Norbert Kuhn - Interim Plant Manager and Task Force Lead

Recommended expert

Traunreut, Germany

Check rate

Experience

Mar 2024 - Sep 2024

7 months

Interim Consultant & Coach for Launch and Task Force Management

Hatko Electronics

Restructuring of toolmaking based on the lean method module TPM, including tool calculation, design, as well as production setup and throughput times
Optimization of production process structures and documentation with wear parts and spare parts holding, using standard parts suppliers (consignment stock)
Optimization of tool changeover times according to REFA study and MTM
Revision of the organizational and planning processes
Explicit fine-tuning 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 leader for the quantitative and qualitative pre-series and series production of all modular components up to final assembly, including packaging, photo and logistics criteria
Management of the sites in Mexico and Slovakia for the 48V cable harnesses for battery and supply lines of 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 with documentation and continuous matching since 2002
Fine-tuning based on the BOM contents to the drawing status, the assembly instructions with inspection criteria, as well as shipping status in the production plants

Aug 2022 - Jan 2023

6 months

Germany

Interim Technical Purchasing

Eissmann Automotive Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG

Project handling with Citrix (virtual desktop office) including SAP R3 module MM
Proactive support of the Head of Buying in supplier selection
Stabilization of the quantitatively, qualitatively and process-related required delivery performance through proactive use of lean methods (5S, TPM, Kaizen)
Revival and reactivation of the company philosophy with a focus on discipline and communication
Close coordination with CEO/management and project leader regarding 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 the budgeted production equipment from LoP as well as planning, organization, coordination, scheduling, control and implementation

Sep 2021 - Apr 2022

8 months

Interim Shopfloor & Task Force Leader

Filzwieser GmbH - Industrietechnik

Leadership of the production relocation in plastics injection molding with industrial equipment for component and final assembly
Support of a plant closure including related assemblies to module groups as well as leadership of tool and prototype building with 250 employees and numerous side areas
Ensuring target, KPI and result responsibility for quantitative and qualitative series production
Technical and disciplinary leadership as well as development of 250 employees
Overall responsibility for the areas of production and engineering
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 control to achieve the company goals and EBIT
Launch and deadline tracking as a "deadline hunter"

Jan 2020 - Jun 2021

1 year 6 months

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Interim Plant Manager

Carcoustics

Taking over plant management after the plant manager was released due to catastrophic delivery performance
Stabilization of the 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 technical departments, supplier and customer teams
Responsibility for production equipment and shopfloor control
Project cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic

Jun 2019 - Dec 2019

7 months

Germany

Project Leader TPM

Webasto

Focus on equipment and plant relocation
Launch of all approved new starts, changes, and relocations of released equipment and process tools, both budgeted and already in production, from design release through APQP with SOP and ramp-up to serial production
Task force for the step-by-step optimization of production lead times and costs with regard to quality, quantity, and compliance with delivery agreements
Further development of maintenance (TPM) with a focus on equipment maintenance and availability
Ensuring complete documentation
Support for manufacturing technologies such as plastic injection molding, metal forming, and hydroforming

May 2018 - Apr 2019

1 year

Saltillo, Mexico

Project & Task Force Leader; Planner, Coordinator

Fehrer / ISRI

Implementation of the budgeted and scheduled production equipment with an investment volume of €3.2 million for the product groups DB Maybach/center consoles and MB 204 (headrest and center console)
Planning, coordination, and setup through to SOP with ramp-up to serial production
Responsibility for technical purchasing, equipment procurement, and prototype procurement
Successful realization of the production equipment within the planned budget
Process chain optimization by reducing production lead times and costs

Nov 2017 - Mar 2018

5 months

Mexico

Interim Plant Manager for Greenfield Technology Transfer

Winkelmann Group

Plant management as part of a greenfield technology transfer for Ford injection units
Setup and commissioning of production units
Integration and connection of new production units to existing production structures
Ensuring quantitative and qualitative APQP requirements through to SOP
Achieving SOP with customer award recognition
Participation in requirement and specification documents, as well as support for engineering and maintenance of customer portals

Mar 2017 - Oct 2017

8 months

Project Leader

Brandl Maschinenbau GmbH

Project management for the serial launch of the Lamborghini cross member and Audi Q3
Turnaround of project delays based on defined milestones
Consistent use of Lean modules Kaizen and TPM
Holding meetings with LOP to identify deficits and eliminate or reduce them significantly
De-escalation with the customer by reducing external control in the specialist departments

Apr 2016 - Aug 2016

5 months

Leader Technical Purchasing

Brita GmbH

Leading technical purchasing of equipment and plant for new launches
Creation and support of requirement and specification documents, as well as change management
Supplier selection including support during try-out
Support through APQP with proactive guidance during serial ramp-up
Process and cost optimization during the launch phase

