In 1915, he graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the Technical University of Munich.

He focused his efforts on eliminating the corruption and bureaucracy in City Hall.

By the end of his term, Ivanov was planning the construction of Beli Iskar Dam, which was intended to feed the Sofia water supply line.

After the Bulgarian coup d'état of 1944, Ivanov was imprisoned and sentenced to life for political reasons.

Nevertheless, his abilities as a hydro-engineer were recognised by the communist rulers and he was allowed to continue working on the Beli Iskar Dam.