Markus G.-Interim Project Manager / Head of Engineering & Operations | Mechanical Engineering & Special-Purpose Machinery | Turnaround &

Check rate
Experience
Managing Owner
GEC-Solutions
Interim management, project management, and technical consulting in mechanical and plant engineering, for projects in mechanical engineering with a focus on automotive, e-mobility, and series production
- Taking over and stabilizing critical projects in special-purpose machinery and automotive (SMEs, OEMs, mechanical engineering, automotive)
- Supporting companies facing project delays, scheduling issues, and operational challenges
- Leading engineering and project teams and managing complex project structures
- Optimizing processes in development, production, and project delivery
- Focus on on-time delivery, efficiency, quality, and readiness for series production
Skills:
- Automotive
- Interim Management
- Mechanical Engineering Project Management
- Special-Purpose Machinery
- Engineering Management
- Operations Management
- Series Launch
- Production Optimization
- Project Stabilization
- Turnaround Management
- Troubleshooting
- Automotive
- E-Mobility
- CAPEX Projects
- Project Management
- Process Optimization
I take on responsibility as a:
- Project Manager
- Engineering Manager
- Operations Manager
- Interim Manager
Industries:
- Automotive
- Mechanical Engineering
- E-Mobility
I take on responsibility at short notice for critical projects in mechanical and plant engineering and bring schedules, costs, and organizations back under control.
Complex projects are part of my day-to-day work. As a senior mechanical engineering expert, I am used to working in the fast-paced automotive industry.
CTO / Technical Director, Power of Attorney
DASYM GmbH
DASYM GmbH specializes in development test benches and end-of-line testing systems in mechanical and plant engineering, with a focus on automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. The position of CTO / Technical Director had not existed since the company was founded. This role was created specifically to put the company on a growth path.
- Leading development and research
- Leading the technology team and delegating tasks and projects
- Strategy development
- Business processes
- Customer and end-customer support
- Supplier relations
- Test bench design
- Feasibility studies
- Developing, managing, and monitoring technological processes
- Budget planning
- Market analysis and future forecasts
- Building a partner network
- Networking
- Preparing requirements specifications
- Validating proposals
- Selection processes
- Contract negotiations
- Drafting and reviewing contracts
- Sales activities
- Supporting existing customers
- Winning new customers
- Concept development
- Costing
- Preparing and validating quantity structures
- Worldwide company representative
- Trade fairs
- Symposia
- Consultant
- Consulting services for potential customers in the automotive sector
- Fault analysis
- Developing solutions to problems
Industries:
- Automotive
- Mechanical Engineering
- E-Mobility
Head of Test Systems Business Unit, Sales Manager, Technical Director, Prokura
H. Kleinknecht & Co. GmbH
January 2021 to December 2023: Head of Test Systems Business Unit The company was divided into several business units, with the Test Systems division (everything related to the automotive sector) fully under my responsibility. I also continued to be responsible for site and sales management for Test Systems in mechanical and plant engineering, with a strong focus on the automotive industry and suppliers. I was responsible for 86 internal employees and up to 30 external employees.
Planning responsibility
Order planning
Revenue planning
HGB/POC review
Assessment of hourly billing rates
Assessment of surcharges
Project controlling
Cost controlling
Employee performance management
Professional leadership
Disciplinary management
Coaching and development
Strategy planning
Strategic direction
Development of new products
Growth opportunities
Market monitoring and development of new automotive markets
Investment and budget planning
Micromanagement
Risk management
Developing patents
Mentor to another business unit manager
Sales manager responsibilities
September 2019 to December 2023: Sales Manager** Responsible for sales in the test bench (automotive) sector, as well as for industrial and public-sector customers. Led an inside and field sales team of up to 7 people.
Focused on building effective cold-calling activities
Order intake planning
Forecast assessments
Risk assessments
Proposal reviews
Cost estimate reviews
Sales strategy and planning
Member of the European Automotive Sales Team
Customer relations up to top level
Contract reviews
Negotiations
Site manager responsibilities
December 2018 to December 2023: Technical Director, granted Prokura Appointed Technical Director for the testing technology division in mechanical and plant engineering, with a strong focus on the automotive industry and suppliers, as well as the electrical systems engineering division. I was granted Prokura as part of my appointment. This enabled me to act independently within my authority.
Industries:
- Automotive
- Mechanical Engineering
- E-Mobility
Site Manager, Branch Manager, Technical Manager of Testing Technology, Assistant to Management, Power of Attorney
H. Kleinknecht GmbH & Co. KG
April 2016 to November 2018: Site Manager** Site Manager for the main testing technology site in Kassel and the branch in Wilden (NRW). Disciplinary manager for 82 company employees. This also included all departments not assigned to specific projects, such as sales, R&D, and the secretariat.
Operational management of two sites
Personnel matters (hiring, administration, …)
Site responsibilities (buildings, vehicle fleet, administration, secretariat, …)
Head of all safety committees (occupational safety, fire safety, and evacuation)
Marketing and trade fair activities
Worldwide company representative
Technical manager responsibilities
April 2011 to November 2018: Branch Manager, Technical Manager of Testing Technology, Power of Attorney** Direct link to management. Responsible for up to 40 employees in design, purchasing, quality assurance, mechanical and electrical assembly, and software at the site in Wilden (NRW).
