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 10 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 a 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 a focus on Recruiting

TransnetBW GmbH

Building up the workforce from 1,300 to 1,850 employees (white-collar positions) together with the team and an external colleague
Advising the company across the entire recruiting process chain
End-to-end recruiting
Active sourcing
Close collaboration and coordination with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. external HR service providers, 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 close alignment with international specialist departments and external and internal development partners
Analysis of subject-specific requirements for implementing and enhancing technical solutions in SuccessFactors with various stakeholders, considering project goals
Review of the current status of project progress 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, with a focus on e-mobility, autonomous driving and product development through social media (LinkedIn, XING, Google)
Advising on optimizing the recruiting process regarding job profile presentation and employer attractiveness
Training staff in active sourcing
Training recruiting staff and technical departments in electronics and software on candidate perception of employer branding with actionable recommendations

Oct 2021 - Oct 2022

1 year 1 month

Biberach, Germany

Hybrid

Senior Interim HR Manager with a focus on Recruitment

KaVo Dental GmbH

Creating and staffing two new departments (Finance and IT) with around 80 positions filled internationally 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
Close collaboration and coordination with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. external HR service providers, 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
Participation in HR projects
Contributing to the continuous improvement of recruiting activities
Advising managers 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 expanding the internal headcount
Advised departments throughout the entire recruiting process
Pre-qualified candidates through (phone) interviews
Organized and supported candidate interviews with departments
Advised departments on (remote) onboarding of new employees

Sep 2020 - Mar 2021

7 months

Karlsruhe, Germany

Hybrid

Interim Head of Recruiting

Chrono24 GmbH

Provided functional leadership of the recruiting team on an interim basis
Built the "Active Sourcing" recruiting team
Advised the recruiting team across the entire recruiting process chain
Reviewed the current recruiting process
Developed and implemented a new recruiting process
Presented alternative recruiting tools and measures

Jul 2020 - Oct 2020

4 months

Ditzingen, Germany

Hybrid

Senior Interim Recruiter

THALES Deutschland GmbH

Employer marketing
Proactively approached potential candidates (m/f/d)
Conducted candidate interviews (phone, 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 for technical academic roles
Coached the recruiting team, e.g., on active sourcing
Supported HR projects
Helped shape the continuous improvement process for 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

Recruitment of specialists and executives (mostly in R&D with a focus on hardware and software/digitalization)
Advising executives on recruiting
Collaboration and coordination with the works council on desired hires
Supporting time tracking and payroll (as a backup)

Sep 2018 - Nov 2018

3 months

Wangen im Allgäu, Germany

Interim HR Business Partner

Waldner Laboreinrichtungen GmbH & Co.KG

Personnel administration and HR controlling
Recruitment of specialists and executives
Advising executives on recruiting
Collaboration and coordination 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 and development
Shaping the change process 'Transformation from a department of the district administration into an independent and self-sustaining association for private economic development'

Dec 2016 - Present

9 years 7 months

Herford, Germany

Managing Partner

MF CONSULTS Executive Search & Business Consultants

Recruitment of specialists and executives for mid-sized manufacturing companies
Various mandates at world market leaders in automotive (cars and commercial vehicles), highly automated kitchen furniture manufacturing according to the Toyota Production System and lean management principles, and 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 mandates in executive search for mid-sized manufacturing companies in the automotive sector (car infotainment, passenger safety, and commercial vehicle seats)
Various consulting projects in marketing & sales and turnaround management

Apr 2009 - Apr 2013

4 years 1 month

Herford, Germany

Director Business Operations

AVITANA GmbH + Co.KG

Establishing and maintaining international customer relationships with frequent, regular on-site visits (EMEA, Asia/Pacific, The Americas)
Regular attendance at leading international medical technology trade shows such as “MEDICA” (Düsseldorf), “Arab Health” (Dubai), “Hôpital Expo” (Paris), and “Rehacare” (Düsseldorf)
Independently negotiating contracts with international customers and suppliers
Creating all sales materials and managing the company’s online presence
Developing, maintaining, and monitoring suppliers
Developing products with an external industrial design firm, expanding the product range with a modular system
Supporting customer audits
Preparing and assisting with 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 a management buyout
Ongoing actual vs. target comparison of all key KPIs
Reporting to the house bank
Budgeting, planning, defining, and executing annual investments
Ensuring liquidity
Developing a performance-based compensation model for employees
Award for good design from 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 profits
Professional and disciplinary responsibility for personnel
Budgeting with the board and reporting to shareholders
Planning, defining, and executing annual investments
Ensuring liquidity
Implementing a QMS according to ISO/TS 16949
Developing and launching a new product line
Positioning and establishing the company as an automotive supplier
Developing and implementing a comprehensive branding concept based on “Ingredient Branding”
Active involvement in restructuring the Ehlebracht Group with Roland Berger Strategy Consultants
Building a new “Medical Technology” business unit and related B2B customer contacts worldwide

