Carsten Nicklaußen-Interim Manager Production | Lean Management & AI Transformation | Process Optimization in Manufacturing/Automotive

When a ramp-up does not run smoothly or an existing production gets out of control, you need someone who knows the shop floor from the inside and gets hands-on.

I spent 30 years in different leadership roles in production at an international automotive group, most recently with responsibility for up to 700 employees. I have led production ramp-ups from testing to stable series production, taken over critical situations as an interim project manager after short-notice absences and stabilized them within days, and been responsible for a component production area in direct competition with external suppliers. I know both sides: the cost pressure from management and the reality on the line.

My focus areas:

• Ramp-up management: stabilize launches — whether a new product, a new production line, or a series ramp-up — until the processes run reliably

• Production management and process optimization: improve lead times, inventory, and delivery reliability in a lasting way with value stream analysis and continuous improvement

• Solve process and quality issues at the root cause instead of fighting symptoms

• Anchor Lean and shopfloor management in day-to-day work with the leadership team

• Change management and stakeholder management: guide leaders and teams through change and involve the wider environment

I get involved directly on site, as a consultant for individual projects or as an interim manager who takes responsibility until the new processes and structures are running safely.

Methods: Lean Management · Value Stream Analysis · Continuous Improvement · 5S · Shopfloor Management · Ramp-up Management · Process Optimization · Change Management · Stakeholder Management · Manufacturing Excellence · Automotive/Automotive Supplier · KPI Management