Matthias Friedrich - Senior HR Manager | Senior Recruiting Expert

Q: Where is Matthias based?

Matthias is based in Kressbronn am Bodensee, Germany and can operate in on-site , hybrid , and remote work models.

Q: What languages does Matthias speak?

Matthias speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced) .

Q: How many years of experience does Matthias have?

Matthias has at least 38 years of experience. During this time, Matthias has worked in at least 17 different roles and for 18 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 9 months . Note that Matthias may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Matthias's latest experience?

Matthias's most recent position is Senior HR Manager with focus on recruiting at TransnetBW GmbH .

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

In recent years, Matthias has worked for TransnetBW GmbH , dmTECH GmbH , ARRK Engineering GmbH , KaVo Dental GmbH , and Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG .

Q: Which industries is Matthias most experienced in?

Matthias is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing , Healthcare , and Automotive . Matthias also has some experience in Professional Services , Energy , and Utilities .

Q: Which business areas is Matthias most experienced in?

Matthias is most experienced in business areas like Human Resources , Product Development , and Quality Assurance . Matthias also has some experience in Operations , Strategy , and Finance .

Q: Which industries has Matthias worked in recently?

Matthias has recently worked in industries like Professional Services , Energy , and Utilities .

Q: Which business areas has Matthias worked in recently?

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

Recommended expert

Kressbronn am Bodensee, Germany

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Experience

May 2023 - May 2025

2 years 1 month

Stuttgart, Germany

Hybrid

Senior HR Manager with focus on recruiting

TransnetBW GmbH

Growing staff from 1,300 to 1,850 employees (white-collar positions) together with the team and another external colleague
Advising the company along the entire recruiting process chain
End-to-end recruiting
Active sourcing
Intensive collaboration and coordination with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. external staffing agencies, hiring managers and works council)

Feb 2023 - Apr 2023

3 months

Karlsruhe, Germany

Hybrid

Senior IT Project Manager for Recruiting

dmTECH GmbH

Technical coordination of the 'SuccessFactors Recruiting' project
Further development of IT products in technical alignment with international departments and external and internal development partners
Analysis of functional requirements for implementing and enhancing technical solutions in SuccessFactors with various stakeholders, considering project goals
Analysis of the current status of project milestones and ensuring project success

Oct 2022 - Dec 2022

3 months

Munich, Germany

Senior Interim-Recruiter

ARRK Engineering GmbH

Identifying and directly approaching candidates in electronics and software, focusing on e-mobility, autonomous driving and product development on social media (LinkedIn, XING, Google)
Advising on optimizing the recruiting process in terms of job profile presentation and employer attractiveness
Training employees in active sourcing
Training recruiting staff as well as electronics and software departments on employer branding from a candidate's perspective with appropriate recommendations

Oct 2021 - Oct 2022

1 year 1 month

Biberach, Germany

Hybrid

Senior Interim HR Manager with focus on recruitment

KaVo Dental GmbH

Creating and staffing two new departments (finance and IT) by filling a total of ~80 positions internationally as a post merger
Managing and redesigning the entire recruiting process
End-to-end recruiting
Briefing hiring managers, creating and posting job ads, pre-selecting incoming applications
Conducting structured phone/video interviews
Full applicant management
Active sourcing of specialists and executives
Intensive collaboration and coordination with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. external staffing agencies, hiring managers and works council)
Analyzing and implementing current trends in recruiting, HR marketing and employer branding

Apr 2021 - Oct 2021

7 months

Friedrichshafen, Germany

Hybrid

Senior Interim-Recruiter

Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG

Recruiting for technical academic positions
Participating in HR projects
Contributing to the continuous improvement process of recruiting activities
Advising leaders on recruiting
Collaborating and coordinating with the works council on desired hires

Mar 2021 - Apr 2021

2 months

Loßburg, Germany

On-site

Tech Recruiting Expert

ARBURG GmbH & Co.KG

Contributed to building and growing the internal headcount
Advised departments throughout the entire recruiting process
Pre-screened candidates through (phone) interviews
Organized and facilitated candidate interviews with the departments
Advised departments on (remote) onboarding of new hires

