Marcel Mc Farren

Bilingual Project and Program Management professional with 15+ years of experience, including 10+ years leading projects, programs, teams, and organizations across international business, consulting, professional education, nonprofit and development programs, and industrial operations. Proven experience managing approximately 30 projects annually, with 5+ concurrent initiatives across 6+ international locations. Skilled in end-to-end project delivery, strategic planning, budget and resource management, process improvement, and cross-functional team leadership.

Experienced in coordinating remote and multicultural stakeholders, managing scope, schedules, and deliverables, and translating strategic priorities into actionable implementation plans.

Native

English and Spanish speaker with extensive training and facilitation experience, strong organizational skills, and a demonstrated ability to work independently in complex international environments.

Project Manager at ADVANCED TRAININGS (2023-01 – 2025-09)

International professional education organization delivering virtual and in-person programs across multiple locations.

• Managed approximately 30 projects annually, typically 5+ concurrently, overseeing end-to-end planning, scheduling, execution, monitoring, delivery, and follow-up of professional education programs.
• Coordinated a distributed five-person core team, approximately five instructors, and 2–3 external consultants across 6+ international locations, ensuring effective delivery of virtual and in-person programs.
• Defined and managed project priorities, responsibilities, deliverables, certification requirements, and logistics while balancing stakeholder expectations, resources, and competing deadlines.
• Led the implementation, development, optimization, and migration of digital learning platforms, including WordPress, LearnDash, and Thinkific, managing LMS transitions, course content, user data, and certification workflows.
• Managed and optimized CRM and marketing automation systems, including ActiveCampaign, integrating learning platforms, automating communications, and improving student enrollment, engagement, and administrative processes.
• Leveraged ClickUp, Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, and Excel to manage project schedules, communication, documentation, and deliverables, while improving operational workflows and remote team collaboration.

General Manager - Part-Time Executive Role at TOTALDIM (2024-08 – Present)

• Lead strategic expansion, diversification, and industrial projects for an import, manufacturing, distribution, and investment company, with direct responsibility for operational decisions, budgets, personnel, and project execution.
• Manage international sourcing, supplier relationships, and import operations with partners in China, Argentina, and Chile, overseeing procurement planning, logistics, resources, and cross-border coordination.
• Direct the development and implementation of new business ventures, including paper-products manufacturing operation, leading cross-functional teams, resource allocation, operational planning, and project delivery.
• Drive operational and investment decision-making through feasibility studies, financial and logistics analyses, process improvements, and commercial strategy development.

Founder & Managing Consultant at ORBIS GROUP BOLIVIA (2020-05 – Present)

• Lead multidisciplinary consulting projects from proposal development and implementation planning through execution and delivery, managing client relationships, scope, schedules, budgets, technical resources, and quality control.
• Direct and supervise consulting engagements across business management, engineering, occupational health and safety, ISO management systems, environmental monitoring, operations, organizational improvement, and productivity.
• Lead a Progettomondo consultancy focused on improving manufacturing productivity and production-management practices within the Bolivian prison system, coordinating specialized consultants and institutional stakeholders in challenging operational environments.
• Design and manage corporate training, professional development, and online education programs, overseeing instructional content, methodologies, learning materials, and delivery strategies.
• Manage cross-functional teams and external consultants, developing technical proposals, feasibility assessments, implementation plans, and client deliverables while ensuring alignment with project objectives and stakeholder expectations.

International Expert Trainer & Consultant - SCORE Program at INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO) (2014-12 – Present)

• Led the implementation of ILO SCORE, HOCO (Hospitality Coaching), and continuous-improvement programs in 30+ major companies and 15+ SMEs across manufacturing, food, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, construction, hospitality, tourism, chemicals, metals, and cement industries.
• Served as an international trainer and Training-of-Trainers (ToT) specialist, delivering SCORE and HOCO training and capacity-building programs to approximately 30 trainers and 100+ company participants, including managers, supervisors, trainers, and operational teams.
• Specialized in SCORE methodologies covering workplace cooperation, quality and productivity, human resource management, occupational safety and health (OSH), cleaner production, and gender equality in the workplace.
• Delivered HOCO (Hospitality Coaching) programs for the hotel, restaurant, and food-service industries, training managers and frontline employees in customer service, guest experience, workplace organization, service quality, teamwork, and operational efficiency. Supported hands-on implementation of service improvements, standardized work practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Developed and implemented continuous-improvement programs, including the Continuous Improvement Methodology (Mejora Continua), designing training frameworks, implementation tools, instructional materials, and written and digital learning resources to support organizational productivity and workplace improvements.
• Served as Lead Content Specialist and Reviewer for the development of the Mejora Continua mobile application, overseeing content development, technical accuracy, methodology alignment, content structure, and practical usability to support training and workplace implementation.
• Implemented Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance-monitoring systems across SCORE, HOCO, and Mejora Continua programs, establishing performance baselines, tracking improvement initiatives, measuring operational efficiency, service quality, productivity, and workplace practices, and supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Managed program implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance, coordinating schedules, deliverables, progress reporting, KPI reviews, and stakeholder engagement with local teams and international ILO counterparts.
• Collaborated with the ILO, industry and women's organizations, private companies, and Bolivian government institutions to strengthen organizational productivity, workplace practices, gender equality, service standards, and sustainable business development.

