Mark Gorman
Lausanne,Vaud
Summary
Project Manager with a record of delivering complex developments from concept through pre-construction. Combines commercial acumen, technical oversight, and brand strategy to create high-performing, experience-led assets, with a strong focus on cost control, programme acceleration, and long-term value creation.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Project Manager
Spirit Capital SA
Zug, Switzerland
2025.02 - Current
- Led the end-to-end development of a multi-million-pound distillery project, integrating whisky, gin and vodka production, visitor experience, retail, and event space within a heritage-listed site
- Managed pre-construction phase across 10+ consultants and stakeholders (architects, planners, heritage advisors, cost consultants), ensuring alignment on design, compliance, and programme
- Directed preparation and submission of planning, listed building consent (LBC), and regulatory approvals, reducing approval risk through structured stakeholder engagement with local authorities
- Developed and implemented cost control frameworks and CAPEX models, with scenario-based sensitivity analysis
- Designed operational strategy for distillery, including lean production layout, visitor flow optimisation, and retail integration, targeting high-margin D2C revenue streams (>65% gross margin)
- Led procurement strategy for key equipment and suppliers (distillation systems, bottling, warehousing), ensuring technical compliance and long-term scalability
- Developed brand and product strategy across three core spirits (gin, vodka, whisky), aligning production, storytelling, and commercial positioning for premium market entry
- Coordinated cross-functional teams across construction, operations, finance, and brand, acting as central decision-maker and reporting directly to investors
Senior Sales Manager
Spirit France Diffusion
Lausanne, Switzerland
2023.10 - Current
- Led contract negotiations with a major retail chain, securing entry into the Belarus market and resulting in the successful establishment of distribution agreements for two brands.
- Was responsible for developing and executing a sales strategy for the Swiss market, leading to a 30% increase in points of distribution.
- Executed a storytelling-led distribution campaign in Fiji, focusing on luxury resorts, which increased sales in the Oceania region by 25% within the first six months.
- Maintained strong client relationships, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat business and exceeding customer satisfaction survey targets.
- Represented Spirit France at international trade exhibitions and conventions, achieving increased customer engagement and securing import contracts.
- Organized and led tastings and events for up to 100 participants, effectively educating customers about the spirits portfolio, enhancing brand awareness and engagement.
Freelance Bookkeeper and QuickBooks Specialist
Freelance
London
2023.08 - 2023.10
- Entered financial data into accounting software for verification and reconciliation, maintaining accurate and current accounts at all times.
- Produced clear and accurate financial statements and led weekly briefings for freelance customers.
- Created quarterly and yearly balance sheets to track financial trends and performance.
- Maintained consistent and accurate communication with clients' accountants and tax advisors.
Rooms Division Management Program
Raffles Bali
Bali, Indonesia
2023.02 - 2023.08
- Took on full responsibility as a Raffles Wellbeing Butler, providing completely bespoke service and ensuring guest engagement with the Raffles brand before, during and after their stay.
- Was selected for the Raffles Shadowing Program, where I worked directly with the Hotel Manager, gaining valuable insight into senior management responsibilities and leadership techniques.
- Was responsible for promoting enrolment into the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, consistently exceeding recruitment targets.
- Working closely with the Front Office Manager, I was responsible for an internal auditing program, ensuring excellent product knowledge of more than 30 departmental staff.
- Gained skills, knowledge and experience through cross-departmental exposure, focusing on Sales & Marketing and Spa Management.
Education
Bachelor of Science - International Hospitality Management
EHL Hospitality Business School
Lausanne06.2026
Certified Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst -
Corporate Finance Institute
08/2024 -
Finance – Intensive Course -
London School of Economics and Political Science
London 07/2024 - 08/2024
A-Levels - Biology, French, German, Russian A*A*A*A*
Charterhouse School
Godalming06.2022
Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Cross-cultural communication
- Negotiation and sales
- Cash Flow Modelling
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Financial statement preparation
- Intuit QuickBooks
Languages
English
Native language
French
Advanced (C1)
German
Advanced (C1)
Russian
Proficient (C2)
Indonesian
Intermediate (B1)
Certification
- Certified Bookkeeper, Intuit/QuickBooks - 2023
- WSET Level 3 Award in Wines (Distinction) - 2024
- WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits (Distinction) - 2024
Timeline
Senior Project Manager
Spirit Capital SA
2025.02 - Current
Senior Sales Manager
Spirit France Diffusion
2023.10 - Current
Freelance Bookkeeper and QuickBooks Specialist
Freelance
2023.08 - 2023.10
Rooms Division Management Program
Raffles Bali
2023.02 - 2023.08
Certified Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst -
Corporate Finance Institute
08/2024 -
Finance – Intensive Course -
London School of Economics and Political Science
07/2024 - 08/2024
Bachelor of Science - International Hospitality Management
EHL Hospitality Business School
A-Levels - Biology, French, German, Russian A*A*A*A*
Charterhouse School