Claus Schmitz
Head of Operations Strategy & PMO; Chief of Staff to the COO
Experience
Head of Operations Strategy & PMO; Chief of Staff to the COO
zooplus SE
Built and led an integrated Strategy, PMO, Analytics and Operations Research function with 13 FTEs
Led multi-year supply chain transformation delivering EUR 90m+ recurring savings while improving customer experience and delivery performance
Led Strategic Network Planning, optimizing fulfilment center footprint to enhance delivery efficiency (including development of proprietary End-to-End planning model)
Established analytics and operations research team to provide data governance, data visualization, predictive analytics insights (for example, targeting specific customer cohorts for lead time improvement to increase retention by 45%)
Set up PMO governance and execution control for critical cross-functional initiatives, including EBIT-relevant cost-saving programs (for example, for fulfilment centers yielding EUR 15m p.a. EBIT savings)
Defined COO-area strategy and set up operating rhythm, OKR process and executive steering mechanisms
Built board- and PE-investor-ready reporting, improving transparency and decision-making quality
Onboarded new COO, including definition of 100-day agenda covering leadership, culture, process optimization, roles and responsibilities
Led a company-wide initiative that increased product availability from 85% to 93%, directly impacting revenue growth
Built and scaled Tactical Network Planning unit (3 FTEs) to improve Q4 supply chain performance
Chief of Staff to the COO
sennder GmbH
- Built the chartering fleet from 0 to 350 trucks as program lead during a high-growth phase
- Designed and implemented a company-wide performance dashboard, enabling data-driven decision-making across 5+ markets
- Led the outsourcing business control tower efforts from concept to first EUR 15m in revenues
- Created a lead funnel for control tower solutions worth EUR 200m with 30 active leads
- Led a margin improvement program, through which EUR 300k were saved during COVID
- Supported Series D funding round (EUR 130m invested) with new revenue business cases and concepts, turning the company into a unicorn (>USD 1bn valuation)
Consultant (Travel and Transportation and Operations Management practice)
Arthur D. Little GmbH
- Led the PMO for a lean management project to save EUR 120m p.a. through process improvements (including developing and rolling-out performance dialogs and a new KPI system)
- Built a subsidiary to monetize non-core asset, generating EUR 200m EBIT p.a. for a transport client
- Created end-to-end process models for a railway operator, boosting efficiency and cost transparency
Banking Apprentice
Deutsche Bank AG
- Advised business and private customers on insurance and financing, as well as the securities market
- Invited to DB Steps, an invite-only program of Deutsche Bank for exceptionally successful apprentices
Industry Experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Transportation, Retail, and Banking and Finance.
Business Area Experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Operations, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Intelligence, Strategy, and Customer Service.
Summary
I work on transformation and value creation programs across operations, PMO, strategy and analytics. Over the last 10+ years, I have supported and led end-to-end initiatives in e-commerce, logistics and platform businesses, helping organizations improve performance, strengthen execution and deliver measurable financial impact.
My experience includes transformation PMOs, supply chain and fulfilment optimization, KPI and OKR systems, operating model improvements, and data-driven performance management. I am used to working closely with senior stakeholders to create transparency, structure complex programs and ensure that strategic priorities are translated into practical execution.
I bring a combination of analytical depth, operational understanding and hands-on delivery, and I am most effective in environments that require cross-functional coordination, clear governance and strong follow-through.
I am open to roles across Europe, particularly in PE-backed and fast-paced operating environments.
Skills
Value Creation & Transformation
Coo Office / Chief Of Staff
Strategy Execution
Performance Steering / Kpi / Okr
Cost Optimization / Ebit Improvement
Pe / Vc Investor Relations
Analytics-enabled Decision Making
Sql
Powerbi
Tableau
Excel (Incl. Vba And Power Query)
Asana
Jira
Notion
Okrs
Sap (Scm Modules)
Oracle Scm
Kinaxis (Tms)
Languages
Education
WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management
MSc · Management · Germany · 1.4
University of Maryland, College Park
Exchange term · Business · College Park, United States · 3.7
WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management
BSc · Business Administration · Germany · 1.7
Statistics
Experience
Global Experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.
Where is Claus based?
What languages does Claus speak?
How many years of experience does Claus have?
What roles would Claus be best suited for?
What is Claus's latest experience?
What companies has Claus worked for in recent years?
Which industries is Claus most experienced in?
Which business areas is Claus most experienced in?
Which industries has Claus worked in recently?
Which business areas has Claus worked in recently?
What is Claus's education?
What is the availability of Claus?
What is the rate of Claus?
How to hire Claus?
Average rates for similar positions
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
Similar Freelancers
Discover other experts with similar qualifications and experience
Experts recently working on similar projects
Freelancers with hands-on experience in comparable project as a Head of Operations Strategy & PMO; Chief of Staff to the COO
Nearby freelancers
Professionals working in or nearby Kempen, Germany
