Thomas Pförtner - Interim Manager for Growth and Innovation

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Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn, Germany

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Experience

Feb 2024 - Nov 2024

10 months

Subproject lead for the program of the PM-Summit 2024 as a volunteer

PMI Germany Chapter e.V.

Relaunch of the project management conference “PM-Summit” of PMI Germany Chapter e.V.
Call for Papers and evaluation
Onboarding of speakers
Program composition
Uploading the program to the website with presentation titles and speaker information
Conducted the Call for Papers and completed and published the program
Tools & technologies: Miro, MS Teams, Office

Aug 2022 - Nov 2023

1 year 4 months

Technical specialist supporting the consulting team in the area of public transportation passenger information systems

Horváth & Partner GmbH / BVG

Relaunch of the project management conference “PM-Summit” of PMI Germany Chapter e.V.
Public tender for an accessible passenger information system
Structuring of the service catalog
Capturing and clarifying functional and non-functional requirements
Consulting on project implementation planning
Evaluation of bids
Submission of the complete requirements specification with evaluation criteria
Evaluation of bids and selection of bidders for the proof of concept
Tools & technologies: accessibility, tendering procedures, bid evaluation, IBIS, IBIS-IP, VDV 301, HAFAS (REST API), GDPR

Mar 2022 - Sep 2023

1 year 7 months

Subproject lead for the program of the PM-Summit 2023 as a volunteer

PMI Germany Chapter e.V.

Relaunch of the project management conference “PM-Summit” of PMI Germany Chapter e.V.
Development of a concept for a modernized PM-Summit as a hybrid conference with on-site and online programs
Clarification of technical options and necessary requirements
Call for Papers, review and selection of contributions, and composition of a feasible program at the event venue
Onboarding and support of contributors and execution of the event
Successful execution of the two-day PM-Summit with more than 50 speakers and approx. 200 participants
Tools & technologies: Miro, MS Teams, Office

Feb 2021 - Dec 2023

2 years 11 months

Telecommunications project manager

Leonet GmbH

Development of the wholesale business on fiber-optic networks
Negotiation of an FTTC L2BSA contract with the pilot customer
Product management for the FTTH wholesale business (B2B): market analysis, segmentation, product definition, pricing models, standard contracts
Project initiation, requirements management, definition of work packages
Process definition and optimization for all switching processes in the wholesale business and billing processes, and creation of test cases
Preparation of further wholesale partnerships for FTTH
Approval of the business area strategy by management and the supervisory board
Completion of the pilot contract, approval of the business area strategy, development of a pipeline of additional wholesale partners, implementation of the pilot project
Tools & technologies: Jira, Confluence, Miro, vitroconnect CAP, SAP CO, TKG, L2BSA, FTTC/FTTB/FTTH, S/PRI, Ethernet, VLAN, REST

Aug 2018 - Dec 2020

2 years 5 months

Project manager for network optimization in multimedia cable networks

Unitymedia GmbH & Vodafone Deutschland GmbH

Implementation of optimization measures to qualify the cable network for gigabit speeds (DOCSIS 3.1) at network level 4 through cluster splits and modernization
Analysis and further development of the project portfolio
Process development for optimizing large cable network systems and their network connections
Establishment of reporting and controlling for forecast, rollout, delivery and budget, with regular presentations to the executive board
Management of external service providers and internal departments
Ongoing risk and portfolio management, as well as preparation of corresponding decision documents
100% fulfillment of the planned implementation for 2019
Planning, construction and commissioning of more than 300 network handover points
Service improvement for more than 20,000 residential units
Tools & technologies: AND, SAP CO/CP, MS Office, in-house CRM, broadband cable systems (NE3 + NE4), approval procedures

Jan 2018 - Present

8 years 9 months

Volunteer at PMI Germany Chapter

PMI Germany Chapter

Project manager for three subprojects at the PM Summit
Currently responsible for events in the Munich Local Group

Dec 2017 - Dec 2017

1 month

Product Strategy Workshop Facilitator

1&1 Versatel GmbH

Realignment and establishment of the IT product strategy in a two-day workshop
Identification of the main topics as epics and assignment in a process overview
Development of topic areas for mapping processes and resources with reference to ITIL and eTOM
Creation of a prioritized user story map
Analysis of key stakeholder groups
Roadmap of the main tasks for 2018 developed jointly
Tools & technologies: NGOSS / TM Forum Frameworx

Nov 2016 - Jul 2018

1 year 9 months

Comfort IT Product and Portfolio Management Consultant

Deutsche Bahn AG (Corporate Procurement / DB Regio)

