Klaus Zwingel - Head of HR, Machinery and Plant Engineering

Q: Where is Klaus based?

Klaus is based in Poing, Germany .

Q: What languages does Klaus speak?

Klaus speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Elementary) .

Q: How many years of experience does Klaus have?

Klaus has at least 39 years of experience. During this time, Klaus has worked in at least 23 different roles and for 9 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 8 months . Note that Klaus may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Klaus's latest experience?

Klaus's most recent position is Head of HR, Machinery and Plant Engineering at Interim Management (freelance) .

Q: What companies has Klaus worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Klaus has worked for Interim Management (freelance) and ZWINGEL .

Q: Which industries is Klaus most experienced in?

Klaus is most experienced in industries like Professional Services , Insurance , and Energy . Klaus also has some experience in Construction , Manufacturing , and Healthcare .

Q: Which business areas is Klaus most experienced in?

Klaus is most experienced in business areas like Human Resources , Operations , and Sales . Klaus also has some experience in Marketing , Finance , and Project Management .

Q: Which industries has Klaus worked in recently?

Klaus has recently worked in industries like Professional Services , Manufacturing , and Construction .

Q: Which business areas has Klaus worked in recently?

Klaus has recently worked in business areas like Human Resources , Project Management , and Information Technology .

Recommended expert

Poing, Germany

Check rate

Experience

Jun 2025 - Jan 2026

8 months

Germany

Head of HR, Machinery and Plant Engineering

Interim Management (freelance)

Acting as a professional sparring partner for management and leaders on HR topics
Advising employees on HR matters
Maintaining department capability during transition
Analyzing weaknesses in the performance appraisal process
Integrating the SAP appraisal tool
Negotiating and organizing short-time work
Analyzing and consolidating employment contracts
Preparing references and recruiting
Advising on organizational development

Apr 2025 - Jun 2025

3 months

Germany

Senior Business Partner, Machinery and Plant Engineering

Interim Management (freelance)

Digitalizing performance reviews for employees and managers
Analyzing and integrating the SAP tool into the HR system landscape
Analyzing and consolidating existing employment contracts
Creating uniform contract structures
Advising managers and employees
Preparing references and recruiting for selected positions
Advising on organizational development

May 2024 - Dec 2024

8 months

Germany

Project Manager, HR Reorganization

Interim Management (freelance)

Analyzing HR processes to identify weaknesses
Defining clear and effective standard processes and service levels
Reorganizing task distribution
Creating uniform templates for external and internal communication
Coaching the current head of HR

Feb 2024 - Apr 2024

3 months

Germany

HR Senior Business Partner, Machinery and Plant Engineering

Interim Management (freelance)

Serving as a contact for managers on all HR-related questions
Managing applications from posting to hiring
Supporting employees from onboarding to offboarding
Organizing and handling temporary staff
Strategically contributing to optimizing the HR organization

Aug 2023 - Jan 2024

6 months

Germany

HR Director, Machine Tool Manufacturing

Interim Management (freelance)

Advising and guiding the HR team on modern HR work
Acting as a point of contact for managers and employees on HR issues
Optimizing the employee life cycle and onboarding process
Preparing and conducting works council hearings and agreements
Preparing company-level collective agreement negotiations and annual planning
Driving HR projects such as workplace safety and job bike programs

May 2023 - Aug 2023

4 months

Germany

HR Manager Germany East

Interim Management (freelance)

Advising managers and staff on HR matters
Recruiting process including onboarding
Handling labor law issues and drafting contracts
Managing HR administration and preliminary payroll tasks

Dec 2022 - May 2023

6 months

Germany

Head of HR – Machine Tool Manufacturing

Interim Management (freelance)

Advising and guiding the HR team on modern HR practices
Point of contact for managers and employees on HR issues
Optimizing the employee life cycle and onboarding process
Conducting works council consultations and company agreements
Preparing company-level collective bargaining negotiations and annual planning
Driving HR projects such as health management

Apr 2022 - Sep 2022

6 months

Germany

HR Director – Bicycle Industry

Interim Management (freelance)

Ensuring ongoing HR operations
Implementing restructuring measures in HR
HR transformation focusing on payroll, business partner model, talent & employer branding, and digitization
Collaborating with the works council

Jul 2021 - Jan 2022

7 months

Lower Bavaria, Germany

Consultant and Head of Human Resources – Construction Industry

Interim Management (freelance)

