Michael Donatus - SAP SuccessFactors Project Manager, HR IT

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Heidelberg, Germany

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Experience

May 2025 - Present

1 year 5 months

SuccessFactors Project Manager

Sysmex Europe SE

SAP HANA - SuccessFactors deployment

Implementation of sub-modules Recruiting + EC Benefits + TeamGoals
Global rollout with adaptation to country-specific legal requirements, including standardization
International stakeholder management
Onboarding of the new group companies in Kenya and Greece regarding SAP SuccessFactors

Jul 2024 - Dec 2024

6 months

Switzerland

Consultant

Regio Energie Solothurn

Development of a vehicle concept
Implementation of the city's and canton’s emissions targets
Project communication between the parties involved and stakeholders
Concept development and usage optimization

Aug 2023 - Dec 2024

1 year 5 months

Project Manager

Salzgitter AG

Introduction of the Flexera IT license asset management tool
Clarification of the technical implementation and establishment of professional license management, including an inventory of 38 country companies in the Trading business unit
Global communication between the parties involved and stakeholders
Global rollout of the application in the companies of the Trading business unit
Complete removal and replacement of Oracle Java in all country companies
Introduction of digital signature processes with DocuSign and communication of the project, its benefits, and the approach in 36 companies worldwide
Process review, suitability assessment, piloting, and test management
International rollout and implementation of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), ensuring compliance with legal requirements
Interface optimization between the internally developed transfer tool, SAP, and the LkSG tool Osapiens

Sep 2022 - Jan 2023

5 months

Project Manager HR IT Application Harmonization

NVL/Lürssen

Harmonization of user processes in ADP and corresponding systems across the group's companies
Current-state assessment at the sites and license harmonization
Project planning, management, conflict management, communication platform, and risk management
Selection and management of external service providers
Support for the IT team in implementing ADP payroll topics
Process analysis and optimization, as well as integration of ADP Travel into the workflow
Stakeholder communication internally via the intranet and externally with trade media

Apr 2022 - Sep 2022

6 months

Project Manager IT Program OZG Digitalization Platform

IHK Digital

Project leadership in the Agency – Platform and Innovation (PlaIn) business unit and management of the portal area
Agile project with eight external service providers and agencies, 30+ developers, and business analysts for 95 legally defined IHK services
Stakeholder communication through reports, the intranet, and MS Teams
Tools used: JIRA, Confluence, Clarizen, Zeplin, MS Teams

Jan 2022 - Apr 2022

4 months

IT Program Manager Administration 4.0

Helmholtz Institute Rossendorf

Created a roadmap for the transformation to SAP HANA
Gathered requirements from specialist departments and analyzed feasibility, including a cost-benefit comparison of alternative solutions
Managed communication, documentation, and tool selection

Sep 2021 - Apr 2022

8 months

Project Manager “Cashless Payment”

Berlin Transport Company BVG

Managed the project, served as Scrum Master, and ensured quality assurance
Created process documentation and descriptions of SAP interfaces
Coordinated six external partners and four internal departments
Managed communication between departments, internal media, and external project partners

Jul 2020 - Nov 2020

5 months

SCRUM Product Owner Sales and Innovation / Business Development Project Manager

LRT – Laboratory and Cleanroom Technology Arnsdorf GmbH

Served as Product Owner for Sales and Innovation during the ERP implementation
Developed the portfolio and analyzed markets and products
Maintained existing customer relationships and actively acquired new customers, especially key accounts
Expanded the international dealer network
Developed the laboratory technology business, including hot water solutions and joint product innovations with customers and dealers
Built the brand by guiding agencies and presenting at trade fairs and conferences through specialist presentations
Provided sales training and coaching for the company's technical experts

Aug 2019 - Aug 2021

2 years 1 month

Circular Economy Project Manager “Liquid Sun”

Vorwerk Nickern GmbH

Evaluated and further developed the circular business model into an IT-based service model
Assessed alternative energy sources for system suitability
Managed requirements and detailed business requirements into processes and services
Acquired and selected cooperation partners from the scientific community
Presented the project to political bodies, funding organizations, and potential partners, and published articles in specialist media
Organized workflows and coordinated project participants

Jan 2017 - Jul 2019

2 years 7 months

General Management & IT Project Manager

FAD Manufacturing & Automation Technology GmbH

Introduced digital processes in the automotive sector
Analyzed requirements and selected and implemented an ERP system with CRM, DMS, and production data collection
Managed commercial operations and the external succession process
Established controlling processes and a KPI system for operational and strategic management
Established modern HR management
Actively acquired new customers and expanded internationally, broadening the product portfolio in special-purpose machine engineering
Provided agile coaching and trained and developed managers in sales, communication, and leadership
Built an intranet and created press articles and specialist publications

