Open to opportunities

luis javier serrano tamayo

@luisjavierserranotam

Message

I lead project management education and defence acquisition portfolios using evidence-based decisions.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead and contribute to project management education, research, and complex defence or public-sector portfolios where evidence-based decision-making, ethical AI, capability planning, and benefits realisation create measurable value.

I design and deliver master's-level Project Management, MBA and EMBA learning at Cardiff Metropolitan University, leading modules in commercial, strategic, and complex project management. I bring real-world defence, infrastructure, technology and public-sector cases into executive-style learning, curriculum development, assessment and capstone supervision.

Before academia, I served for 30 years in the Colombian Navy, including leading project portfolios, capability planning and acquisition programmes worth hundreds of millions of pounds. I've applied Analytic Hierarchy Process decision models to strengthen procurement transparency and save millions, while my research examines ethical AI in defence projects, benefits realisation, and strategic alignment in defence portfolio management.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Lecturer in Project Management

Current

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 7 months)

Design and delivery of master level teaching, leading module planning, curriculum development, and supervision of capstone projects. Continued enhancement of programmes using practice-based learning and real-world cases from defence, infrastructure, technology, and public sector environments.

Project Management Teaching Curriculum Development Assessment Design Quality Assurance Supervision Practice Based Learning Executive Education Research Leadership AI Ethics Defence

Director of Education

Colombian Navy

Jan 2018 - Dec 2022 (4 years 11 months)

Led educational support for higher education programs at three naval academies and ten training centres, implementing academic standards and international cooperation. Accountable for academic performance aligned with operational needs.

Education Management Academic Standards Leadership Ethics Program Development Strategic Planning

PhD Researcher & Teaching Assistant

The University of Manchester

Jan 2015 - Dec 2018 (3 years 11 months)

Conducted independent research in project management, presented at academic conferences, and assisted in teaching and supervising master's students. Led seminars and provided student support.

Research Teaching Project Management Conferences Student Support

Head of the Project Management Office

Colombian Navy

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015 (1 year 11 months)

Prioritised, mentored, and controlled over 500 projects in the Navy portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Designed and implemented a rational decision-making model, managed cashflow exceeding £500 million, and developed over 100 project managers.

Project Management Portfolio Management PMO Decision Models Cash Flow Management Stakeholder Management PMP Training Mentor

Senior Staff Course Full-Time Student

War Superior College

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013 (11 months)

Completed coursework and research in national security, defence planning, and military capability. Achieved third-highest GPA in a group of 352 students and authored a paper on an Analytic Hierarchy Process model for defence acquisition.

Defense Planning National Security Leadership Critical Thinking Research Analytical Hierarchy Process

Program Manager of Marine Corps, Frigates and Offsets projects

Colombian Navy

Jan 2011 - Dec 2012 (1 year 11 months)

Led modernisation and acquisition projects for the Marine Corps and Frigates, managing a portfolio of £300 million and direct projects of £180 million. Negotiated offset agreements and applied a rational decision-making model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process.

Program Management Portfolio Governance Financial Planning Negotiation Analytical Hierarchy Process OFFSET Technology Transfer

Officer in study commission at Universidad de los Andes

Colombian Navy

Jan 2009 - Dec 2010 (1 year 11 months)

Engaged in academic curriculum and research aligned with Navy strategic interests. Participated in five international conferences and studied two simultaneous master's degrees.

Research Conferences MBA Engineering

Commanding officer of riverine vessels in the South Naval Force

Colombian Navy

Jan 2008 - Dec 2008 (11 months)

Led technical management, maintenance planning, and operational readiness of a fleet of over 50 riverine vessels. Oversaw budget allocation, procurement, and human resources lifecycle.

Fleet Management Maintenance Planning Budget Management Procurement Human Resources

Command Course Full-Time Student

Colombian Navy

Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 (11 months)

Mastered advanced naval and joint operations concepts, maritime law, and leadership doctrine. Achieved highest grade in the ECAES exam and second highest GPA in a group of 25 students.

Naval Operations Maritime Law Leadership

Chief of the Propulsion Division onboard Frigate ARC Caldas

Colombian Navy

Jan 2005 - Dec 2006 (1 year 11 months)

Managed operation, maintenance, and repair of frigate engineering systems, ensuring readiness of electrical and propulsion systems. Served as project manager for major repairs and navigated 39,000 nautical miles.

Engineering Management Propulsion Systems Electrical Systems Maintenance Project Management Training