Sep 2020 - Mar 2021

7 months

Karlsruhe, Germany

Hybrid

Interim Head of Recruiting

Chrono24 GmbH

Led the recruiting team on an interim basis
Built the 'Active Sourcing' recruiting team
Advised the recruiting team throughout the entire recruiting process
Reviewed the current recruiting process
Developed and implemented a new recruiting process
Identified alternative recruiting tools and measures

Jul 2020 - Oct 2020

4 months

Ditzingen, Germany

Hybrid

Senior Interim Recruiter

THALES Deutschland GmbH

Employer marketing
Proactive outreach to potential candidates (m/f/d)
Conducted candidate interviews (phone and onsite)
Advised managers on recruiting
Collaborated and coordinated with the works council on desired hires

Jan 2020 - Apr 2020

4 months

Friedrichshafen, Germany

Senior Interim-Recruiter

Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG

Recruited technical academic positions
Coached the recruiting team, e.g. on active sourcing
Participated in HR projects
Contributed to the continuous improvement of recruiting activities
Developed a best practice recruiting concept
Advised managers on recruiting
Collaborated and coordinated with the works council on desired hires

Apr 2019 - Jun 2019

3 months

Leverkusen, Germany

Senior Interim-Recruiter

CURRENTA GmbH & Co. oHG

Recruited specialists and managers
Optimized the recruiting process
Advised managers on recruiting
Collaborated and coordinated with the works council on desired hires
Prepared employment contracts

Nov 2018 - Feb 2019

4 months

Hamburg, Germany

Senior Interim Recruiter

seca services gmbh & co.kg

Recruiting specialists and executives (mainly in R&D with a focus on hardware and software/digitalization)
Advising managers on recruiting
Working and coordinating with the works council on desired hires
Supporting timekeeping and payroll (as deputy)

Sep 2018 - Nov 2018

3 months

Wangen im Allgäu, Germany

Interim HR Business Partner

Waldner Laboreinrichtungen GmbH & Co.KG

HR administration and HR controlling
Recruiting specialists and executives
Advising managers on recruiting
Working and coordinating with the works council on desired hires

Nov 2017 - Dec 2019

2 years 2 months

Herford, Germany

Deputy Managing Director (part-time)

Initiative Wirtschaftsstandort Kreis Herford e.V.

Responsible for strategy, member support, administration, and training & education
Designing the change process "Transformation from a department of the district administration to an independent and self-sustaining association for private economic development"

Dec 2016 - Present

9 years 6 months

Herford, Germany

Managing Partner

MF CONSULTS Executive Search & Business Consultants

Recruiting specialists and executives for manufacturing companies in the upper middle market
Various mandates with global market leaders in automotive (passenger cars and commercial vehicles), highly automated kitchen furniture manufacturing based on the Toyota Production System and lean management principles, as well as medical technology

May 2013 - Nov 2016

3 years 7 months

Frankfurt am Main, Germany

HR and Management Consultant

Formations Group Executive Search & Consulting GmbH

Direct search and placement of specialists and executives in specific industries
Various executive search mandates for manufacturing companies in the upper middle market in the automotive sector (car infotainment, passenger safety, and commercial vehicle seats)
Various consulting projects in marketing & sales as well as turnaround management

Apr 2009 - Apr 2013

4 years 1 month

Herford, Germany

Director Business Operations

AVITANA GmbH + Co.KG

Establish and maintain international customer relationships with frequent and regular on-site visits (EMEA, Asia/Pacific, The Americas)
Regular attendance at major international medical technology trade shows such as "MEDICA" (Düsseldorf), "Arab Health" (Dubai), "Hôpital Expo" (Paris) and "Rehacare" (Düsseldorf)
Independent and self-responsible contract negotiations with international customers and suppliers
Creation of all sales documents and website design
Supplier development, supplier management and monitoring
Product development with the help of an external industrial design firm, expansion of the product range using a modular principle
Support during customer audits
Preparation and support of product certification by TÜV according to DIN EN 60601-2-52