Mar 2016 - Jun 2016

4 months

Puebla, Mexico

Project Manager for the Audi Q5 Cockpit

SMP

Project management for the Audi Q5 cockpit at the Puebla site
Equipment coordination and budget controlling for production and process equipment investments of €4.6 million
Responsibility for plant installation and pre-series control
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 the projects through APQP

Oct 2014 - Jan 2015

4 months

Puebla, Mexico

Plant Manager in Insolvency Proceedings

Scherer & Trier (SMP) Puebla

Plant management in insolvency proceedings with a focus on troubleshooting
Stabilization of quantitative and qualitative supply agreements
Personnel restructuring and realignment according to the insolvency administrator's concepts
Implementation of a set of measures in line with cost targets

Jan 2014 - Aug 2014

8 months

Wieselburg, Austria

Tool Engineer & Industrialization

ZKW

Industrialization including tool management with consideration of TPM
Support for the headlight and rear light production for the Opel Astra model
Support in the introduction and optimization of production processes at the Liberec and Wieselburg sites

Sep 2011 - Dec 2013

2 years 4 months

Brazil

Deputy Managing Director, Cold Forging

Metalurgica Fry Ltd. do Brasil

Development of solution concepts for implementing efficient, high-quality, and cost- and labor-reduced semi- or fully automated series production
Responsibility for optimizing cold forging 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 into new production halls of the customer
Connection to existing capacity, production, and logistics planning, including delivery
Ensuring a stable start of production after the move

Jan 2010 - Dec 2011

2 years

Subotica, Serbia

CEO

ATB - Subotica

Implementation of group targets with the spin-off of loss-making departments and their sale
Founding member of the Subotica industrial park
Settlement of the spun-off companies as extended suppliers of services
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 manufacturing products and analysis of production utilization
Presentation of results and preparation of decision matrices for product discontinuation, spin-off, or outsourcing
Realization of cost-saving potential while considering core competencies in zinc die casting

Jan 1998 - Jun 2002

4 years 6 months

Plant Manager with signing authority

Novem Car Interieur

Plant management with signing authority and responsibility for 250 employees
Site management according to target and quality agreements, including budget responsibility
Ensuring output volume at optimized manufacturing costs

Oct 1990 - Dec 1997

7 years 3 months

Mexico

Plant Manager with signing authority

Hella Mexico S.A.

Plant Manager with signing authority and responsibility for 800 employees
Management of injection molding and metal progressive-die production lines
Control of assembly into module assemblies
Responsibility for industrialization, toolmaking, and maintenance

Mar 1985 - Feb 1990

5 years

Guelph, Canada

General Manager with signatory authority

Magna Int. Canada / Profit Center Guelph

General Manager with signatory authority and responsibility for 180 employees
Use of synergy effects in process, quality, and logistics optimization to improve the 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 Production Products

Thyssen Forming Technology

Project management for BMC/SMC production products
Successful setup of production tools and equipment up to SOP for numerous new product launches
Management of all interfaces from kick-off to series readiness

Jan 1971 - Feb 1981

10 years 2 months

Toolmaker and Team Leader

BSH Electrical Household Appliances Industry

Expert and specialist in the manufacture and maintenance of stamping, progressive, and transfer tools
Support of plastic injection molding tools in 1/2K hot runner and cascade technology
Team leadership in toolmaking 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

Spanish

Native

English

Advanced

German

Elementary

Portuguese

Elementary

Serbian

Elementary

Certifications & licenses

VW - Customer Platform LION

Seminar Metal - Forming Technology

Plastics

Lean Module Kaizen

Engel – Innovation Center

SAP Module PM

Helios-Octobus

SpinFire Tool Design

Lean Element

IAFTA 16 949 / VDA 6.1

Business Administration Basics Course

AutoCad

Master Craftsman Diploma

Skilled Worker Diploma

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 Consultant & Coach for Launch and Task Force Management, 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

Created

July 2025

Last Update

July 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: Spanish (Native), English (Advanced), German (Elementary), 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 Consultant & Coach for Launch and Task Force Management, Interim Co Project, Launch and Task Force Leader, Interim Technical Purchasing.

Norbert's most recent position is Interim Consultant & Coach for Launch and Task Force Management 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, Supply Chain Management, and Production.

Norbert has 15 certificates. Among them, these include: VW - Customer Platform LION, Seminar Metal - Forming Technology, and Plastics.

Norbert is immediately available part-time for suitable projects.

Daily Rate Distribution

0 1 2 3 4

<€800 €800-880 €880-960 €960-1040 €1120+

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

Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

Average rates for similar positions

Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.

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750

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Daily rate avg. 941 €

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

1000

750

500

250

Median rate 960 €

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.

Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.