Vitaly Gerner

I’m a senior business and operations leader based in Melbourne, currently open to leadership opportunities across construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, project delivery and business transformation.

WHAT I DO

I help organisations improve operational performance, deliver complex projects, strengthen governance and turn business challenges into measurable results.

My areas of focus include:

• Business Transformation
• Operational Excellence
• Project & Capital Delivery
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Business Development
• Crisis & Turnaround
• Governance & Risk
• AI Adoption & Process Automation

WHAT I’VE DONE

Over more than 20 years, I have led manufacturing operations, construction and capital projects, business transformation initiatives and operational improvement programs across international, corporate and government environments.

My experience covers the full project and operational lifecycle — from strategy, business cases, planning and procurement through contractor management, implementation, commissioning and operational handover.

I have worked with multidisciplinary teams, budgets, suppliers, contractors and senior stakeholders, while implementing governance frameworks, ERP/CRM systems, KPI structures and quality management systems.

HOW I WORK

I don’t start with technology. I start with the business problem.

I look for where organisations are losing time, money, productivity or control — whether through inefficient processes, weak governance, project risk, operational bottlenecks or fragmented information.

Technology and AI then become tools to solve the problem, not the objective.

Today I combine my executive and operational experience with digital transformation, AI operations and process automation to help organisations improve decision-making, reduce repetitive work and increase productivity.

WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR

I’m currently exploring senior leadership, transformation, operations, project delivery and business development opportunities in Australia, particularly within construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, housing and other complex operational environments.

I’m also open to advisory, consulting and transformation engagements where my experience can help an organisation solve a difficult operational or strategic problem.

Based in Melbourne, Victoria. Ready for relocation.

Senior Head of Operations, Projects & Business Transformation

PAULA LTD · Part-time

Mar 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 7 mos

France / Australia · Remote

Founder & Executive Director | Operations, Projects & Business Transformation

Founded and scaled multiple businesses from concept to sustainable, revenue-generating operations, achieving break-even within 6–12 months.

Led multiple concurrent projects across construction, electrical services, business consulting and tourism, managing planning, budgets, procurement, contractors, quality and operational delivery.

Directed end-to-end project execution, including business case development, commercial strategy, client acquisition, supplier negotiations and stakeholder management.

Designed and implemented governance frameworks, operating procedures, KPIs and financial controls to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Built strategic partnerships and developed long-term client pipelines in highly competitive markets.

Managed cross-functional teams, subcontractors and external suppliers while ensuring quality, compliance and on-time project delivery.

Introduced AI-assisted business processes and workflow automation for customer service, appointment booking, lead management, document processing and business operations using ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, n8n, Make.com and AI agents.

Currently developing AI solutions for business diagnostics, project management, construction tender support, estimating workflows and operational process automation.

Applied continuous improvement principles to streamline operations, improve productivity, reduce manual workloads and support data-driven decision-making.

Delivered a combined business portfolio exceeding AUD $1M in revenue while creating scalable business models for future growth.

Operations Management

Business Improvemnt Manager

ABN (trading as Business Clinic) · Freelance

Mar 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 7 mos

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia · Remote

Designing AI-assisted business processes and diagnostic frameworks for businesses, translating operational bottlenecks into automation and digital transformation roadmaps.

LLC Gerner

4 yrs 4 mos

Managing Director | Construction, Infrastructure & Business Transformation

Full-time

Oct 2017 - Jan 2022 · 4 yrs 4 mos

Moscow, Moscow City, Russia · Hybrid

Managing Director | Construction, Infrastructure & Business Transformation

Founded and scaled five businesses across construction, civil infrastructure, electrical services, landscaping and commercial operations, building each venture from concept to profitable delivery.

Directed multiple concurrent construction, civil and infrastructure projects, overseeing planning, procurement, subcontractors, project schedules, quality, safety, budgets and client relationships.

