Gary Markland
Aspull,Greater Manchester
Summary
Charismatic professional with knack for building strong client relationships and managing projects seamlessly. Possesses excellent communication and leadership skills, ensuring team cohesion and customer satisfaction. Aims to drive organisational success through innovative strategies and exceptional service.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Brand Experience Manager – Food, Beverage & Leisure
Trafford Centre (Savills)
2015.04 - 2026.04
- Responsible for operational and experiential management of over 200 food, beverage and leisure brands within a major retail destination. Acting as the key interface between brand partners, customers and centre management to ensure safe, compliant and commercially successful operations.
- Key Achievements & Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with brand partners, acting as a trusted operational lead
- Lead Brand Forums and support brand launch events and onboarding
- Analyse sales, footfall and trend data to drive performance and identify growth opportunities
- Ensure all partners operate safely, legally and in line with lease and centre standards
- Oversee pest control and hygiene contracts, inspections and audits
- Manage duty operations, major incidents and crisis communications
- Support investigations, disciplinary procedures and staff welfare matters
- Deliver world-class customer experience through standards management and problem resolution
- Coordinate centre tours, communications and cross-functional stakeholder engagement
Sales Manager
Epic Militaria
2013.07 - 2015.03
- Managed a specialist military memorabilia business, leading a small team and overseeing global sales to private collectors, reenactors, and film and theatre companies.
- Key Responsibilities
- Led and developed a sales team of three
- Managed online sales across multiple digital platforms
- Worked closely with film and theatre companies to supply authentic period equipment
- Updated and maintained our company website and product listings
- Monitored customer feedback and resolved issues to maintain high satisfaction levels
- Maximised global sales performance and managed order fulfilment
- Represented our business at military and collector shows
Catering Team Leader
The Trafford Centre (intu)
2010.04 - 2013.07
- Team leader within Europe's largest food court, overseeing daily operations of a 1,200 cover food hall and associated cleaning services.
- Key Responsibilities
- Managed and motivated a team of approximately 60 staff
- Ensured a safe, compliant and efficient working environment
- Led rota planning, holiday management and staffing levels
- Handled customer complaints and service recovery
- Conducted staff inductions, training and welfare meetings
- Maintained strong stakeholder relationships across multiple brands
Skills
- Operational & Site Management
- Brand & Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Customer Experience Strategy
- Sales, Footfall & Trend Analysis
- Compliance, Health, Safety & Hygiene
- Crisis & Incident Management
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Investigations & Disciplinary Procedures
- Communication & Brand Engagement
- People development
- Customer service management
- Conflict management
Interests
Aviation : Private Pilot's Licence holder; formerly one of the youngest licensed pilots in the UK. Regular attendee of UK and European airshows.
Motorsport : Frequent visitor to UK and European race circuits; MSV season pass holder.
Music : Enthusiastic live music fan with a broad and eclectic taste.
Space & Astronomy : Strong interest in astronomy and space exploration; attended multiple rocket launches at Kennedy Space Center.
Travel : Passionate traveller with extensive experience across the USA, Europe and Africa.
References
Available on request
Certification
- GCSE: Maths, English, Science, German, Design, IT, English, English Literature
- GNVQ: Advanced Engineering
- ILM Level 5 – Operational Management (Distinction)
- Food Hygiene Level 4
- IOSH Managing Safely
- ACT Awareness – Counter Terrorism
- Kiasu Red 5 Crisis Management (Incident Commanders)
- Winchester Accord Counter Terrorism Exercise (2017)
- Advanced Engineering GNVQ (Pass)
- Computer Aided Design – City & Guilds Level 3
Timeline
Brand Experience Manager – Food, Beverage & Leisure
Trafford Centre (Savills)
2015.04 - 2026.04
Sales Manager
Epic Militaria
2013.07 - 2015.03
Catering Team Leader
The Trafford Centre (intu)
2010.04 - 2013.07