Detailed planning and implementation of a vehicle-independent, platform-based procurement strategy for comfort IT systems
Detailed definition of project goals with DB Regio and Corporate Procurement
Scenario analysis of possible approaches to innovation management under public procurement regulations
Assessment of market developments and future prospects
Preparation of committee presentations and decision papers on product strategy, including architecture and procurement models
System definition of a service-oriented, open application platform
Restructuring of specifications and approval processes
Preparation of technical and functional architecture documents for an upcoming procurement project
Tools & technologies: MS Office, Visio, accessibility, IT platform concepts (OPC-UA, MQTT)

Jan 2015 - Dec 2017

3 years

Business Development Consultant for a European Hub for Global VoIP Services

Private Investor / Swisstok Telnet Global AG / Swisstok Telnet Germany GmbH

Identification of country-specific legal, regulatory and technical requirements for setting up a VoIP telephony provider
Tendering, specification, selection and contract preparation for EU-specific functions
Registration and submission of approval applications to the Federal Network Agency
Implementation of network interconnection, porting data exchange, data access for security authorities, emergency call management, and business processes in customer management and billing
Specification of partner interfaces and relevant process flows
Integration of all region-specific processes into the overall architecture
Preparation of the security concept for submission to the Federal Network Agency
Approval of a detailed project plan and authorization of the implementation phase, including the establishment of the German GmbH
Identification and prioritization of market entry barriers in Austria and Switzerland
Completion of all regulatory requirements and partner contracts for the market launch
Tools & technologies: MS Office, Visio, GmbH formation, VoIP protocols and architectures, telecommunications regulatory requirements, security concept, telephone number allocation and porting, lawful interception

Jan 2013 - Present

13 years 9 months

Self-employed Business Development Manager

Thomas Pförtner Consulting

Management of innovative projects in the IT and telecommunications sector
Development and implementation of market entry plans
Analysis of new business opportunities and strategy development

Jan 2011 - Dec 2011

1 year

BU Representative / Project Manager Cross-Functional Portfolio Marketing Product Roadmaps

Nokia Siemens Networks

Coordinated products across business units and formulated company-wide sales stories
Identified key topics and trends in the target market
Formulated topic roadmaps for the company as a whole
Integrated product and feature roadmaps into the company-wide perspective
Approved roadmaps and communication materials
Conducted sales training

Jan 2010 - Dec 2012

3 years

Organizer and Content Manager Portfolio Communication

Nokia Siemens Networks

Increased awareness and presence of the business line and its products in the sales regions
Established monthly portfolio updates with globally distributed sales and integration teams
Identified key analysts and proactively contacted them before planned releases
Built and managed a team handling specific analyst requests and creating presentations for specific target groups
Very good rating in the Gartner Magic Quadrant: strong vision, effective marketing and value-based selling, effective incubation strategy to manage innovation
Consistently high interest and strong participation in portfolio updates (approx. 200 live participants)

Jan 2010 - Apr 2012

2 years 4 months

Head of Strategy and Portfolio Management Business Support Systems

Nokia Siemens Networks

Responsible for the product and solution portfolio regarding innovation, life cycle management, positioning, and marketing
Worldwide internal and external portfolio communication
Conducted product and strategy reviews

Jan 2008 - Dec 2010

3 years

Portfolio Manager / Head of Solution Portfolio Management Business Support Systems

Nokia Siemens Networks

Separated the product development and solution processes
Defined the processes for solution life cycle management
Identified key issues of target customer segments
Built a solution portfolio with own and partner products
Created consistent, standardized documentation of solutions
Provided sales and marketing materials
Approved portfolio structure, content, and process descriptions
Successfully placed initial solutions with customers

Apr 2007 - Dec 2009

2 years 9 months

Portfolio Manager Charging and Care

Nokia Siemens Networks

Introduced portfolio management and innovation processes
Built and managed a product and solution portfolio
Prepared and moderated regular portfolio reviews

Jan 2006 - Dec 2006

1 year

Project Manager / Senior Analyst Product Variant for Developing Countries

Siemens Networks GmbH & Co KG

Analysis of all processes, solution modules, and hardware concepts to assess necessity and implementation options
Further development of the architecture from ScaleUp to ScaleOut and preparation for virtualized use in the data center
Development of cost-effective software life cycle and service processes
Discontinuation of the product idea in favor of a standardized global market product, incorporating key product concepts

Jan 2005 - Dec 2006

2 years

Project Manager / Consultant and Architect Convergent Billing System

Siemens AG (Information and Communication Mobile, Charging and Care)

