Bob MacFarlane

Strategic operator and programme leader with experience spanning climate technology, carbon removal, scientific operations, organisational transformation and delivery of globally significant programmes. Experienced in partnering with executive leadership to translate ambitious strategy into practical execution, aligning cross-functional teams, improving organisational performance and delivering complex initiatives in high-growth and high-pressure environments. Proven track record of leading operational transformation, developing scalable systems and processes, managing multi-million-pound programmes, and working across technical, commercial and external stakeholder groups to solve complex challenges.

Equally comfortable operating at executive level, leading operational teams, or driving delivery of critical strategic projects.

Venue Logistics Manager at Trivandi (2026-01 – 2026-08)

Leading full lifecycle logistics delivery for the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Glasgow International Arena for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

• Acting as strategic interface between venue leadership, organising committee stakeholders and operational delivery teams.
• Coordinating multiple functional areas to ensure readiness against fixed programme milestones.
• Managing complex dependencies across logistics, sport, broadcast, technology, workforce and venue operations.
• Leading risk identification, mitigation planning and operational readiness reporting.

Scientific Operations Manager (UK) at UNDO Carbon (2024-09 – 2025-11)

Led UK scientific operations for one of the world's leading enhanced rock weathering carbon removal companies. Managed operational delivery across laboratory, field sampling and verification programmes supporting carbon removal measurement and reporting.

• Led a 5-person scientific operations team across laboratory and field environments.
• Managed a £1m operational budget and delivery partnerships with six external laboratories.
• Reduced sample turnaround times from 9–12 months to 3–6 weeks through operational redesign and workflow transformation.
• Served as primary operational advisor to executive leadership, presenting operational performance, strategic risks and delivery priorities.
• Chaired cross-functional improvement forums connecting software development, measurement operations and technical teams.
• Partnered directly with developers to improve the NEWTON sample management platform, enhancing operational visibility and decision making.
• Led investor visits and stakeholder engagement activities, translating complex scientific processes into clear commercial narratives.
• Developed and implemented operational systems adopted across UK and Canadian operations.
• Led collaboration with McLaren F1 Technology Accelerator to design and prototype a next-generation soil sampling tool.
• Conducted operational audits and introduced governance systems that strengthened organisational resilience and compliance.

Operations Manager at 360 Event Hire (2024-03 – 2024-07)

Led operational delivery, workforce planning and logistics systems across a rapidly growing event infrastructure business.

• Managed operational teams, fleet activities and delivery programmes across Scotland.
• Developed SOPs, governance frameworks and scalable operating procedures to support business growth.
• Introduced systems improvements that strengthened efficiency, safety and operational consistency.

Mountain Bike Contract Manager at 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships (2021-01 – 2023-12)

Led planning and delivery of mountain bike disciplines for the largest cycling event ever staged.

• Directed delivery of a £3.5m operational programme and £1m capital investment portfolio.
• Secured and managed £450k of leveraged partner funding.
• Established governance structures, delivery forums and reporting systems supporting executive oversight.
• Served as principal liaison with international federations, government stakeholders and venue partners.
• Led cross-functional teams through planning, delivery and operational execution.
• Presented programme updates, risks and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and Board stakeholders.

Events Manager at EventScotland (2018-09 – 2021-03)

Managed a national portfolio of major events while supporting strategic development, funding governance and stakeholder partnerships.

• Managed funding programmes worth approximately £500k annually.
• Supported major event bidding, development and strategic planning activities.
• Represented EventScotland on governance groups and senior stakeholder forums.
• Coordinated multi-agency responses during the Covid-19 disruption period.
• Sport Planning Lead – UCI Cycling World Championships Project Initiation Group

Cycling Competition Manager at European Championships Glasgow 2018

Events Manager at Scottish Cycling

National Development Manager (Secondment) at Scottish Cycling

Field of Play Team Leader at London 2012 Olympic Games

Regional Development Officer at Scottish Cycling