Ciobotariu made his debut for the Romania national team in 1997 against Macedonia, and represented his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.

Ciobotariu brought the team to the first position in Liga I, but failed to win the championship after two losses in the last two games of the 2014–15 season.

On 4 June 2015, he was appointed as head coach of Saudi Professional League side Al-Faisaly, before moving to Al-Ta'ee in 2017.

[3] After coaching for 10 games, on 17 June 2020 the Lebanese Football Association (LFA) decided not to extend Ciobotariu's contract, which had expired.

[4] On 15 January 2021, Ciobotariu was appointed head coach of Liga I club Hermannstadt, signing a two-year contract.