Main point of contact for all customers in the special-purpose machinery sector
Responsible for all mechanical sales
Responsible for mechanical design
Make-or-buy decisions
Cost control / cost optimization
Improving efficiency
Customer order support
Standardization
Management training and development
Implementing project management
Liaison between departments
November 2008 to March 2011: Assistant to Management** Analyzed and optimized the company's situation in relation to mechanical design, procurement, and assembly.
Head of Design Group, Special-Purpose Machinery Project Lead
Automations- und Einstelltechnik Kassel GmbH
June 2005 to October 2008: Promoted to Head of the Design Group for assembly systems**
Coordinated staff in a team of up to 10 employees
Capacity planning
Vacation planning
Timesheet checks
Budget tracking
Conducted employee meetings
Main point of contact for other departments
April 2003 to June 2005: Special-Purpose Machinery Project Lead**
Worked in the design department in the measurement and adjustment benches and assembly systems division. In addition to regular design and development work, responsibilities included:
- Sales support
- Technical order processing
- Customer support
- Preparing FMEAs
- Preparing requirements specifications
- Proposal reviews
- Purchasing support
- Machine concepts
- Assembly supervision
Project Manager and Designer, Special-Purpose Machinery
Makaro GmbH
My responsibilities included the design and development of special-purpose machinery and tools through customer approval, as well as supporting employees with detailed design through to on-site commissioning.
Industry experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Manufacturing and Automotive.
Business area experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Product Development, Project Management, Procurement, Sales, Operations, and Human Resources.
Summary
I take on responsibility at short notice for critical projects in mechanical and plant engineering and bring schedules, costs and organizations back under control.
Experienced interim manager and project manager focused on taking over and stabilizing critical projects and leading engineering and operations teams.
I support companies especially when projects are behind schedule, structures are unclear, or pressure to deliver results is high, and quickly bring projects back to a stable, delivery-ready state.
Experience from the concept phase through to series launch (ramp-up) in special-purpose machinery, as well as in automotive and e-mobility (OEM / Tier-1), including international project work.
Focus areas: project stabilization, turnaround, troubleshooting, series launch / ramp-up, production optimization, CAPEX projects, and leading complex technical projects.
Available at short notice for interim and project assignments.
Skills
Engineering:
- Development And Optimization Of Special-Purpose Machinery And Automation Solutions
- Analysis And Improvement Of Manufacturing And Assembly Processes
- Introducing Innovative Technologies To Increase Efficiency
- Technical Project Management – From The Concept Phase Through To Commissioning
- Concept Development And Feasibility Studies
- Preparing Cost Estimates And Quantity Structures
- Supplier Assessments, Selection, And Inquiries
- Cycle Time Analysis And Process Planning
- Layout Planning
Consulting:
- Process Analysis And Strategic Realignment In Mechanical Engineering
- Analysis And Improvement Of Manufacturing And Assembly Processes
- Preparing Technical Specifications And Requirements Documents
- “Build Or Buy” Consulting
- Sales And Business Development For Sustainable Growth
- Patent Development And Innovation Management
Interim Management:
- Taking On Management Roles (Ceo, Coo, Cto)
- Taking On Technical Leadership Roles (Site And Plant Management, Sales Management, Design Management, Production Management)
- Restructuring And Optimizing Business Units
- Building And Leading High-Performing Teams
- Supporting Transformation And M&A Projects
Automotive & Commercial Vehicle Industry:
- Development And Optimization Of Production And Testing Systems
- Automation Solutions For Assembly And Manufacturing Processes
- Quality And Process Assurance In Series Production
Mechanical & Plant Engineering:
- Improving Efficiency In Manufacturing And Commissioning
- Developing And Implementing Innovative Technologies
- Process Optimization And Digitization Of Production Workflows
E-Mobility & Alternative Drive Technologies:
- Development And Optimization Of Test Systems For Batteries And Drive Systems
- Production And Quality Assurance For Electric Drive Systems
- Scaling Manufacturing Processes For Innovative Mobility Solutions
Special-Purpose Machinery & Automation Technology:
- Design And Development Of Customized Special-Purpose Solutions
- Integrating New Technologies To Increase Productivity And Flexibility
- Technical Consulting For Complex Manufacturing And Testing Systems
Across Industries:
- Transferable Experience In Development, Process Optimization, And Automation For Other Industries, Such As Medical Technology, Aerospace, Renewable Energy, Packaging Technology, And More
Languages
Statistics
Experience
Global experience
Expertise
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Find more information here.
Markus is based in Borken, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.
Markus speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).
Markus has at least 27 years of experience. During this time, Markus has worked in at least 6 different roles and for 6 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 5 years and 6 months. Note that Markus may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Markus would be well-suited for roles such as: Managing Owner, CTO / Technical Director, Power of Attorney, Head of Test Systems Business Unit, Sales Manager, Technical Director, Prokura.
Markus's most recent position is Managing Owner at GEC-Solutions.
In recent years, Markus has worked for GEC-Solutions, DASYM GmbH, and H. Kleinknecht & Co. GmbH.
Markus is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing and Automotive.
Markus is most experienced in business areas like Product Development, Project Management, and Procurement. Markus also has some experience in Sales, Operations, and Human Resources.
Markus has recently worked in industries like Automotive and Manufacturing.
Markus has recently worked in business areas like Product Development, Strategy, and Sales.
The availability of Markus needs to be confirmed.
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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 6 Nov 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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