Stefan Kardaś - Interim Ramp-Up Manager

Q: Where is Stefan based?

Stefan is based in Babensham, Germany .

Q: What languages does Stefan speak?

Stefan speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Native) .

Q: How many years of experience does Stefan have?

Stefan has at least 14 years of experience. During this time, Stefan has worked in at least 13 different roles and for 17 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 10 months . Note that Stefan may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Stefan's latest experience?

Stefan's most recent position is Interim Ramp-Up Manager at DTMT Immersion Cooling .

Q: What companies has Stefan worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Stefan has worked for DTMT Immersion Cooling , AL-KO Austria , ESTET Stahlbau , Linde & Wiemann , and SILS-Zwickau .

Q: Which industries is Stefan most experienced in?

Stefan is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing , Automotive , and Information Technology . Stefan also has some experience in Construction and Professional Services .

Q: Which business areas is Stefan most experienced in?

Stefan is most experienced in business areas like Operations , Production , and Supply Chain Management . Stefan also has some experience in Quality Assurance , Logistics , and Human Resources .

Q: Which industries has Stefan worked in recently?

Stefan has recently worked in industries like Manufacturing , Information Technology , and Construction .

Q: Which business areas has Stefan worked in recently?

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

Recommended expert

Babensham, Germany

Experience

Jan 2022 - Dec 2024

3 years

Interim Ramp-Up Manager

DTMT Immersion Cooling

Planned and built the complete production line and supply chain
Implemented a full traceability system including electronic worker, tool, and machine tracking

Jan 2022 - Dec 2022

1 year

Austria

Consultant

AL-KO Austria

Stabilized overall production planning and reduced lead time by 30%
Redesigned production logistics
Planned and conducted employee training

Jan 2022 - Dec 2022

1 year

Austria

Consultant

ESTET Stahlbau

Delivered hands-on training and implemented workshop production versus series production

Jan 2021 - Dec 2021

1 year

Consultant Stanz & Schweißen

Linde & Wiemann

Developed practical MES concepts for effective production control

Jan 2021 - Dec 2021

1 year

Interim Site Manager Bumper

SILS-Zwickau

Phase 1: Executed brownfield restructuring, built all departments, optimized processes, and achieved product launch to Audi’s satisfaction
Phase 2: Redesigned assembly and logistics post-launch, increased throughput stability by 50%, reduced logistics area by 50%, saving €2 M per annum

Jan 2020 - Dec 2020

1 year

Interim Quality Manager for Access Systems

U-Shine (Minebea)

Reduced Q-Help status from 3 to 1 and restored customer confidence
Delivered 12 injection molding tools to target
Reintroduced PPAP process successfully
Designed and implemented a completely new injection molding tool

Jan 2019 - Dec 2019

1 year

Consultant

HAW Lining

Increased process efficiency through targeted improvement workshops

Jan 2019 - Dec 2019

1 year

Interim Plant Manager for Instrument Panels

Recticel Schönebeck

Restored customer satisfaction
Negotiated successful wage group agreements with the union

Jan 2019 - Dec 2019

1 year

Consultant

SCS Polen

Identified critical weaknesses and supported COO and investors in site decision-making

Jan 2018 - Dec 2018

1 year

Interim Task Force Leader

SMP Ungarn

Managed successful series launch of Audi Q8 and Q3 in a greenfield plant
Oversaw 400 FTE

Jan 2018 - Dec 2018

1 year

Interim Taskforce / Logistik

VERITAS / BMW

Rescued supply chain from escalation and ensured supply to all BMW plants
Built internal logistics team and implemented sustainable processes

Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

1 year

Slovakia

Interim General Manager Interior

Grupo Antolin

Built new lines for Porsche and BMW and guided local workforce through successful start-up for 1 200 FTE

Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

1 year

Interim Taskforce Bumper

SMP Schierling

Eliminated major quality issues, reduced Q-Help 3 status to 0 in Porsche 9x project
Restored customer trust and restructured SILS center, earning personal customer appreciation

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016

2 years

Interim Site Manager

IAC Sweden / Gothenburg

Managed ramp-up of door panels and instrument panels

Jan 2015 - Dec 2015

1 year

Interim Site Manager Bumpers

IAC SILS Eisenach

Redesigned assembly lines and established quality department
Achieved GM customer satisfaction, de-escalated issues, and optimized supply chain between Spain and Eisenach

