Norbert Kuhn - Interim Operations Executive, Transformation

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Traunreut, Germany

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Experience

Mar 2024 - Sep 2024

7 months

Interim Executive I Operation – Transformation - Performance

Hatko Electronics

Restructuring of toolmaking based on the Lean Method module TPM, including tool costing, design, manufacturing setup and cycle times
Optimization of production process structures and documentation with wear and spare-parts management using standard-part suppliers (consignment warehouse)
Optimization of tool setup times according to Refa study and MTM
Revision of organizational and planning processes
Detailed coordination of equipment availability with logistics

Mar 2023 - Nov 2023

9 months

Mexico

Interim Co Project-, Launch- and Task Force Leader

AutoKabel GmbH & Co. KG

Solely responsible co-project manager for the quantitative and qualitative pre-series and series production of all modular components through final assembly, including packaging, photographic and logistics criteria
Management of the Mexico and Slovakia locations for the 48-V cable harnesses of battery and power supply lines for the Audi Q5, Q7 and Q9 electric model series
Management according to VW delivery criteria TBT-VFF-0-SOP (N3/N1)
Interim consultant & coach for the VW customer and supplier portal LION, including documentation and continuous reconciliation since 2002
Adjustment based on BOM contents and drawing status, assembly instructions with inspection criteria, and shipping status at the production plants

Aug 2022 - Jan 2023

6 months

Germany

Interim Technical Purchasing

Eissmann Automotive Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG

Project work with Citrix (virtual desktop office), including SAP R3 MM module
Proactive support for the Head of Buying in supplier selection
Stabilization of the quantitatively, qualitatively and process-technically required delivery performance through the proactive use of Lean methods (5S, TPM, Kaizen)
Revitalization and reactivation of the corporate philosophy with a focus on discipline and communication
Close coordination with the CEO/management and project manager regarding the eBOM, with derivation to the purchased-part navigator
Control/Sourcing Management (CBD Cost Brake Down, RfQ Request for Quotation, EBIT/EBITA, LoN Letter of Nomination)
Supply chain management: analysis and implementation of onboarding processes for new suppliers
Tracking of budgeted production equipment from LoP, as well as planning, organization, coordination, scheduling, control and implementation

Sep 2021 - Apr 2022

8 months

Interim Shopfloor & Taskforce Leader

Filzwieser GmbH - Industrietechnik

Management of production relocation in plastic injection molding with industrial equipment for component and final assembly
Support of a partial plant closure, including related assemblies for modular units, as well as management of toolmaking and prototype construction with 250 employees and numerous supporting areas
Ensuring responsibility for targets, KPIs and results in quantitative and qualitative series production
Technical and disciplinary management and further development of 250 employees
Overall responsibility for production and technology
Control, planning and coordination of all production processes
Optimization of production processes based on a project navigation list (BOM) using Lean methods
Use of the Lean modules TPM, 5S and Kaizen for independent KPI management to achieve company targets and EBIT
Launch and deadline tracking as the "deadline chaser"

Jan 2020 - Jun 2021

1 year 6 months

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Interim Plant Manager

Carcoustics

Assumption of plant management after the plant manager was released due to disastrous delivery performance
Stabilization of quantitative and qualitative as well as cost-optimized production steps in modified (MTM & TPM) series production and modular assembly
Task force work with troubleshooting team meetings together with operational specialist departments, supplier teams and customer teams
Responsibility for production equipment and shopfloor control
Project discontinued due to the Corona pandemic

Jun 2019 - Dec 2019

7 months

Germany

Project Leader TPM

Webasto

Focus on the relocation of operating equipment and production systems
Launch of all budgeted new projects currently in the manufacturing process, as well as changes and relocations of approved operating and process equipment, from design release through APQP with SOP and start of series production
Task force for the step-by-step optimization of manufacturing lead times and costs with regard to quality, quantity and compliance with delivery agreements
Further development of Maintenance (TPM) with regard to the maintenance and provision of operating equipment
Ensuring complete documentation
Support of manufacturing technologies such as plastic injection molding, metal forming technology and hydroforming

May 2018 - Apr 2019

1 year

Saltillo, Mexico

Project & Taskforce Leader; Planner, Coordinator

Fehrer / ISRI

Implementation of the budgeted and scheduled manufacturing equipment with an investment volume of 3,2 Mio. € for the product groups DB Maybach/center consoles and MB 204 (headrest and center console)
Planning, coordination and setup through SOP with start of series production
Responsibility for technical purchasing, procurement of operating equipment and procurement of prototypes
Successful implementation of the manufacturing equipment within the planned budget
Optimization of process chains by reducing manufacturing lead times and costs