Developing and building a modern HR department
Supporting company-wide transformation processes across all HR areas
Designing and implementing digital HR processes
Advising specialists, managers, and executive leadership

Jan 2020 - May 2021

1 year 5 months

Germany

National HR Manager

Interim Management (freelance)

Advancing HR processes during restructuring
Supporting international HR matrix interfaces
Implementing COVID-19 short-time work, including company agreements and agency notices
Handling a plant closure and site relocation
Recruiting, monthly reporting, collective bargaining, employer interface with works councils
Drafting employment contracts and references
Leading day-to-day operations

Jul 2017 - Aug 2019

2 years 2 months

Germany

International HR Manager Building Materials Industry

Interim Management (freelance)

Development, implementation and coordination of international HR processes after merger for five European sites
Recruiting international leadership roles and operational staff
Advising managers
Drafting employment contracts and reference letters
Collaboration with the works council
Overall operational tasks for German sites since 01.09.2018

Dec 2016 - Jun 2017

7 months

Germany

National HR Business Partner Building Materials Industry

Interim Management (freelance)

Further development of key HR processes
HR projects as part of a merger
Advising executive and division management
Recruiting, monthly reporting, bonus calculations
HR interface with the works council
Drafting employment contracts and reference letters
Training and managing daily operational activities

Apr 2016 - Nov 2016

8 months

Germany

Plant HR Manager Automotive

Interim Management (freelance)

Recruiting processes and applicant management
Headcount reporting
Representation in labor court proceedings
Advising managers and liaising with the works council
Managing daily HR operations

Mar 2012 - Present

14 years 5 months

United Kingdom

Independent HR Consultant and HR Interim Manager

ZWINGEL

Supporting start-ups
Conducting diagnostic assessments for filling executive positions
Training and coaching
Assessing new hires and preparing coaching programs

Dec 2010 - Dec 2012

2 years 1 month

Munich, Germany

Head of the Munich Regional Center

KKH-Allianz

Managing premium collection and benefit payouts for southern Bavaria
Overseeing workforce planning, qualification, further education, and training
Conducting assessment centers
Leading 6 direct reports and 70 employees in total, including 5 apprentices

Apr 2009 - Nov 2010

1 year 8 months

Hanover, Germany

Business Partner

KKH-Allianz

Personnel and leadership development
Coaching for managers
Designing and leading workshops and seminars
Developing an elite development and trainee program
Conducting management assessment centers

Feb 2005 - Mar 2009

4 years 2 months

Munich, Germany

Senior Executive

Allianz Group Company Health Insurance Fund

Strategic and operational HR management
Recruitment and staff development
Payroll and training management
Managing HR administration and acting as employer liaison to the works council
Leading administration and business analysis/operational organization
IT responsibility (temporary)
Leading 4 direct reports and a total of 14 employees

Apr 2001 - Dec 2004

3 years 9 months

Munich, Germany

Senior Consultant

Hay Group GmbH

Selection and development of junior and senior leaders and teams
Salary analyses and development of variable compensation models nationally and internationally
Job evaluations and implementation of job evaluation systems
Development and implementation of HR organizational structures and systems
Conducting personnel development measures

Sep 1999 - Mar 2001

1 year 7 months

Forstinning, Germany

Managing Director and Partner

Zwingel Coaching GmbH

Developing and conducting personnel and management training on leadership, communication, time and self-management
Coaching for managers

Oct 1993 - Aug 1999

5 years 11 months

Bad Alexandersbad, Germany

Authorized Signatory and Member of Executive Management

HelfRecht

Leading sales and marketing
Planning sessions for owners and executives of medium-sized companies
Consulting and coaching on the implementation of the HelfRecht system
Leading 5 direct-report managers and 24 employees

Jan 1992 - Sep 1993

1 year 9 months

Nuremberg, Germany

Sales Assistant and Organization Officer

Allianz Insurance AG, Special Organization

Trained as an insurance specialist at BWV

Jun 1991 - Dec 1991

7 months

Belfort, France

Advanced Commercial Training

MAN Energie GmbH

Advanced commercial training as part of the cooperation between MAN Energie GmbH and Alsthom

Mar 1987 - May 1991

4 years 3 months

Johannesburg, South Africa

Commercial Site Manager

MAN Energie GmbH

Responsible for the commercial and administrative process during the construction of the Lethabo coal power plant
Development of local personnel and administrative structures
Ensuring effective interfaces with customers, subcontractors, authorities, and the German head office

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Professional Services, Insurance, Energy, Construction, Manufacturing, and Healthcare.