General Manager / Owner at BRIKRBON S.R.L. (2023-05 – 2024-05)

• Led the strategic and operational restructuring of a charcoal-products manufacturing company, with the objective of increasing business valuation and preparing the company for sale, successfully doubling its value through operational improvements, cost optimization, and commercial development.
• Directed manufacturing, commercial, and administrative operations, restructuring production workflows, material utilization, cost structures, human resources, and quality control to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Optimized supply chain management, procurement, and supplier relationships, improving resource allocation, production planning, inventory management, and operational processes.
• Led marketing, packaging, and commercial development initiatives, strengthening product positioning, customer relationships, distribution channels, and market competitiveness to support business growth and increased company valuation.

Country Manager - Bolivia at INTEVISION TOOLS CO. PTE. LTD. (2021-11 – 2022-09)

• Managed nationwide market development and field operations in Bolivia for an international tools manufacturer, leading regional teams and coordinating sales, commercial activities, and operational execution across the country.
• Led strategic projects to increase sales, expand the customer base, and strengthen market positioning, including market research, competitive benchmarking, distributor development, and regional expansion initiatives.
• Directed recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management of local field teams, establishing operational priorities, sales objectives, KPIs, and performance-monitoring practices to improve team effectiveness and commercial results.
• Collaborated with senior management and international teams on business strategy, budgets, KPI dashboards, marketing initiatives, expansion planning, purchasing, and branch operations, supporting broader North and South American business objectives.
• Developed and managed relationships with distributors, importers, and key clients, overseeing commercial coordination, after-sales support, and customer service while ensuring compliance with corporate brand and service standards.

General Manager at TOTALDIM (2019-01 – 2021-11)

• Established and led the import division, overseeing procurement, international sourcing, and logistics for US$4M+ in first-year imports of machinery, industrial equipment, tools, and food-industry inputs, coordinating suppliers in China, Argentina, and Chile.
• Directed nationwide commercial expansion, establishing distribution and retail centers in major Bolivian cities, developing regional operations, and leading sales and market-development initiatives that contributed to first-year sales 18% above projections.
• Managed multidisciplinary teams and nationwide operations, with direct responsibility for procurement, supply chain, marketing, sales, human resources, branch operations, budgets, cost control, and operational performance.
• Led strategic diversification and industrial development projects, including the implementation of a toilet-paper manufacturing line, industrial automation and modernization initiatives, and real estate ventures, overseeing feasibility, planning, resource allocation, and execution.

General Manager of Operations at PROALIT S.R.L. (2018-04 – 2019-01)

• Directed nationwide operations for a food and plastics manufacturing company, leading cross-functional teams of 75+ employees across production, logistics, quality control, R&D, maintenance, distribution, and national sales.
• Led operational excellence and industrial modernization initiatives, including machinery upgrades, production process optimization, quality standardization, and continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, productivity, and operational performance.
• Managed strategic growth and product development projects, overseeing new-product launches, production capacity improvements, and business expansion initiatives while coordinating resources, budgets, and cross-functional execution.
• Advised the Board of Directors on operational strategy and investment priorities, providing recommendations on process improvements, industrial modernization, resource allocation, and long-term business development.

General Manager / Executive Director at FUNDARE COCHABAMBA (2012-02 – 2018-04)

Nonprofit foundation focused on recycling, environmental awareness, and public-private collaboration.

• Led a portfolio of three ongoing programs and 3–4 short-term projects, overseeing end-to-end planning, implementation, resource allocation, schedules, budgets, deliverables, stakeholder coordination, and long-term sustainability.
• Managed a four-person team, external consultants, and professional service providers, directing project execution, organizational administration, team performance, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Reported directly to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders, presenting program progress, financial performance, project outcomes, risks, and strategic recommendations to support organizational planning and decision-making.
• Managed annual operating and project budgets of up to approximately US$100K, overseeing financial planning, resource allocation, cost control, and accountability for program delivery.
• Led grant development, funding proposals, and resource mobilization, including an approximately US$100K Japan-funded initiative and a major Fundación Avina proposal that secured funding following the end of tenure.
• Developed and managed strategic partnerships with private companies, government institutions, and international organizations, including Fundación Avina, Swisscontact, the Embassy of Japan, Save the Children International, and Bolivia's Ministry of Environment and Water.
• Designed and delivered environmental education and capacity-building programs, coordinating institutional and corporate stakeholders, training activities, and community engagement initiatives.

B.S. / Licenciatura in Environmental Engineering – Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo (2011)

Specialization in Industrial Safety & Occupational Health – Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB) (2011)

Specialization in Environmental Management Plans – Cámara Departamental de Industria de Cochabamba (2013)

Courses in Environmental Sciences – Monmouth College

Courses in Biology & Biotechnology – Worcester Polytechnic Institute