Apr 2002 - Feb 2009

6 years 11 months

Enger, Germany

Managing Director and Shareholder after a Management Buyout

Van Riesen GmbH + Co. KG

Sole responsibility for running the company after the management buyout
Ongoing target/actual comparison of all key KPIs
Reporting to the house bank
Budgeting, planning, setting and implementing annual investments
Ensuring liquidity
Development of a performance-based compensation model for employees
Award for good design from the "Industrieforum Design" in Essen

Feb 1995 - Mar 2002

7 years 2 months

Enger, Germany

Sole Authorized Managing Director

Van Riesen GmbH + Co. KG

Full responsibility for sales and results
Technical and disciplinary personnel responsibility
Budgeting with the executive board and reporting to shareholders
Planning, setting and executing annual investments
Ensuring liquidity
Implementation of a QM system according to ISO/TS 16949
Development and market launch of a new product line
Positioning and establishing the company as an automotive supplier
Development and implementation of a comprehensive branding concept based on "Ingredient Branding"
Active involvement in restructuring the Ehlebracht Group with Roland Berger Strategy Consultants
Establishment of a new business unit "Medical Technology" and corresponding B2B customer contacts worldwide

Jul 1992 - Jan 1995

2 years 7 months

Enger, Germany

Plant Manager

Van Riesen GmbH + Co. KG

Responsible for the operational business of the company (procurement, production, sales, quality, logistics)
Full responsibility for sales and profits
Ensuring quality, cost and deadlines
Technical and disciplinary personnel responsibility including recruitment and dismissal
Preparation of the budget in coordination with the executive board
Introduction of a team and annual working time model
Implementation of a company suggestion scheme
Management of key accounts worldwide (70% export share)

Oct 1989 - Jun 1992

2 years 9 months

Enger, Germany

Assistant to Management

Enorm-Beschlag GmbH + Co. KG

Representation of the management during customer visits
Preparation of preliminary and final costing
Implementation of a PPS system

Aug 1988 - Sep 1989

1 year 2 months

Paderborn, Germany

Operations Technology Specialist / Planning

Benteler AG

Creating preliminary cost estimates for stamped and bent parts and transfer tools for high-volume automotive parts
Designing and implementing an internal cost accounting system at a newly established production plant in Burgos, Spain, with multiple on-site assignments

Industry Experience

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

Experienced in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive, Professional Services, Energy, and Utilities.

Manufacturing

Healthcare

Automotive

Professional Services

Energy

Utilities

Business Area Experience

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

Experienced in Human Resources, Product Development, Quality Assurance, Operations, Strategy, and Finance.

Human Resources

Product Development

Quality Assurance

Operations

Strategy

Finance

Summary

Graduate industrial engineer with 20 years of hands-on, entrepreneurial experience as a generalist in senior management roles in medium-sized manufacturing companies
13 years of experience as an independent HR consultant in executive search and HR management
Experienced HR manager and long-time leader in HR management and HR controlling as well as in designing and implementing change processes in HR
Highly motivated leader proven in taking on responsibility
Equally experienced as a strategist and sparring partner for executives
Communicates confidently and on equal terms with company stakeholders
A competent conversational partner for candidates at shopfloor and executive levels
As an interim manager, quickly adapts to the company's culture and structures
High degree of social intelligence, empathy, resilience and intercultural competence
Brings experience, professionalism and seniority
Entrepreneurial, strategic and holistic thinking as a pragmatic leader
Provides necessary resources as a leader and gives appreciation and empowerment
As HR process owner, first creates a respectful and trusting atmosphere among stakeholders as a prerequisite for a positive interview experience aimed at quick, sustainable success
Strong presentation and negotiation skills at senior management and executive levels
Communicates confidently and competently at both shopfloor and executive levels
Offers experience, seniority and professionalism, also in an international context
Places great value on communication, transparency and respectful interaction
High social and intercultural competence, strong empathy
Equally a team player and self-reliant
Acts purposefully and success-oriented, resilient and with a high standard of quality
Acts as a member of the Ethics Society in a sustainable way and according to the principles of an honorable businessman
Passionate about achieving results

Skills

Industry Experience

Medical Technology
Energy Industry
Automotive (Tier 1 - Tier 3)

Shareholder Structures / Legal Forms

Partnerships: Gmbh & Co. Kg
Corporations: Gmbh, Stock Corporation (Ag)

