Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Skills And Tools
Industries Of Interest
Key Highlights
Timeline
Generic

Marco Penado

Coquitlam

Summary

With over 25 years of experience managing international operations across Latin America, Canada, and the United States, my career has been built at the intersection of strategic business growth, financial leadership, and talent optimization. Expertise spans industries such as biotechnology, asphalt road construction, human resources, and financial management, driving large-scale expansions, securing critical funding, and implementing operational efficiencies that position companies for sustained success. Successfully managed multi-million-dollar budgets, overseeing the financial strategy of organizations with $40 million+ in annual budgets while ensuring 100% compliance with SOX regulations and international financial standards. Leadership in financial planning, forecasting, and internal control implementation has resulted in seamless audit approvals from PWC and Deloitte, reinforcing corporate governance and financial stability. Played a pivotal role in securing significant funding, including a recent $800,000 financing deal in the U.S., while also facilitating multi-million-dollar credit approvals across multiple markets. Demonstrated remarkable ability to scale businesses. Spearheaded a 4,900% revenue growth in Guatemala and El Salvador at Manpower Group, transforming the company into a dominant force in workforce solutions. Ability to open markets in Mexico, Central America, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru led to six-figure deals within a single year, accelerating regional expansion. Expertise in workforce optimization reduced employee turnover to just 1%, while simultaneously boosting productivity by 150% through innovative HR strategies, AI-driven talent acquisition, and financial process automation. Instrumental in financial reporting and high-level consulting, providing CEO-level financial insights and collaborating with global entities such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Partnerships have reinforced ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring financial integrity and operational efficiency. Co-founder of TALENTUM HR Company leveraging expertise in workplace climate assessments, financial structuring, and strategic market positioning to drive sustainable business transformation. Leadership in AI integration, branding strategies, and financial modeling consistently optimized cost structures, enhanced forecasting accuracy, and strengthened market presence. Passionate about empowering organizations with the right financial strategies, operational frameworks, and top-tier talent to drive sustainable growth. Ability to align financial excellence with business expansion ensures that companies not only achieve their immediate goals but also secure their long-term market leadership.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Chapter Director

His Way At Work
09.2024 - Current

Cofounder & Business Partner

Talentum HR Company
10.2020 - Current
  • Develop financial models to support strategic decision-making (with some of our clients).
  • Securing Strategic Funding, successfully managed financing processes (for some of our clients) and facilitating multi-million-dollar financial approvals.
  • Defined and executed the company's strategic vision and growth plan, utilizing Business Intelligence (BI) to identify key market opportunities and leading Business Development Consultancy efforts to drive business objectives
  • Managed the Finance department, overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and investment strategies to ensure fiscal health and support business scalability
  • Developed and executed a comprehensive Branding strategy, enhancing the company's market presence and establishing a strong brand identity that aligns with our corporate values and business objectives
  • Applied advanced Interviewing skills to lead the talent acquisition process, ensuring the selection of candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of the job but also fit the company culture, contributing to improved team dynamics and employee retention
  • Led a team in Global Talent Acquisition and B2B (Business-to-Business) Market Research, aligning Business Planning strategies to enhance recruitment and consulting operations
  • Ensured legal compliance and upheld high service standards, addressing complex challenges with strategic solutions and fostering strong relationships with clients, partners, and collaborators, demonstrating effective Leadership in the industry
  • Significantly contributed to the company's strategic planning and financial management, leading to clear goal setting for sustained long-term growth and improved operational efficiency
  • Successfully managed and nurtured team dynamics, achieving a remarkable 98% vacancy coverage rate and enhancing client satisfaction through tailored, high-quality service offerings

Founder | Strategic Business Development and Market Expansion Leader

GAZA HOLDINGS, LTD.
02.2018 - Current
  • Orchestrated business relationship development and led Contract Negotiation, enhancing International Sales and market development initiatives
  • Managed comprehensive financial operations and ensured regulatory compliance with International Trade and International Law across all business activities
  • Directed sales and marketing strategies, conducted thorough product evaluations, and market analyses, and represented the company at Trade Shows to bolster international visibility and networking
  • Oversaw International Shipping logistics to streamline the supply chain process, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction in negotiations with clients and suppliers abroad
  • Developed strategic partnerships, solving complex problems to optimize pricing and contract management, leading to a sustainable business model
  • Kept abreast of healthcare industry developments, integrating innovative practices into business operations to stay ahead of market trends

Country Manager, Guatemala & El Salvador: Strategic Growth a Revenue Leader in Workforce Solutions

ManpowerGroup
06.2007 - 07.2017

Key Achievements Managerial:

