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 37 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 focusing 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 , Utilities , and Government and Administration .

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 , Utilities , and Manufacturing .

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

Experience

May 2023 - May 2025

2 years 1 month

Stuttgart, Germany

Senior HR Manager focusing on recruiting

TransnetBW GmbH

Advising the company along the entire recruiting process chain
Active sourcing

Feb 2023 - Apr 2023

3 months

Karlsruhe, Germany

Senior IT Project Manager for Recruiting

dmTECH GmbH

Technical coordination of the 'SuccessFactors Recruiting' project
Further development of IT products in coordination with international specialist departments and external and internal development partners
Analyzing functional requirements for implementing and enhancing technical solutions in SuccessFactors with various stakeholders, taking project goals into account
Analyzing the current state of individual 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, focusing on e-mobility, autonomous driving, and product development via 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 teams and specialist departments in electronics and software on employer branding perception from the candidate's perspective, with corresponding recommendations

Oct 2021 - Oct 2022

1 year 1 month

Biberach, Germany

Senior Interim HR Manager focusing on recruitment

KaVo Dental GmbH

After a change of shareholders, built two new departments (finance and IT), filling around 80 positions in an international environment
Managing and, if necessary, redesigning the entire recruitment process
End-to-end recruiting
Briefing hiring managers, creating and placing job ads, preselecting incoming applications
Conducting initial phone/video interviews
Complete applicant management
Active sourcing of specialists and managers
Analyzing and implementing current trends in recruiting, personnel marketing, and employer branding

Apr 2021 - Oct 2021

7 months

Friedrichshafen, Germany

Senior Interim Recruiter

Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG

Recruiting for technical academic positions
Involvement in HR projects
Contributing to the continuous improvement process of recruiting activities
Advising executives on recruiting
Collaborating and coordinating with the works council on staffing requirements

Mar 2021 - Apr 2021

2 months

Loßburg, Germany

Tech Recruiting Expert

ARBURG GmbH & Co.KG

Contributing to the build-up and expansion of the internal headcount
Advising departments throughout the entire recruiting process
Pre-qualifying candidates in (phone) interviews
Organizing and supporting candidate interviews with the departments
Advising departments on (remote) onboarding of new employees

Sep 2020 - Mar 2021

7 months

Karlsruhe, Germany

Interim Head of Recruiting

Chrono24 GmbH

Advising the recruiting team throughout the end-to-end recruiting process
Reviewing current processes
Introducing new processes
Identifying alternative recruiting tools and measures
Advising HR management in leading the 8-person recruiting team and on all HR-related topics
Advising on the setup of the 'Active Sourcing' recruiting area

Jul 2020 - Oct 2020

4 months

Ditzingen, Germany

Senior Interim Recruiter

THALES Deutschland GmbH

Employer branding
Proactively approaching potential candidates
Conducting candidate interviews (phone, on-site)
Advising managers on recruiting
Collaborating and coordinating with the works council regarding desired hires

Jan 2020 - Apr 2020

4 months

Friedrichshafen, Germany

Senior Interim-Recruiter

Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG

Recruiting for technical academic positions
Coaching the recruiting team, e.g. in active sourcing
Participating in HR projects
Contributing to the continuous improvement process of recruiting activities
Developing a best practice recruiting concept
Advising managers on recruiting
Collaborating and coordinating with the works council on desired hires

Apr 2019 - Jun 2019

3 months

Leverkusen, Germany

Senior Interim-Recruiter

CURRENTA GmbH & Co. oHG

Recruiting specialists and managers
Optimizing the recruiting process
Advising managers on recruiting
Collaborating and coordinating with the works council on desired hires
Drafting employment contracts

Nov 2018 - Feb 2019

4 months

Hamburg, Germany

Senior Interim-Recruiter

seca services gmbh & co.kg

Recruiting specialists and executives (mostly in R&D with a focus on hardware and software/digitalization)
Advising managers on recruiting
Collaborating and coordinating with the works council on hiring needs
Supporting time tracking and payroll accounting (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
Recruiting specialists and executives
Advising managers on recruiting
Collaborating and coordinating with the works council on hiring needs

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, as well as training and development
Shaping the change process 'Transformation from a department of the district administration into an independent and self-sustaining private economic development association'

Dec 2016 - Present

9 years 4 months

Herford, Germany

Managing Partner

MF CONSULTS Executive Search & Business Consultants

Recruiting specialists and executives for mid-sized manufacturing companies
Various assignments for global market leaders in automotive (passenger cars and commercial vehicles), highly automated kitchen furniture manufacturing following 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

Personnel and Management Consultant

Formations Group Executive Search & Consulting GmbH

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

Apr 2009 - Apr 2013

4 years 1 month

Herford, Germany

Director Business Operations

AVITANA GmbH + Co.KG

Establishing and maintaining international customer contacts with frequent, 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 contract negotiations with international customers and suppliers
Creating all sales materials and managing the online presence
Supplier development, supplier management and monitoring
Product development with the support of an external industrial design agency, expanding the product range using a modular system
Supporting customer audits
Preparing and supporting 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 MBO