Interim Hr Positions

Interim Head Of Recruiting
Senior Hr Manager With Focus On Recruiting
Senior It Project Manager For Recruiting
Senior Interim Hr Manager With Focus On Recruitment
Tech Recruiting Expert

Hr Operations | Personnel Management | Personnel Controlling

Designing, Developing And Implementing Change Processes In Hr
Drafting Employment Contracts (Collective And Non-collective) And Qualified Work Certificates, Handling Employee Terminations And Leading Settlement Negotiations In Dismissal Protection Cases
Personnel Controlling, Personnel Planning: Creating Personnel Cost Budgets, Headcount Planning And Staffing Requirements Planning
Communication And Negotiations With Stakeholders (Board, Management, Supervisory Board) And Employee Representatives (Works Council, Unions)
Designing And Conducting Workshops And Specialist Training

Recruitment

End-to-end Recruitment Of Specialists And Executives For Manufacturing Companies (Smes And Large Corporations) In National And International Contexts, Both In Technical And Commercial Areas
Full Execution Of Recruitment Processes In Direct Search/active Sourcing For Specialists And Executives, Interim Recruiting
Developing And Implementing Recruiting Strategies And Employer Branding Concepts

Digital

High Affinity For It Tools In Ats, Erp And Mis Due To Many Years Of User Experience And Involvement In Various Projects
Implementation Of Erp And Financial Systems (Sap R3, Business One, Ordat-foss, Diamant) As Well As Time Tracking Systems (Kaba Benzing). Over 20 Years Of Experience In Using And Implementing Erp Systems
Implementation Of Mis/eis And Reporting Tools
Ms Office Suite, All Common Ats/applicant Tracking Systems
All Common Business Networks And Video Conferencing Systems
Ticket System: Jira

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Mar 1987 - Jul 1988

Fachhochschule Bochum

Diploma in Industrial Engineering · Industrial Engineering · Bochum, Germany · 1,9

Sep 1983 - Feb 1987

Fachhochschule Bochum

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, specialization in Manufacturing Technology · Mechanical Engineering · Bochum, Germany · 1,86

Aug 1975 - Jun 1983

Reichenbach-Gymnasium Ennepetal

High school diploma · Ennepetal, Germany · 2,5

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 21

Experience in Manufacturing 14.5 y

Avg length 2 y 2 m

Longest experience 9 y 5 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 1 (Germany)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Senior HR Manager with focus on recruiting, Senior IT Project Manager for Recruiting, Senior Interim-Recruiter

Main industries Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive

Main business areas Human Resources, Product Development, Quality Assurance

Qualifications

Highest degree Bachelor

Profile

Created

July 2025

Last Update

April 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Matthias based?

Matthias is based in Kressbronn am Bodensee, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

What languages does Matthias speak?

Matthias speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Matthias have?

Matthias has at least 38 years of experience. During this time, Matthias has worked in at least 17 different roles and for 18 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 9 months. Note that Matthias may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Matthias be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Matthias would be well-suited for roles such as: Senior HR Manager with focus on recruiting, Senior IT Project Manager for Recruiting, Senior Interim-Recruiter.

What is Matthias's latest experience?

Matthias's most recent position is Senior HR Manager with focus on recruiting at TransnetBW GmbH.

What companies has Matthias worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Matthias has worked for TransnetBW GmbH, dmTECH GmbH, ARRK Engineering GmbH, KaVo Dental GmbH, and Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.

Which industries is Matthias most experienced in?

Matthias is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Automotive. Matthias also has some experience in Professional Services, Energy, and Utilities.

Which business areas is Matthias most experienced in?

Matthias is most experienced in business areas like Human Resources, Product Development, and Quality Assurance. Matthias also has some experience in Operations, Strategy, and Finance.

Which industries has Matthias worked in recently?

Matthias has recently worked in industries like Professional Services, Energy, and Utilities.

Which business areas has Matthias worked in recently?

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

What is Matthias's education?

Matthias holds a Bachelor in Industrial Engineering from Fachhochschule Bochum and a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Fachhochschule Bochum.

What is the availability of Matthias?

Matthias is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Matthias?

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