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016

2 years

Change Management Implementation Consultant

VPD Vakuum- und Präzisionsteilefertigung Dresden GmbH

Change management as part of the internal family succession process
New product development and cleanup and improvement of the customer structure
Building strategic HR processes with talent management, cultural change, and communication change
Training and coaching executives on communication, leadership, and sales
Agile coaching for the management team and senior employees during the succession process
Designing and moderating workshops to resolve conflicts

Apr 2014 - Aug 2016

2 years 5 months

Change Management Implementation Consultant

ITARICON Gesellschaft für IT-Architektur und Integrationsberatung mbH

Change management as part of the internal family succession process
Leadership development and coaching in communication, leadership, and sales after establishing a business unit structure
Sales training for employed subject-matter experts

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013

1 year

Business Consultant Sales

Mitt Systeme GmbH

Business model development for a self-developed ERP software
Consulting, training, and implementation in IT sales
Defining and approaching target customers

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013

1 year

Dresden, Germany

On-site

Co-founder and Internal Business Consultant

Zentrale für Management und Qualität e.G.

Business model and organizational development
Building the sales structure
Expanding the member base
Sharpening the range of services for new members and network customers

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013

1 year

Project Manager

Zielklub

Building the website and setting up Google Analytics and AdWords
Business model development and development of the sales strategy

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013

1 year

Project Manager

cloudsters-Dresden

Transfer and adaptation of the IT co-working space model from Lübeck to Dresden
Coordination of construction work and training at the Lübeck and Dresden locations
Creation and implementation of a communication structure

Jan 2012 - Dec 2014

3 years

Trainer for Leadership, Communication and Sales

IHK Dresden / BSW Sachsen

Training in leadership, communication and sales
Clients: Chamber of Industry and Commerce, medium-sized companies in the region
Creation of own training concepts, including a focus on conflict management

Jan 2012 - Dec 2012

1 year

Berlin, Germany

On-site

Business Consultant and Trainer

BTA Berlin, Agentur wortweiss, Agentur Textwirtschaft u.a.

Development and implementation of sales structures and strategies for IT and manufacturing companies
Design and delivery of training on sales, communication and employee leadership
Coaching for entrepreneurs and managers
Clients: SMEs with 50–100 employees, mainly from the mechanical engineering, automotive and IT industries, as well as national and international training and consulting companies

Jan 2012 - Dec 2012

1 year

Project Manager

Grusskarte-3D.de

Set up an online shop and an Amazon shop
Business model development, supplier and model development
Introduction of additional sales channels

Jan 2012 - Dec 2012

1 year

Berlin, Germany

Hybrid

Business Consultant

lokalnetz.com

Sales consulting for lokalnetz.com, initiation of strategic partnerships

Jan 2008 - Dec 2012

5 years

Head of Electrical Engineering / Electronics Department

Yacht Teccon Engineering GmbH & Co. KG

Built and managed the Electrical Engineering/Electronics Department, including hardware and software development and electrical design, with 17 specialists
Acquired new customers and managed development projects (C, FORTRAN, mechanical design)
Managed change during the merger of Yacht and Teccon and the merger with Randstad Technology
Supported employees in implementing new processes, de-escalation, communication, and motivation

Jan 2006 - Dec 2007

2 years

Sales and CRM Consultant

GWT TUD GmbH

Introduced and adapted CRM software
Transferred accounts receivable customers to the active CRM system
Developed and implemented a national and international sales structure
Managed sales controlling and analyzed and adapted the sales strategy
Presented at trade fairs and international conferences
Built and maintained contacts with professional associations and prepared technical presentations
Researched and purchased scientific resources
Managed customer relationships, acquired new customers, and handled key accounts

Jan 2004 - Dec 2005

2 years

Seminar and Consulting Sales

TÜV Rheinland Akademie

Developed and standardized new products
Sold seminars and consulting services

Jan 2003 - Dec 2003

1 year

On-site

Sales Concept Development

Non-food Retail

Successfully introduced a retail concept

Jan 2002 - Dec 2002

1 year

On-site

Point-of-Sale Sales

HDI Versicherungen

Advised customers and sold insurance products for building wealth

Jan 2002 - Dec 2002

1 year

Conflict and Complaint Management

Thomas Cook AG

Supporting hotels, negotiating and handling complaint cases, destination support with active sales

Jan 2001 - Dec 2001

1 year

Berlin, Germany

On-site

Pricing Analyst

Air Berlin

Managing occupancy on assigned flight routes through short-term price adjustments

Industry experience

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

Experienced in Manufacturing, Professional Services, Education, Information Technology, Automotive, and Energy.

Manufacturing

Professional Services

Education

Information Technology

Automotive

Energy

Business area experience

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

Experienced in Project Management, Information Technology, Sales, Product Development, Human Resources, and Strategy.