Nov 2017 - Mar 2018

5 months

Mexico

Interim Plant Manager of the Greenfield Technology Transfer

Winkelmann Group

Plant management as part of a Greenfield technology transfer for Ford injection units
Setup and commissioning of manufacturing units
Integration and connection of new manufacturing units to existing production structures
Ensuring the quantitative and qualitative APQP requirements through SOP
Achieving SOP with customer recognition
Contributing to specifications and requirements documents, as well as supporting design and maintaining customer portals

Mar 2017 - Oct 2017

8 months

Project Leader

Brandl Maschinenbau GmbH

Project management for the start of series production of the Lamborghini wheel cross member and Audi Q3
Turnaround of the project backlog based on defined milestones
Consistent use of the Lean modules Kaizen and TPM
Conducting meetings with LOP to identify and significantly eliminate or reduce deficiencies
De-escalation with the customer by reducing external control in the specialist departments

Apr 2016 - Aug 2016

5 months

Leader Technical Purchasing

Brita GmbH

Management of technical purchasing for operating equipment and production systems for new projects
Preparation and management of requirements and specifications documents, as well as change management
Supplier selection including support during try-outs
Support through APQP with proactive support during the start of series production
Process and cost optimization during the start-up phase

Mar 2016 - Jun 2016

4 months

Puebla, Mexico

Audi Q5 Cockpit Project Manager

SMP

Project management for the Audi Q5 cockpit at the Puebla site
Equipment coordination and budget control for manufacturing and process equipment investments totaling 4,6 Mio. €
Responsibility for equipment installation and pre-series management
Management through APQP

Feb 2015 - Dec 2015

11 months

Project Leader and Coordinator

Faurecia

Project management and coordination of the VW Golf models, Amarok and Skoda
Responsibility for front and rear spoilers as well as bumpers for all new launches
Management of projects through APQ

Oct 2014 - Jan 2015

4 months

Puebla, Mexico

Plant Manager during insolvency proceedings

Scherer & Trier (SMP) Puebla

Plant management during insolvency proceedings with a focus on troubleshooting
Stabilization of quantitative and qualitative delivery agreements
Staff changes and realignment based on the insolvency administrator's concepts
Implementation of an action plan based on cost requirements

Jan 2014 - Aug 2014

8 months

Wieselburg, Austria

Tool Engineer & Industrialization

ZKW

Industrialization including tool management in accordance with TPM
Management of headlamp and rear-lamp production for the Opel Astra model
Support in introducing and optimizing manufacturing processes at the Liberec and Wieselburg sites

Sep 2011 - Dec 2013

2 years 4 months

Brazil

Deputy Managing Director, Cold Forming

Metalurgica Fry Ltd. do Brasil

Development of solution concepts for implementing efficient, high-quality, cost- and labor-reduced partially or fully automated series production
Responsibility for optimizing cold forming processes
Management of efficiency and automation projects

Jan 2011 - Aug 2011

8 months

Turkey

Deputy Managing Director

Coco Werke - Cerceskö

Relocation and move of the BSH shop-in-shop plastic injection molding production with assembly to the client's new production halls
Integration into the existing capacity, production and logistics planning as well as delivery processes
Ensuring a stable production start-up after the relocation

Jan 2010 - Dec 2011

2 years

Subotica, Serbia

CEO

ATB - Subotica

Implementation of the Group's objectives by spinning off loss-making departments and selling them
Founding member of the Subotica Industrial Park
Establishment of the spun-off companies as extended service suppliers
Identification and realization of cost optimization potential

Jul 2008 - Dec 2010

2 years 6 months

Asunción, Paraguay

Deputy Managing Director / Zinc Die Casting

Meridian S.A. Asuncion

Productivity evaluation of all manufactured products and analysis of production capacity utilization
Presentation of results and preparation of decision matrices for product discontinuation, spin-off or outsourcing
Realization of cost-saving potential while taking core competencies in zinc die casting into account

Jan 1998 - Jun 2002

4 years 6 months

Plant Manager with power of attorney

Novem Car Interieur

Plant management with power of attorney and responsibility for 250 employees
Site management in accordance with target and quality agreements, including budget responsibility
Ensuring production volumes at optimized manufacturing costs

Oct 1990 - Dec 1997

7 years 3 months

Mexico

Plant Manager with power of attorney

Hella Mexico S.A.