Managed end-to-end project delivery, including tender preparation, estimating, contract negotiations, resource planning, cost control and project execution.

Built and managed high-performing contractor and subcontractor networks, ensuring scalable project delivery, quality outcomes and commercial performance.

Held full P&L responsibility across multiple businesses, managing budgeting, cash flow, forecasting, margin improvement and financial performance.

Implemented governance frameworks, KPIs, operational procedures and continuous improvement initiatives to support sustainable business growth.

Led business development, strategic partnerships and client acquisition while expanding services across multiple industry sectors.

Introduced AI-assisted workflow automation to improve customer service, enquiry management, appointment booking, document processing and internal business operations using ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, n8n and workflow automation platforms.

Currently developing AI-supported solutions for construction project delivery, tender management, estimating workflows, business diagnostics and operational process optimisation.

Built all businesses from start-up to profitability, generating approximately AUD $100M in combined revenue over five years, while delivering strong operational and commercial performance.

Recruited, mentored and led multidisciplinary teams, creating a culture of accountability, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Chief Executive Officer

Oct 2017 - Jan 2022 · 4 yrs 4 mos

Led development and implementation of governance frameworks, KPI systems and operational policy across five businesses, ensuring consistent compliance and reporting standards.

First Chemical Corporation

1 yr 8 mos

Vice CEO

Full-time

Mar 2016 - Oct 2017 · 1 yr 8 mos

Moscow · On-site

Senior Executive responsible for business transformation, operational leadership and strategic growth of a full-cycle chemical manufacturing group employing over 7000 people.

Led operational improvement, production modernisation and commercial transformation across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, procurement and corporate functions. Responsible for strategy, governance, operational performance, financial sustainability and business development while driving continuous improvement.

Managed cross-functional teams and transformation projects covering production, engineering, logistics, procurement, quality systems and commercial operations. This role shaped my approach to Business Diagnostics—understanding that operational challenges usually originate from governance, management systems and inefficient business processes.

Key Responsibilities

Developed and executed business strategy, operational excellence and market expansion initiatives.

Led manufacturing modernisation, process optimisation and quality improvement programs.

Directed transformation projects across production, engineering, procurement, supply chain and commercial operations.

Negotiated strategic agreements with Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil and SABIC.

Implemented KPI frameworks, CRM, management accounting and governance systems to improve operational visibility and decision-making.

Managed organisational restructuring, budgeting, cost optimisation, risk management and supply chain improvements.

Key Achievements

Increased market share from 5% to 28%, positioning the company among the industry's leading manufacturers.

Delivered 95% revenue growth through operational improvement and commercial strategy.

Reduced receivables and payables to approximately 5%, significantly improving cash flow.

Achieved the lowest inventory levels in the company's history through production planning and supply chain optimisation.

Vice President

Mar 2016 - Oct 2017 · 1 yr 8 mos

Reviewed and redesigned business processes across a 300+ employee organisation, implementing ERP and quality management systems to strengthen documentation, compliance and data-driven decision-making.

Visiting Professor | Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Business Strategy

Institute of Entrepreneurship and Management · Contract

Aug 2014 - Jan 2017 · 2 yrs 6 mos

Minsk, Belarus · Hybrid

Visiting Professor | Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Business Strategy

Delivered executive education, mentored startups and supported innovation ecosystems by combining academic research with practical business leadership. Taught entrepreneurship, business strategy, finance, negotiation, leadership and innovation while helping founders transform business ideas into commercially viable ventures.

Key Responsibilities

Designed and delivered university courses in entrepreneurship, business strategy, innovation, finance and leadership.

Mentored early-stage startups from concept validation through commercialisation, business planning and investor readiness.

Served as a judge and expert for national startup competitions, evaluating business models, investment potential and growth strategies.

Developed entrepreneurship programs, workshops and practical training focused on business growth and innovation.

Key Achievements

Mentored dozens of startups across multiple industries, supporting business growth and commercial development.