Project Management

Information Technology

Sales

Product Development

Human Resources

Strategy

Summary

Senior IT Project Manager with 25+ years of experience delivering large-scale international transformation programs, specializing in SAP SuccessFactors, HR IT, and digital transformation. I help organizations successfully implement and scale global HR systems, manage complex stakeholder environments, and deliver measurable business value through structured project leadership and agile methodologies. Key Achievements

Delivered SAP SuccessFactors global rollouts across multiple regions
Managed IT transformation programs in up to 38 countries
Led international teams (30+ developers, multiple vendors)
Implemented digital transformation initiatives reducing process complexity and increasing efficiency Core Expertise SAP SuccessFactors | HR Transformation | Global IT Programs | Stakeholder Management | Agile Delivery (Scrum) | PRINCE2 What I bring
Strong execution focus
Clear communication across all levels
Ability to align business & IT
Proven track record in high-complexity environments

Open to interim leadership roles, global programs, and transformation projects

Skills

At A Glance – Over 25 Years Of Expertise In It Projects, Sales, And Change

Project Management: Project Leadership, Methodological Project Management For It Transformation, Traditional Project Management According To Prince2, Ipma, And Hermes (Basics), Agile Project Management With Scrum, Waterfall Project Methodology
Requirements Management: Requirements Engineering, Requirements Gathering, Requirements Analysis And Specification, Requirements Verification, Coordination, Planning, And Follow-Up
Rollout & Testing: International Rollout Of It Applications, Execution Of Testing (Especially Uat And Functional Testing), Training Design, Alignment Of National Restrictions For Application Use
Implementation Of Crm & Dms Systems: Method And Tool Selection, Bitrix24, Deleco, Elo
Sap Expertise: Sap Hana, Sap Successfactors Deployment (Implementation Of Core Modules Such As Recruiting, Ec Benefits, Teamgoals)
Own Workshops & Seminars: Requirements Analysis For It Systems, Sales For Engineers And It, Management Of Change And Succession Processes, Sales (Especially Technical Sales), Communication And Conflict Management, Leadership And Communication For Junior Managers, Leadership In Theory And Practice, Corporate Peer Groups For Leadership & Sales
Sales & Business Development: Over 20 Years Of Experience In (Key) Account Management, Sales Management, And As A Sales Managing Director; Over 10 Years Of Experience In The (Further) Development Of Companies, People, And Business And Operating Models
Industries: Renewable Energy & Circular Economy; It System Houses; Automotive Industry; Manufacturing Industry; Public Sector; Infrastructure And Transport (Public Transport); Universities, Institutes; Healthcare – Laboratories
Tools: Good To Very Good User Skills With Ms Teams, Sharepoint, Jira, Miro, Confluence, M365, Ms Office, O365, Projects, Flexera, Docusign

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Spanish

Intermediate

French

Elementary

Russian

Elementary

Education

Sep 1995 - May 2000

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Diploma in Business Administration · Business Administration

Specialized in human resources management, controlling, and intercultural business communication

Certifications & licenses

EXIN

Design Thinking

IndiSoft

Axelos / PeopleCert

TÜV

Certified Personal Trainer

Highlight / HutCon

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 27

Experience in Manufacturing 13 y

Avg length 1 y 4 m

Longest experience 4 y 11 m

Global experience

Countries worked in 2 (Germany, Switzerland)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles SuccessFactors Project Manager, Consultant, Project Manager

Main industries Manufacturing, Professional Services, Education

Main business areas Project Management, Information Technology, Sales

Qualifications

Certifications earned 8

Profile

Member since

November 2024

Last update

September 2026

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Frequently asked questions

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Michael is based in Heidelberg, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

Michael speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Spanish (Intermediate), French (Elementary), Russian (Elementary).

Michael has at least 25 years of experience. During this time, Michael has worked in at least 23 different roles and for 27 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 11 months. Note that Michael may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Based on recent experience, Michael would be well-suited for roles such as: SuccessFactors Project Manager, Consultant, Project Manager.

Michael's most recent position is SuccessFactors Project Manager at Sysmex Europe SE.

In recent years, Michael has worked for Sysmex Europe SE, Regio Energie Solothurn, Salzgitter AG, NVL/Lürssen, and IHK Digital.

Michael is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Education. Michael also has some experience in Information Technology, Automotive, and Energy.

Michael is most experienced in business areas like Project Management, Information Technology, and Sales. Michael also has some experience in Product Development, Human Resources, and Strategy.

Michael has recently worked in industries like Manufacturing, Government and Administration, and Healthcare.

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

Michael attended Friedrich Schiller University Jena for Business Administration.

Michael has 8 certificates. Among them, these include: Agile Scrum Foundation, Agile Scrum Master, and Agile Scrum Product Owner.

Michael is immediately available part-time for suitable projects.

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Daily rate avg. 830 €

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Median rate 820 €

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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 27 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.