Plant Manager with power of attorney and responsibility for 800 employees
Management of plastic injection molding and progressive metal stamping production lines
Management of assembly operations for modular assemblies
Responsibility for industrialization, toolmaking and maintenance

Mar 1985 - Feb 1990

5 years

Guelph, Canada

General Manager with commercial power of attorney

Magna Int. Kanada / Profitcenter Guelph

General Manager with commercial power of attorney and responsibility for 180 employees
Leveraging synergies in process, quality, and logistics optimization to improve P&L operating EBIT
Successful use of Lean methods to increase efficiency

Jan 1981 - Feb 1985

4 years 2 months

Project Manager for BMC/SMC Manufacturing Products

Thyssen Umformtechnik

Project management for BMC/SMC manufacturing products
Successful development of production equipment and systems through SOP for numerous product launches
Managing all interfaces from kick-off to series production readiness

Jan 1971 - Feb 1981

10 years 2 months

Toolmaker and Group Leader

BSH Elektrische Haushaltsgeräte Industrie

Expert and specialist in the manufacture and maintenance of stamping, progressive die, and transfer tools
Managing plastic injection molds using 1/2K hot-runner and cascade technology
Leading a toolmaking group with responsibility for tool quality and availability

Industry experience

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

Experienced in Manufacturing, Automotive, and Metals and Mining.

Manufacturing

Automotive

Metals and Mining

Business area experience

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

Experienced in Production, Operations, Quality Assurance, Project Management, Logistics, and Strategy.

Production

Operations

Quality Assurance

Project Management

Logistics

Strategy

Languages

German

Native

English

Intermediate

Spanish

Intermediate

Portuguese

Elementary

Serbian

Elementary

Certifications & licenses

VW - Kundenplattform LION

Seminar Metall - Umformtechnik

Kunststoff

Lean Modul Kaizen

Engel – Innovationcenter

SAP Modul PM

Helios-Octobus

SpinFire Wzg - Konstruktion

Lean Element

IAFTA 16 949 / VDA 6.1

BWL Grundlagenlehrgang

AutoCad

Meisterdiplom

Facharbeiterdiplom

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 23

Experience in Manufacturing 35.5 y

Avg length 2 y

Longest experience 10 y 1 m

Global experience

Countries worked in 8 (Mexico, Germany, Austria, Brazil, Turkey, +3)

Primary country Mexico

Expertise

Recent roles Interim Executive I Operation – Transformation - Performance, Interim Co Project-, Launch- and Task Force Leader, Interim Technical Purchasing

Main industries Manufacturing, Automotive, Metals and Mining

Main business areas Production, Operations, Quality Assurance

Qualifications

Certifications earned 15

Profile

Member since

July 2025

Last update

October 2026

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Frequently asked questions

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

Norbert speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Intermediate), Spanish (Intermediate), Portuguese (Elementary), Serbian (Elementary).

Norbert has at least 45 years of experience. During this time, Norbert has worked in at least 22 different roles and for 23 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 11 months. Note that Norbert may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Based on recent experience, Norbert would be well-suited for roles such as: Interim Executive I Operation – Transformation - Performance, Interim Co Project-, Launch- and Task Force Leader, Interim Technical Purchasing.

Norbert's most recent position is Interim Executive I Operation – Transformation - Performance at Hatko Electronics.

In recent years, Norbert has worked for Hatko Electronics, AutoKabel GmbH & Co. KG, Eissmann Automotive Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, and Filzwieser GmbH - Industrietechnik.

Norbert is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Automotive, and Metals and Mining.

Norbert is most experienced in business areas like Production, Operations, and Quality Assurance. Norbert also has some experience in Project Management, Logistics, and Strategy.

Norbert has recently worked in industries like Manufacturing and Automotive.

Norbert has recently worked in business areas like Operations, Production, and Supply Chain Management.

Norbert has 15 certificates. Among them, these include: VW - Kundenplattform LION, Seminar Metall - Umformtechnik, and Kunststoff.

Norbert is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

Daily rate distribution

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<€800 €800-880 €960-1040 €1120+

The rates shown represent the typical market range for freelancers in this position based on recent contracts on our platform.

Average rates for similar positions

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Daily rate avg. 915 €

The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.

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Median rate 840 €

The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.

Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 17 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.