Professional Services

Insurance

Energy

Construction

Manufacturing

Healthcare

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Human Resources, Operations, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Project Management.

Human Resources

Operations

Sales

Marketing

Finance

Project Management

Summary

As an experienced HR professional, I not only provide my clients with expertise in restructuring and implementation, but also take responsibility for developing and executing concepts and strategies.

My clients benefit from my extensive project experience in national and international corporate structures as well as in mid-sized companies. They can rely on my independent, goal-oriented, and responsible approach. I support their projects with my quick understanding, my many years of experience as an HR director, my role as project lead in HR projects, and as an HR Business Partner in operational HR work. You will find in me a partner who is resourceful in solving practical problems and has strong hands-on skills in executing tasks of any complexity. When it comes to achieving goals, clients can count on my well-developed assertiveness and highly developed operational decision-making skills. In pursuing objectives, I am a disciplined and focused partner.

Skills

Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Lotus Notes, Gmail & Google Docs, Datev Unternehmen Online – Monthly Payroll

Social Media

Linkedin, Xing

Further Training

Employment Law And Hr Systems
Labor, Social Insurance, And Works Constitution / Employee Representation Law
Leadership
Organizational Development And Change Management
Certified Profilingvalues Partner (Validated Personnel Selection And Development Tool)
Managing Change In The Leadership Role
Moderating Change Processes
Nlp Practitioner And Nlp Master Training At Dvnlp
Sales
Communication
Time And Self-Management
Team Development

Hobbies

Mountain Biking, Long-Distance Running, Mountaineering, Traveling, Reading, Music

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

French

Elementary

Education

Oct 1982 - Feb 1987

University of Applied Sciences, Nuremberg

Diploma in Business Administration (FH), focus on Human Resources · Business Administration · Nuremberg, Germany · 2

Sep 1980 - Jun 1982

MAN, Nuremberg

Industrial Clerk · Nuremberg, Germany · 1

Certifications & licenses

NLP-Master

DVNLP

NLP-Practitioner

DVNLP

Certified Profilingvalues Partner

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 23

Experience in Professional Services 25.5 y

Avg length 2 y 1 m

Longest experience 14 y 4 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 4 (Germany, United Kingdom, France, South Africa)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Head of HR, Machinery and Plant Engineering, Senior Business Partner, Machinery and Plant Engineering, Project Manager, HR Reorganization

Main industries Professional Services, Insurance, Energy

Main business areas Human Resources, Operations, Sales

Qualifications

Certifications earned 3

Profile

Created

July 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Have questions? Find more information here.

Where is Klaus based?

Klaus is based in Poing, Germany.

What languages does Klaus speak?

Klaus speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Elementary).

How many years of experience does Klaus have?

Klaus has at least 39 years of experience. During this time, Klaus has worked in at least 23 different roles and for 9 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 8 months. Note that Klaus may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Klaus be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Klaus would be well-suited for roles such as: Head of HR, Machinery and Plant Engineering, Senior Business Partner, Machinery and Plant Engineering, Project Manager, HR Reorganization.

What is Klaus's latest experience?

Klaus's most recent position is Head of HR, Machinery and Plant Engineering at Interim Management (freelance).

What companies has Klaus worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Klaus has worked for Interim Management (freelance) and ZWINGEL.

Which industries is Klaus most experienced in?

Klaus is most experienced in industries like Professional Services, Insurance, and Energy. Klaus also has some experience in Construction, Manufacturing, and Healthcare.

Which business areas is Klaus most experienced in?

Klaus is most experienced in business areas like Human Resources, Operations, and Sales. Klaus also has some experience in Marketing, Finance, and Project Management.

Which industries has Klaus worked in recently?

Klaus has recently worked in industries like Professional Services, Manufacturing, and Construction.

Which business areas has Klaus worked in recently?

Klaus has recently worked in business areas like Human Resources, Project Management, and Information Technology.

What is Klaus's education?

Klaus attended University of Applied Sciences, Nuremberg for Business Administration.

Does Klaus have any certificates?

Klaus has 3 certificates. These include: NLP-Master, NLP-Practitioner, and Certified Profilingvalues Partner.

What is the availability of Klaus?

Klaus will be available full-time from August 2026.

What is the rate of Klaus?

Klaus's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.