secure temporary housing for the first month near your project location.
Arrival and setup
- Obtain a Romanian SIM card and bank account; larger banks in the main cities offer English-speaking staff.
- Register with IGI for your residence permit and with ANAF for tax if your employer has not already done so.
- Attend site SSM safety induction and get your PPE. Book ANRE exam prep if scheduled.
Workplace integration
- Lead your first toolbox talk in simple English/Romanian. Post bilingual safety notices.
- Implement daily progress tracking: percent complete, obstacles, and next-day plan. Share weekly reports with photos.
Build for the next promotion

As a supervisor, shadow your PM on budget tracking, subcontractor management, and client meetings. As a PM, learn commercial terms and claim management on FIDIC or local contracts.

Success Tips from Other Expats

Learn project Romanian fast: Numbers, measurements, days, tools, and safety commands. Carry a pocket glossary.
Bring documentation discipline: Use standardized ITPs, cable test records, and pre-commissioning checklists aligned to SR HD 60364. Romanian teams appreciate clear templates.
Align on norms early: In kick-off meetings, identify applicable standards (I7, SR EN 50110, fire codes) and agree acceptance criteria with the investor and site supervisor.
Invest in relationships: Coffee breaks are networking opportunities. Be present on site, be fair with subcontractors, and you will get better cooperation.
Stay ahead on procurement: Some specialty items have long lead times. Monitor switchgear, EV chargers, VFDs, and specialty cables closely.
Document change: Keep a change log with dates, drawings, and impacts. Present calmly and factually to secure variations.
Safety leadership: Model PPE use, enforce lockout/tagout, and stop unsafe work. Your credibility rises instantly.
Choose growth sectors: Renewable energy, EV charging infrastructure, and BMS are fast paths to promotion.
Share your international perspective: Offer toolbox talks on lessons learned from other markets. It builds respect and accelerates standardization.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania offers an exceptional career platform for Global electricians ready to step into supervisory and project management roles. With EU-aligned standards, compelling project diversity, and a reasonable cost of living, you can build both skills and savings while enjoying a high quality of life.

Your next steps are clear: define your target role and sector, prepare a strong CV and portfolio, map your credentials to ANRE requirements, and start conversations with employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, and beyond. Ask directly about work permit support and training, and show a proactive plan for certification and language learning.

If you begin now, you could be leading a crew on a solar plant in Dobrogea, coordinating MCC installations in Timisoara, or managing a smart building fit-out in Bucharest within months. Take the first step today.

FAQ

1) Can I work as an electrical supervisor in Romania without ANRE authorization?

Many contractors will hire you based on your experience, but to take formal responsibility for electrical execution or operation, ANRE authorization is typically required. Employers may start you in a coordination role while sponsoring your ANRE application. Plan to obtain at least the appropriate Type B authorization as soon as practical.

2) How long does ANRE authorization take for a foreign electrician?

Expect several weeks to a few months. Time is needed to translate and legalize documents, submit your application, and schedule an exam if required. If your employer is experienced with ANRE processes, timelines are shorter. Start gathering your documentation before you move.

3) Are ANRE exams available in English?

Exams are usually in Romanian. Some employers provide support, such as preparatory courses, glossaries, and coaching. Learning core technical Romanian terms greatly increases your chances of passing on the first attempt.

4) What Romanian standards should I study first?

Start with Romanian Normative I7 for building electrical installations, SR HD 60364 for LV installations, SR EN 50110 for safe operation, and the relevant fire code references (such as P118). For industrial work, review SR EN 60204 and SR EN 61439. For PV, check SR EN 50583 and related standards.

5) What tools should I bring, considering voltage differences?

Romania uses 230/400 V, 50 Hz, Type F sockets. Tools designed for 110 V markets may need transformers or EU-compliant replacements. Focus on bringing high-quality hand tools and measurement instruments that are CE marked and calibrated. Many power tools are affordable locally; confirm availability of spare parts in Romania.

6) Do I need a Romanian driving license?

If you plan to drive a company vehicle, check with your employer. Many foreign licenses are valid for a period after arrival, and some can be exchanged without testing depending on agreements. If exchange is not available, you may need to pass Romanian driving exams. Always verify current rules with local authorities.

7) What are the main differences between being a supervisor and a project manager in Romania?

Supervisor: focuses on day-to-day site execution, crew coordination, safety enforcement, quality checks, and short-term scheduling. Typically owns ITPs and as-built accuracy for electrical works.
Project manager: owns full project scope including budget, procurement, subcontractor contracts, schedule baselines, risk management, and client communications. PMs coordinate across trades and report to senior management and the investor.

8) What are realistic net salaries for supervisors and PMs in Bucharest?

In Bucharest, electrical supervisors often take home around 1,400-2,200 EUR/month, and project managers around 2,200-3,500 EUR/month, depending on experience, company type, and project size. Benefits like meal vouchers, transport, and bonuses can add effective value.

9) Can I work as an independent contractor (PFA or SRL) instead of being an employee?

Yes. Many professionals operate as PFA (sole trader) or set up an SRL (limited company), especially for project-based work. Each has different tax and social contribution rules. For electrical execution responsibilities, you still need appropriate ANRE authorization. Consult an accountant in Romania to choose the right structure.

10) Which Romanian cities are best for a first assignment?

Bucharest for volume and variety of projects.
Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara for industrial automation and high-tech projects with a lower cost of living than Bucharest.
Iasi for growing construction and public projects with a strong university talent pipeline. Your choice should match your sector and lifestyle preferences.