Contributed to the development of a national business incubator and entrepreneurship education programs.

Published academic research in entrepreneurship, startup financing and business development.

Connected academic knowledge with practical business transformation, innovation and leadership experience.

Economic Advisor to the Public Committee

Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus · Freelance

Jan 2014 - Jan 2017 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Minsk, Belarus · Remote

Economic Adviser | Presidential Administration

Provided strategic economic advice and policy support to the Presidential Administration, contributing to national economic reform, long-term development planning and legislative initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Participated in the development of national economic policy and long-term development strategies.

Drafted and reviewed Presidential decrees, legislative proposals and government policy documents.

Contributed to the preparation of the Belarus Development Strategy 2030, supporting long-term economic planning and structural reform.

Conducted economic analysis and prepared policy recommendations for senior government decision-makers.

Evaluated investment initiatives, industrial development programs and regulatory reforms.

Collaborated with ministries, government agencies, industry representatives and academic experts on strategic economic initiatives.

Key Achievements

Contributed to the development of Presidential legislation and strategic policy initiatives.

Supported the design of national economic development priorities and long-term reform programs.

Participated in cross-government projects focused on economic modernisation, investment and industrial development.

Provided analytical support for high-level government decision-making and economic policy formulation.

Economic Advisor

Administration of the President of Belarus

Jan 2014 - Jan 2017 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Contributed to policy and governance framework development for national economic and industrial programmes, engaging with senior government stakeholders and regulators.

CCO

Evipack Industries

Nov 2014 - Feb 2016 · 1 yr 4 mos

Minks · On-site

Commercial Director | Packaging Manufacturing | Business Transformation

LLDPE, HDPE and BOPP Flexible Packaging Manufacturing

Led commercial strategy, business transformation and large-scale investment initiatives for a leading packaging manufacturer employing over 200 people. Responsible for commercial growth, capital investment projects, operational expansion, financial planning and strategic partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Developed and executed commercial and market expansion strategies across domestic and international markets.

Prepared and presented large-scale investment projects to international investors and financial partners.

Led production ramp-up, capacity expansion and new product launches to support business growth.

Directed budgeting, financial planning, commercial performance and strategic business development.

Worked closely with production, engineering, procurement and sales teams to improve operational performance and profitability.

Key Achievements

Increased company turnover from US$4M to US$8M per month.

Expanded market share in Russia to 17%, strengthening the company's competitive position.

Successfully entered new international markets, including Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Positioned the company among the Top 4 flexible packaging manufacturers in Eastern Europe (CIS).

Supported sustainable business growth through strategic investment planning, operational expansion and commercial transformation.

CEO

Borisov polymer plant "Polimiz" · Permanent

Feb 2013 - Aug 2014 · 1 yr 7 mos

Barysaw, Minsk, Belarus · On-site

Chief Executive Officer | Business Transformation & Manufacturing Operations

Annual Revenue: US$150M | 2,700+ Employees

Executive leadership of a diversified manufacturing group producing polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene products, flexible packaging, flexographic printing, printing plates and agricultural products across Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

Led corporate strategy, business transformation, operational excellence and organisational restructuring across multiple manufacturing sites. Responsible for governance, financial performance, production modernisation, commercial growth and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Developed and executed corporate growth and investment strategies.

Led organisational restructuring by establishing Centres of Financial Responsibility (CFRs).

Implemented management accounting, budgeting, KPI and performance management systems.

Directed manufacturing modernisation, quality management and operational improvement initiatives.

Led supply chain optimisation, financial governance and business process improvement.

Managed corporate marketing, commercial strategy and regional market expansion.

Key Achievements

Increased market share to 80% in Belarus and 12% in Russia.

Expanded operations into Belarus and Ukraine.

Designed and implemented Results-Oriented Budgeting (ROB).

Introduced enterprise-wide financial governance, management accounting and budget control systems.

Implemented KPI-driven performance management and organisational accountability.