  • Led Manpower Group's operations in Guatemala and El Salvador, fostering Team Leadership and Employee Relations through collaborative talent management strategies, effective financial oversight with Finance management, and adherence to labor regulations, emphasizing respectful consensus-building and inclusive decision-making
  • Manage financial and accounting functions in regulated environments, ensuring compliance with regulations such as SOX and adapting to local and international legislations.
  • Develop and implement processes, procedures, and internal controls based on audit observations, ensuring unqualified audit reports (PWC and Deloitte).
  • Manage financing and documentation submission for credit applications, ensuring regulatory compliance and securing significant funding.
  • Train teams in ERP systems and other financial topics, including the internal ERP, INTRAPOWER.
  • Support the creation and analysis of $40 million budgets, reviewing monthly financial indicators, explaining variances, and preparing quarterly and annual forecasts.
  • Develop financial models to support strategic decision-making.
  • Prepare financial reports for high-level meetings, including presentations to the CEO and Board of Directors.
  • Oversee the quality of sales contracts and lead the analysis of payment plans and their impact on accounts receivable.
  • Accurately prepare assigned financial reports, ensuring timeliness and compliance with deadlines.
  • Identify deviations in operational results and present concrete recommendations that drive improvements, such as detecting and correcting process vulnerabilities.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Financial Governance: Ensured 100% compliance with SOX regulations and local financial legislations, mitigating audit risks and strengthening financial integrity in highly regulated environments.
  • Audit Excellence & Process Optimization: Led the development and implementation of internal controls, resulting in zero negative audit findings from PWC and Deloitte over multiple audit cycles.
  • ERP Implementation & Financial Training: Trained finance teams on ERP systems, improving financial reporting accuracy and efficiency. Optimized budget control for $40M through rigorous financial oversight and variance analysis.
  • Financial Modeling for Strategic Decisions: Developed financial models that enhanced forecasting accuracy, leading to more informed executive decision-making and improved financial planning.
  • Contract & Payment Plan Optimization: Led financial contract assessments, reducing risk exposure and improving cash flow management in accounts receivable.
  • Precision in Financial Reporting: Ensured 100% on-time financial report submission, improving operational efficiency and compliance with financial deadlines.
  • Operational Risk Reduction: Identified and corrected process inefficiencies, reducing financial vulnerabilities and increasing operational efficiency, directly impacting profitability.
  • Drove business growth through client acquisition, strategic planning, and partnership development, while Coaching the sales and business development teams to enhance the company's market position in HR services
  • Managed Workforce Management and Human Resources (HR), conducting Financial Analysis and utilizing ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to streamline recruitment processes, oversee the Profit and Loss (P&L) statements, and ensure optimal financial health and resource allocation
  • Enhanced Employee Relations by implementing comprehensive HR strategies and policies that fostered a positive work environment, resolved workplace conflicts, and promoted employee satisfaction and retention, aligning with the company's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive organizational culture
  • Developed and maintained Customer Service strategies, improving Customer Experience and achieving low employee turnover rates, complemented by effective Coaching and Interviewing skills, ensuring timely vacancy fulfillment to avoid reprocessing, contributing to an excellent organizational climate
  • Achieved a remarkable 4,900% revenue growth over a decade, significantly increasing market share and establishing the company as a leader in the employment sector in both countries
  • Maintained a consistent 30-Day Sales Outstanding, optimizing cash flow and financial stability

General/Commercial Manager | Healthcare Services Expansion Strategist

Prosalud Salvadoreña
04.2004 - 06.2007

Developed and executed B2C Marketing and sales strategies to support Salvadoran residents in the USA with prepaid healthcare services, aligning with the company's Business Strategy

  • Led New Business Development and managed the implementation of B2C ecommerce platforms, innovating Consumer Services in the absence of social media and digital advertising
  • Conducted market research and feasibility studies, managing pricing and contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, demonstrating Leadership in service integration and provider relationship management
  • Collaborated in financial and human resource management, optimizing operations and profitability of Consumer Services
  • Led the creation and development of the business model for PROSALUD Salvadoreña, significantly enhancing the company's market presence in the USA
  • Played a key role in the successful sale of the startup to the Crediseguros conglomerate, demonstrating effective leadership and strategic planning