Jul 1992 - Jan 1995

2 years 7 months

Enger, Germany

Plant Manager

Van Riesen GmbH + Co. KG

Responsible for operational management of the company (purchasing, production, sales, quality, logistics)
Full responsibility for sales and profits
Ensuring quality, costs, and deadlines
Professional and disciplinary personnel management, including recruitment and dismissal
Preparing the budget in coordination with the board
Introducing group work and an annual working time model
Introducing a company suggestion scheme
Managing key accounts worldwide (70% export share)

Oct 1989 - Jun 1992

2 years 9 months

Enger, Germany

Executive Assistant to Management

Enorm-Beschlag GmbH + Co. KG

Representing management during customer visits
Preparing preliminary and final cost calculations
Implementing a PPS system

Aug 1988 - Sep 1989

1 year 2 months

Paderborn, Germany

Plant Engineering/ Planning Clerk

Benteler AG

Preparation of preliminary cost estimates for stamped-bent parts and transfer tools for high-volume automotive parts
Design and implementation of operational cost accounting in a newly built production plant in Burgos, Spain, with multiple on-site stays

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

Diploma-qualified Industrial Engineer with 20 years of operational, entrepreneurial experience as a generalist in senior management positions in medium-sized manufacturing industry
13 years of experience as an independent HR consultant in executive search and HR management
As an HR manager and long-time leader, experienced in HR management and HR controlling as well as in developing and implementing change processes in HR
High leadership drive and proven record of taking on responsibility as a manager
Equally experienced as a strategist and sparring partner for executives
Communicates confidently and on an equal footing with company stakeholders
A competent discussion partner for candidates at both shopfloor and executive levels
As an interim, quickly adapts to the company culture and structures
High degree of social intelligence, empathy, resilience and intercultural competence
Offers experience, professionalism and seniority
Entrepreneurial, strategic and holistic thinking as a pragmatic leader
As a manager, provides necessary resources and offers appreciation and empowerment
As the HR process owner, first creates a respectful and trusting atmosphere among stakeholders as the basis for a positive discussion experience aiming at quick, sustainable success
Strong presentation and negotiation skills at senior management and executive level
Communicates confidently and competently at both shopfloor and executive level
Offers experience, seniority and professionalism, also in an international context
Highly values communication, transparency and appreciative interaction
High social and intercultural competence, strong empathy
Equally a team player and independent worker
Acts purposefully and success-oriented, resilient and with the highest personal quality standards
As a member of the Ethics Society, acts sustainably and by the principles of the honorable merchant
Passionate about achieving successful outcomes

Skills

Industry Experience

Medical Technology
Energy Industry
Automotive (Tier1 - Tier 3)

Ownership Structures / Legal Forms

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

Interim Roles In Hr

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

Hr Operations | Hr Management | Hr Controlling

Designing, Developing And Implementing Change Processes In Hr
Drafting Employment Contracts (Collective And Non-Collective) And Qualified Employment References, Managing Staff Reductions, And Conducting Settlement Negotiations In Employee Dismissal Protection Cases
Hr Controlling, Hr Planning: Preparing Personnel Cost Budgets, Headcount Planning, Personnel Requirements Planning
Communication And Negotiation With Stakeholders (Board, Executive Management, Supervisory Board) As Well As Employee Representatives (Works Council, Union)
Developing And Delivering Workshops And Technical Training

Recruitment

End-To-End Recruitment Of Specialists And Executives For Manufacturing Companies (Mid-Size And Corporations) In National And International Contexts, In Both Technical And Commercial Areas
Full Management Of Recruiting Processes In Direct Search / Active Sourcing For Specialists And Executives, Interim Recruiting
Developing And Implementing Recruitment Strategies And Employer Branding Concepts

Digital

Strong Affinity For It Tools In The Ats, Erp And Mis Areas Due To Many Years Of User Experience And Participation In Various Projects
Implementation Of Erp And Financial Accounting Systems (Sap (R3, Business One), Ordat-Foss, Diamant) And Time Tracking Systems (Kaba Benzing). Over 20 Years Of Experience In Applying And Implementing Erp Systems
Implementation Of Mis/Eis And Reporting Tools
Full Ms Office Suite, All Common Ats / Applicant Management 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 Engineering, specializing in Manufacturing Technology · Mechanical Engineering · Bochum, Germany · 1.86

Aug 1975 - Jun 1983

Reichenbach-Gymnasium Ennepetal

High School Diploma (Abitur) · 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 6 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 1 (Germany)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Senior HR Manager with a 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

June 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Have questions? Find more information here.

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 10 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 a 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 a 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.