Delivered a full corporate rebranding programme.

Improved operational efficiency, strengthened governance and supported sustainable business growth across multiple business units.

Corporate Governance

Chief Executive Officer

Polimiz Polymer Plant

Jan 2013 - Feb 2014 · 1 yr 2 mos

Implemented KPI systems, quality management frameworks and operational governance across a 2,000+ employee enterprise, improving compliance, uptime and performance monitoring.

Commercial Director

Evipack Industries · Permanent

Aug 2008 - Jan 2013 · 4 yrs 6 mos

Minsk, Belarus · On-site

Description

Executive responsible for commercial strategy, business transformation and operational leadership across the CIS region. Directed multi-site operations covering sales, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, finance and business development while leading strategic expansion and capital investment projects.

Managed international partnerships and negotiated long-term supply agreements with global industry leaders including ExxonMobil, SABIC, Dow Chemical and Qatar Petrochemical, securing annual contracts valued at over €210M with deferred payment terms and improved working capital.

Key Responsibilities

Led commercial strategy, regional expansion and operational performance across Russia and Ukraine.

Managed production, finance, procurement, logistics, sales and cross-functional leadership teams.

Directed the planning, construction and commissioning of a new manufacturing facility, significantly increasing production capacity.

Developed long-term business strategy, investment projects and sustainable growth initiatives.

Implemented ERP, budgeting, KPI and management reporting systems to strengthen governance and decision-making.

Built strategic supplier relationships and negotiated high-value international commercial agreements.

Key Achievements

Increased annual turnover from US$12M to US$75M.

Successfully delivered a new manufacturing plant, doubling production capacity.

Secured long-term international supply agreements exceeding €210M annually.

Implemented ERP and integrated budgeting systems, improving financial control and operational visibility.

Restored sustainable profitability through operational improvement, commercial growth and financial restructuring.

Chief Commercial Officer

JV LLC "Exclusive" · Permanent

Jan 1999 - Aug 2007 · 8 yrs 8 mos

Grodno · On-site

Commercial Director | Manufacturing, Construction & Retail Operations

400+ Employees | Paper Manufacturing | Construction | B2B & B2C Retail

Promoted internally from Sales Manager to Commercial Director, leading commercial operations, supply chain, procurement, logistics, construction projects and retail expansion across a diversified manufacturing group.

Responsible for commercial strategy, operational performance and end-to-end supply chain management, ensuring alignment between procurement, production, sales and customer delivery while improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Led commercial operations, procurement, logistics, warehousing and sales across manufacturing, construction and retail business units.

Managed supplier negotiations, contract management and strategic sourcing to secure reliable supply chains and optimise commercial performance.

Directed inventory planning, production scheduling and distribution to ensure on-time delivery and high customer service levels.

Oversaw transportation, warehouse operations and resource planning, improving working capital utilisation and inventory efficiency.

Managed commercial reporting, budgeting, KPI performance and cross-functional collaboration between production, sales and logistics teams.

Participated in the construction, commissioning and commercial launch of a new paper manufacturing facility.

Led the commercial rollout and expansion of retail operations while strengthening customer relationships and after-sales service.

Recruited, developed and mentored commercial teams, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Achievements

Promoted from Sales Manager to Commercial Director based on performance and leadership.

Successfully supported the construction and commissioning of a new paper production facility.

Improved supply chain efficiency, inventory management and working capital performance.

Melbourne Polytechnic logo

Melbourne Polytechnic

Certificate IV, WHS

Jan 2026 – Nov 2026

Kozminski University logo

Kozminski University

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Execitive MBA

2011 – 2013

Belarus State Economic University

Doctor of Economic Sciences, Chair of management and marketing

2014 – 2016

Grade: 8

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno logo

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

Mas, History, Philosophy and Culture

1995 – 1998

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno logo

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

Bachelor's degree, Physics and Informatics

1992 – 1995

Holmesglen logo

Holmesglen

Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820)