Total cost of ownership analyses for various scalable hardware concepts
Benchmarking against architectures from the financial sector
Modularization of the system architecture for enterprise integration and order-to-cash processes
Synchronization of financial data between prepaid accounts and accounting accounts in accordance with German GAAP and US GAAP/IFRS
Significant reduction in variable project costs and total customer costs (TCO)
Creation of a proof of concept, presentation to key customers, and piloting at Vodafone Tanzania
Tools & technologies: TOGAF, Enterprise Service Bus

Jan 2002 - Dec 2002

1 year

Project Manager Wi-Fi as a Business Opportunity for Network Operators

Siemens AG (Public Networks, Intelligent Networks)

Market analysis of customer segments and willingness to pay
Technical analysis of required and attractive features as well as synergies with management systems
Design of suitable business models for network operators in the Wi-Fi sector
Decision to establish a dedicated department for this business area
Tools & technologies: Wi-Fi, OSS/BSS, WPA, Radius, EAP

Jan 1999 - Dec 2003

5 years

Project Manager Mobile Payment

Siemens AG (Public Networks, Intelligent Networks)

Market, competitor, and technical analyses for mobile payments
Design of possible business models and legal as well as commercial conditions
Presentation of the extended order-to-cash process, including typical payment service providers
Analysis of potential acquisition and cooperation partners
Verification of the results with customers in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
Building expertise in financial and legal requirements and obtaining GoB certification for the system
Initiation and market launch of a product extension for billing third-party content
Expansion of market leadership in online charging through solution and consulting projects

Jan 1998 - Dec 1998

1 year

Business Developer Establishment of Product Management and Release Planning

Siemens AG (Public Networks, Intelligent Networks)

Introduction of release planning for the platform and services in accordance with ITIL
Collection and evaluation of customer requirements and use cases worldwide
Adaptation of the product development process (PEP)
Establishment of a product management unit
Creation of offer-oriented customer communication and value-based pricing

Apr 1997 - Mar 2007

10 years

Business Development Sales Consultant

Siemens AG (Communications Technology, Smart Grids)

Evaluation of new business ideas as project manager
Technical and commercial assessment, conceptualization and verification
Preparation of decision papers for senior management

Jan 1995 - Dec 1997

3 years

Technical Project Manager, Passenger Information System for ICE-3

Siemens AG (Automation Technology, Combination Technology Plant)

Further development of the ICE-2 audio-video system into a modern passenger information system
Requirements management with the customer
Technology evaluation and adaptation of technologies available on the market
Overall integration of all subsystems, including mobile communication and announcement systems, electronic reservation system, journey displays and information kiosk
Agreement on a new life-cycle model with the customer
Quality management, prototype production and system integration
Design completion and prototype acceptance by the customer and overall project management
Start of delivery for series assembly

Oct 1993 - Mar 1997

3 years 6 months

System Consultant and Project Manager

Siemens AG (Automation Technology, Combination Technology Plant)

Execution of customer projects with requirements management
Coordination of subprojects in design, production preparation, quality management and cost optimization

Jan 1993 - Dec 1995

3 years

Project Manager and Customer Account Manager, Land Seismic Digital Acquisition System

Siemens AG (Automation Technology, Combination Technology Plant)

Design of a specific transmission method, including implementation and production concepts
Management of the technology study at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Organization and coordination of development and production partners for software, hardware and mechanics
Cost and production optimization of the design
Integration of production activities into an overall process
Implementation of a quality management system and production of a pilot series
Acceptance of the prototypes and the quality management process
Commissioning of series production over several years

Dec 1989 - Sep 1993

3 years 10 months

Development Engineer, CAD Tools

Siemens AG (Central Research and Development)

Design and implementation of optimization algorithms in cooperation with the Technical University of Munich
Integration of the tools into the production environment at Infineon and SNI
Creation of a technology study, “Assembly of the Future”

Industry experience

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

Experienced in Telecommunication, Information Technology, Energy, Professional Services, Manufacturing, and Transportation.

Telecommunication

Information Technology

Energy

Professional Services

Manufacturing

Transportation

Business area experience

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

Experienced in Project Management, Strategy, Product Development, Sales, Operations, and Marketing.