Advisor to the Minister of Education

Ministerio de Educación de El Salvador (MINED)
09.2002 - 01.2004
  • Provided technical and administrative support to the Ministry of Education (MINED), exhibiting Team Leadership and aiding in Strategic Planning to enhance operational efficiency and educational quality in El Salvador
  • Guided national directors in setting goals and formulating actionable strategies, using strong Negotiation and Communication skills, to improve educational outcomes and implement comprehensive programs like 'Escuela 10' which integrated early education, nutrition, technology use, and values teaching
  • Prepare financial reports for high-level meetings, including presentations to the PARLIAMENT and collaborations with entities such as the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank.
  • Managed Media Relations and international cooperation, including the signing of international agreements and representing El Salvador in international forums like the OAS, UNESCO, and others, ensuring adherence to Public International Law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
  • Conducted critical negotiations with unions, financial institutions, and international bodies, balancing stakeholder interests and maintaining financial integrity across the educational sector.
  • Successfully mediated negotiations to prevent a major teachers' strike in 2002, including managing salary discussions
  • Designed and implemented decentralized management models, leading to an annual budget execution rate over 95% from a budget of $800 million USD, showcasing exceptional efficiency in public administration
  • Executive-Level Financial Reporting: Delivered financial reports and high-impact presentations to the Parliament of El Salvador and international financial institutions, playing a key role in securing World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank partnerships.
  • 95% of schools rebuilt after the 2001 earthquakes
  • 5 educational quality programs developed and launched

Advisor Salvadoran Institute of Vocational Training

Instituto Salvadoreño de Formación Profesional (INSAFORP)
05.1999 - 09.2002
  • Provided Leadership and strategic guidance to align INSAFORP's training initiatives with industry needs, enhancing the employability of the Salvadoran workforce through targeted skill development programs
  • Conducted policy analysis and Academic Advising to ensure the effectiveness and market relevance of vocational training programs, fostering Staff Development and continuous learning
  • Spearheaded workforce planning initiatives at INSAFORP, aligning training programs with future labor market demands and industry trends to ensure the strategic development of the Salvadoran workforce and enhance long-term employability
  • Utilized Communication and Negotiation skills to engage with stakeholders and foster partnerships between public and private sectors, maximizing training impact and optimizing resource utilization for workforce improvement initiatives
  • Contributed to the development of a skilled labor force in El Salvador, meeting critical industry requirements and improving national employment rates

University Professor

Universidad Dr. José Matías Delgado
02.1999 - 06.2002
  • Taught Administrative Theory

Education

COOP - Hospitality

Canadian College

Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA

Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas

Skills

  • Strategic Financial Planning
  • KPI Analysis and Reporting
  • Market Expansion Strategies
  • Regulatory Adherence
  • Workforce Retention Expertise
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Project Planning
  • Financial Oversight
  • Financial Management
  • ERP System Management
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Business Consulting Expertise

Accomplishments

  • Established Gaza Holdings Ltd. as a key player in Latin America's biotechnology market, representing top manufacturers from Canada, Europe, and the USA.
  • Negotiated high-stakes international contracts, ensuring compliance with ISO and HACCP standards.
  • Developed decentralized management models for public education in El Salvador, achieving a 95% annual budget execution rate of $800 million.

Languages

English
Professional Working
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Skills And Tools

Strategic Planning, KPI Management, Market Penetration, Regulatory Compliance, Talent Retention, Advanced Excel, adaptable to CRM and project management tools like Salesforce or Tableau, Fully bilingual in English and Spanish

Industries Of Interest

  • Food and Beverage
  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
  • Small and Medium Business Consultancy

Key Highlights

  • Spearheaded a 4,900% revenue growth at Manpower Group in Guatemala and El Salvador, positioning the company as a leader in workforce solutions.
  • Opened markets in Mexico, Central America, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, achieving six-figure deals in one year.
  • Reduced employee turnover to 1% while increasing productivity by 150% through effective HR strategies.

Timeline

Chapter Director

His Way At Work
09.2024 - Current

Cofounder & Business Partner

Talentum HR Company
10.2020 - Current

Founder | Strategic Business Development and Market Expansion Leader

GAZA HOLDINGS, LTD.
02.2018 - Current

Country Manager, Guatemala & El Salvador: Strategic Growth a Revenue Leader in Workforce Solutions

ManpowerGroup
06.2007 - 07.2017

General/Commercial Manager | Healthcare Services Expansion Strategist

Prosalud Salvadoreña
04.2004 - 06.2007

Advisor to the Minister of Education

Ministerio de Educación de El Salvador (MINED)
09.2002 - 01.2004

Advisor Salvadoran Institute of Vocational Training

Instituto Salvadoreño de Formación Profesional (INSAFORP)
05.1999 - 09.2002

University Professor

Universidad Dr. José Matías Delgado
02.1999 - 06.2002

Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA

Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas

COOP - Hospitality

Canadian College
Marco Penado