Van Riesen GmbH + Co. KG

Solely responsible for running the company after a management buyout
Ongoing target vs. actual comparison of all key KPIs
Reporting to the main bank
Budgeting, planning, setting and implementing annual investments
Ensuring liquidity
Developing 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
Professional and disciplinary responsibility for staff
Budgeting with the management board and reporting to shareholders
Planning, setting and implementing annual investments
Ensuring liquidity
Implementing a quality management system 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 collaboration in the restructuring of the Ehlebracht Group by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants
Setting up a new business unit 'Medical Technology' and establishing related 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 management of the company (procurement, production, sales, quality, logistics)
Full responsibility for sales and results
Ensuring quality, cost control, and deadlines
Professional and disciplinary responsibility for staff, including recruitment and dismissal
Preparing the budget in coordination with the management board
Introducing a team-based work and annual working time model
Introducing a suggestions scheme
Managing key accounts worldwide (70% export share)

Oct 1989 - Jun 1992

2 years 9 months

Enger, Germany

Assistant to the Managing Director

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 and bent parts and transfer tools for large series parts in the automotive industry
Conception and implementation of a cost accounting system at 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, Utilities, and Government and Administration.

Manufacturing

Healthcare

Automotive

Professional Services

Utilities

Government and Administration

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 operational and entrepreneurial experience as a generalist in senior management roles within upper mid-sized manufacturing
12 years of experience as an independent HR consultant in executive search and HR management
Experienced as an HR manager and long-term leader in personnel management and controlling, as well as in developing and implementing change processes in HR
As a leader, highly motivated and proven in taking responsibility
Equally experienced as a strategist and sparring partner for executives
Communicates confidently and on equal terms with the company's stakeholders
A competent counterpart for candidates at both shopfloor and executive levels
As an interim manager, quickly adapts to the company's culture and structures
High level of social intelligence, empathy, resilience, and intercultural competence
Offers experience, professionalism, and seniority
Entrepreneurial, strategic, and holistic thinking as a pragmatic leader
As a leader, provides the necessary resources and gives recognition and empowerment
As the HR process owner, first creates a respectful and trusting atmosphere among stakeholders, as a prerequisite for a positive discussion experience aimed at quick, sustainable success
Strong presentation and negotiation skills at senior management and executive level
Communicates confidently and competently at shopfloor and executive levels
Offers experience, seniority, and professionalism, even in an international context
Values communication, transparency, and respectful interaction
High social and intercultural competence, strong empathy
Equally a team player and independent
Acts purposefully and results-oriented, resilient, with the highest personal quality standards
Operates sustainably as a member of the Ethics Society and by the principles of an honorable merchant
Passionate about achieving success

Skills

Industry Experience

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

Ownership Structures / Legal Forms

Partnerships: Gmbh & Co. Kg
Corporations: Gmbh, Stock Corporation

Interim Positions In Hr

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

Hr Operations | Personnel Management | Personnel Controlling

Designing, Developing, And Implementing Change Processes In Hr
Creating Employment Contracts (Collective Agreement And Non-collective Agreement) And Qualified Work Certificates, Handling Employee Terminations, And Conducting Settlement Negotiations In Employee Dismissal Lawsuits
Personnel Controlling And Planning: Preparing Personnel Cost Budgets, Headcount Planning, Manpower Requirements Planning
Communication And Negotiations With Stakeholders (Executive Board, Management, Supervisory Board) And Employee Representatives (Works Council, Union)
Creating And Delivering Workshops And Technical Trainings

Recruitment

E2e Recruitment Of Specialists And Managers For Manufacturing Companies (Mid-market And Corporations) In National And International Contexts, Both Technical And Commercial Areas
Full Execution Of Recruiting Processes In Direct Search/active Sourcing For Specialists And Managers, Interim Recruiting
Development And Implementation Of Recruiting Strategies And Employer Branding Concepts

Digital

Strong Affinity For It Tools In Ats, Erp, And Mis Due To Many Years Of User Experience And Various Project Involvements
Implementation Of Erp And Financial Accounting Systems (Sap (R3, Business One), Ordat-foss, Diamant) As Well As Time Tracking Systems (Kaba Benzing). Over 20 Years Of Experience In Using And Introducing Erp Systems
Introduction Of Mis/eis And Reporting Tools
Full Ms Office Suite, All Common Ats/applicant Management Systems
All Major 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, specialization in Manufacturing Technology · Mechanical Engineering · Bochum, Germany · 1.86

Aug 1975 - Jun 1983

Reichenbach-Gymnasium Ennepetal

German high school diploma (Abitur) · Ennepetal, Germany · 2.5

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 21

Experience in Manufacturing 15.5 y

Avg length 2 y 1 m

Longest experience 9 y 3 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 1 (Germany)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Senior HR Manager focusing 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

December 2025

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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 37 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 focusing 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 focusing 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, Utilities, and Government and Administration.

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, Utilities, and Manufacturing.

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.