Project Management

Strategy

Product Development

Sales

Operations

Marketing

Skills

Innovative Technologies And Business Models
Ict And Digital Transformation Topics
Infrastructure And B2b
Creating Customer Value And Business Success
Industries: Telecommunications, Transportation, Energy, Finance

Methodological Expertise

Classic And Agile Project Management (Pmi Certified), Program Management
Product Management, Scrum Product Owner (Certified), Early Phases, Processes
Portfolio Management, Product Life Cycle Management
Requirements Management, Requirements Engineering, Gap Analysis
Strategy Development (Mewes, Blue Ocean)
Innovation Management, Lead User Methodology, Design Thinking, Stage-Gate
Market And Competitor Analysis, Product Positioning, Go-To-Market
Business Analysis, Business Model Innovation, Value-Based Pricing
Solution Design / Architecture / Conceptualization

Industries And Products

Communications Technology: Fttx, S/Pri, L2/L3-Bsa, Oss/Bss, Value-Added Services, Billing Systems, Online Service Control
It: Crm, Service Management (Itil), Business Process Integration, Virtualization, Cloud
Transportation Technology: Passenger Information, Comfort It, Ibis, Vdv 301 And Similar
General: Digital Transformation, Strategic Use Of It In B2b Business

Leadership Skills

Management Of International, Virtual And Interdisciplinary Teams, From Blue-Collar Employees To University Collaborations
Technical Leadership Of Project Teams Of Up To 20 Employees
Disciplinary Management Of Up To 5 Employees
Budget And Profit Responsibility As Project Manager For Budgets Of Up To Approx. €3 Million

Intercultural Experience

Managing Projects With Distributed, International Teams
Several Years Of Experience As A Team Leader In An International Departmental Structure Spanning 10 Countries On 4 Continents
Extensive Experience As A Presenter At Customer Presentations, Workshops And Conferences In Europe, Asia, Africa, The Middle East And The Usa

Personal Skills

Building Bridges Between Enthusiasm For Innovation And Risk Limitation, As Well As Within Interdisciplinary Teams (Especially Technical, Business And Legal)
Interested In Designing Products, Solutions And Business Models
Affinity For Change Driven By New Technologies, Solution Approaches And Markets
Trusted And Valued Discussion Partner At All Hierarchical Levels
Analytical And Questioning, While Remaining Rational, Goal-Oriented And Methodical

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Dipl.-Ing. Univ. · Electrical Engineering

Certifications & licenses

Talking to AI: Prompt Engineering For Project Managers (PMI)

Data Landscape Of GenAI For Project Managers (PMI)

Generative AI Overview For Project Managers (PMI)

Disciplined Agile

Strategieberater (IHK)

Business Model Innovation (openSAP)

NLP-Practitioner (zert. INLPTA)

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 25

Experience in Telecommunication 29.5 y

Avg length 3 y 2 m

Longest experience 13 y 8 m

Expertise

Recent roles Subproject lead for the program of the PM-Summit 2024 as a volunteer, Technical specialist supporting the consulting team in the area of public transportation passenger information systems, Subproject lead for the program of the PM-Summit 2023 as a volunteer

Main industries Telecommunication, Information Technology, Energy

Main business areas Project Management, Strategy, Product Development

Qualifications

Highest degree Bachelor

Certifications earned 11

Profile

Member since

October 2022

Last update

September 2026

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Frequently asked questions

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Thomas is based in Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

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

Thomas has at least 37 years of experience. During this time, Thomas has worked in at least 25 different roles and for 16 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 6 months. Note that Thomas may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Based on recent experience, Thomas would be well-suited for roles such as: Subproject lead for the program of the PM-Summit 2024 as a volunteer, Technical specialist supporting the consulting team in the area of public transportation passenger information systems, Subproject lead for the program of the PM-Summit 2023 as a volunteer.

Thomas's most recent position is Subproject lead for the program of the PM-Summit 2024 as a volunteer at PMI Germany Chapter e.V..

In recent years, Thomas has worked for PMI Germany Chapter e.V., Horváth & Partner GmbH / BVG, Leonet GmbH, PMI Germany Chapter, and Thomas Pförtner Consulting.

Thomas is most experienced in industries like Telecommunication, Information Technology, and Energy. Thomas also has some experience in Professional Services, Manufacturing, and Transportation.

Thomas is most experienced in business areas like Project Management, Strategy, and Product Development. Thomas also has some experience in Sales, Operations, and Marketing.

Thomas has recently worked in industries like Information Technology, Telecommunication, and Professional Services.

Thomas has recently worked in business areas like Project Management, Sales, and Strategy.

Thomas holds a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering.

Thomas has 11 certificates. Among them, these include: Talking to AI: Prompt Engineering For Project Managers (PMI), Data Landscape Of GenAI For Project Managers (PMI), and Generative AI Overview For Project Managers (PMI).

The availability of Thomas needs to be confirmed.

Daily rate distribution

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Daily rate avg. 1030 €

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Median rate 1000 €

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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 26 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.