Jan 2014 - Dec 2025

12 years

Interim Head of Operation

Johnson Control Lahnwerke

Optimized all operations with subsequent headcount reduction from 1 200 to 800, then to 600 FTE
Introduced MES Hydra
Increased OTIF to 99%
Prepared plant closure planning

Jan 2012 - Dec 2014

3 years

Interim Head of Operation

DTMT Mechernich

Phase 1: Reorganized operations and increased OTIF from 50% to over 90%, optimized ERP and PPS systems
Phase 2: Supported insolvency planning, led technical realignment and restructuring, executed operational staff reduction by 25%

CI Manager Europe; Business Planning Manager

IAC Group Europe

Head of IE Europe; Senior Buyer CAPEX

LEAR Corp. Europe

Industry Experience

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

Experienced in Manufacturing, Automotive, Information Technology, Construction, and Professional Services.

Manufacturing

Automotive

Information Technology

Construction

Professional Services

Business Area Experience

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

Experienced in Operations, Production, Supply Chain Management, Quality Assurance, Logistics, and Human Resources.

Operations

Production

Supply Chain Management

Quality Assurance

Logistics

Human Resources

Summary

I get companies and processes rolling again when they are stuck.

I take responsibility when production lines are idle, supply chains stall, or reorganizations go off track. I analyze, structure, and implement – fast, direct, and with measurable success.

As a German-American interim executive, I combine technical know-how with intercultural leadership experience. I bridge cultural and operational differences between Europe and the USA – as an implementer, translator, and doer.

Skills

Methods & Expertise:

Lean Management, Six Sigma, Supply Chain Management
Task Force Assignments, Plant Ramp-ups, Production Relocations
Shopfloor Management, Reorganization, Daily Control

Tools & Systems:

Erp: Sap, Abas, All Ms Tools
Bi: Power Bi, Qlik, Tableau
Analysis: Minitab, Mes Systems, Hydra, Chat Gpt

Soft Skills:

Team Builder, Coach, Operational Leader, Executive Sensei
Intercultural Bridge-builder Mentality
I Translate German Thoroughness Into American Pragmatism – And Vice Versa.

Languages

German

Native

English

Native

Education

Bachelor · Environmental Protection (Process Engineering)

Munich University of Applied Sciences

Engineering Diploma · Mechanical Engineering · Munich, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Certified Master Black Belt Six Sigma

Catalyst UK / LEAR Corp.

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 19

Experience in Manufacturing 14 y

Avg length 1 y 8 m

Longest experience 11 y 11 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 2 (Austria, Slovakia)

Primary country Austria

Expertise

Recent roles Interim Ramp-Up Manager, Consultant, Consultant Stanz & Schweißen

Main industries Manufacturing, Automotive, Information Technology

Main business areas Operations, Production, Supply Chain Management

Qualifications

Highest degree Bachelor

Certifications earned 1

Profile

Created

April 2025

Last Update

June 2025

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Stefan based?

Stefan is based in Babensham, Germany.

What languages does Stefan speak?

Stefan speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Native).

How many years of experience does Stefan have?

Stefan has at least 14 years of experience. During this time, Stefan has worked in at least 13 different roles and for 17 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 10 months. Note that Stefan may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Stefan be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Stefan would be well-suited for roles such as: Interim Ramp-Up Manager, Consultant, Consultant Stanz & Schweißen.

What is Stefan's latest experience?

Stefan's most recent position is Interim Ramp-Up Manager at DTMT Immersion Cooling.

What companies has Stefan worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Stefan has worked for DTMT Immersion Cooling, AL-KO Austria, ESTET Stahlbau, Linde & Wiemann, and SILS-Zwickau.

Which industries is Stefan most experienced in?

Stefan is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Automotive, and Information Technology. Stefan also has some experience in Construction and Professional Services.

Which business areas is Stefan most experienced in?

Stefan is most experienced in business areas like Operations, Production, and Supply Chain Management. Stefan also has some experience in Quality Assurance, Logistics, and Human Resources.

Which industries has Stefan worked in recently?

Stefan has recently worked in industries like Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Construction.

Which business areas has Stefan worked in recently?

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

What is Stefan's education?

Stefan holds a Bachelor in Environmental Protection (Process Engineering) and a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Munich University of Applied Sciences.

Does Stefan have any certificates?

Stefan has 1 certificate: Certified Master Black Belt Six Sigma.

What is the availability of Stefan?

Stefan is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Stefan?

Stefan's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.