Thorsten H.-Head of Global Purchasing ad interim
Check rate
Experience
Head of Global Purchasing ad interim
Manufacturer of technical textiles (TIER 2/3)
Led the global purchasing team for raw materials and indirect purchasing
Developed the organization and defined roles
Took over the Global Logistic Function
Developed a global transport strategy for 6 sites (DE, US, CN, VN)
Managed tenders
Defined logistics processes and mapped them in ERP-Canias
Negotiated prices and contracts for raw materials and CAPEX
Implemented a global purchasing structure
Defined a qualification matrix and qualification requirements
Defined a product group strategy
Defined and implemented global logistics and transport standards
Reduced transport costs by 45 %
Head of Purchasing & Logistics ad interim
Commercial vehicle OEM
Implemented ERP (Abas)
Defined target processes
Developed the organization
Defined category and supplier strategies
Managed strategic purchasing for all direct materials
Defined a warehouse concept
Introduced a purchasing structure for direct materials
Defined a category strategy
Reduced inventory-related costs by 35 %
Reduced direct procurement costs by 8 %
Purchasing Subproject Manager
Automotive supplier (TIER1)
Planned the project and coordinated sourcing activities
Prepared and analyzed Cost Break Downs
Prepared RFI/RFQ documents
Negotiated prices
Coached and supported the purchasing team and other subproject managers
Advised on optimizing processes within the purchasing team / project purchasing
Optimized task allocation and goal setting
Advised on project management and project controlling
Improved communication and meeting structures
Advised on identifying and implementing cost-saving opportunities
Ensured the bill of materials met target costs
Sourced all components and prequalified a 1st and 2nd Source
Transport Logistics Expert
Automotive manufacturer
Defined the volumes of materials to be transported worldwide
Established logistics networks
Prepared requirements profiles
Coordinated packaging data sheets
Prepared load securing requirements for freight forwarders and suppliers
Introduced yard management at 2 sites
Managed RFQs, negotiations, and framework agreements for worldwide transport services
Planned a resilient transport network to support agile and robust supply chains
Reduced CO2 emissions in transport by 30 % and established related offsetting measures
Purchasing Restructuring
Large tent manufacturer
Defined target processes
Developed the organization
Defined category and supplier strategies
Supported the implementation of a BDE system
Established a state-of-the-art purchasing function
Reduced material prices by approximately 15 %
Reduced working capital by approximately 20 % while ensuring a reliable supply to the business
Restructuring of Indirect Purchasing
Mechanical engineering company
Coaching the Indirect Purchasing team
Organizational development (responsibilities, job descriptions, department strategy, etc.)
Recruiting
Defining target processes
Handover of a department strategy and organizational structure to the new Head of Indirect
Implementation of an MES system
Technical textiles manufacturer (TIER2)
Mapping the entire order network and planning requirements
Project management (team of 4 employees)
Concept development
Preparation of specifications
Tendering and negotiation of the framework agreement
Implementation
Reduced order processing costs by >20 %
Implemented an MES system
Increased customer OTD by 15%
Implemented a cloud-based e-procurement platform
E-procurement platform project management
Technical textiles manufacturer
Project management (team of 3 employees)
Concept development
Preparation of specifications
Tendering and negotiation of the framework agreement
Defining target processes
Restructuring the product group taxonomy
Implementation
Reduced order processing costs by 15 %
Reduced purchasing costs by an average of 5 %
Implementation of a tugger train system
Automotive supplier (TIER1 and TIER2)
Project management (team of 5 employees)
Concept development
Defining target processes
Preparing a schedule
Purchasing a customized tugger train system
Implementation
Implemented a tugger train system to supply and remove materials from production
Reduced material handling vehicle costs by 70 %
Increased OEE by 2 %
Implementation of cloud-based loading bay management
Specialty chemicals
Project management (team of 12 employees)
Concept development
Preparation of specifications
Tendering and negotiation of the framework agreement
Implementation
Reduced costs caused by waiting times by >80 %
Reduced personnel costs by approx. 15 %
Redesign of the Order-to-Cash process in SAP R/3
Specialty chemicals
Subproject lead for logistics (team of 3 employees)
Master data cleanup
Target process development
Preparation of specifications for SAP programming
Implementation
Mapping of all logistics processes and all associated costs in SAP
Outsourcing of the company’s in-house logistics
Cosmetics company
Project lead (team of 2 employees)
Concept development
Preparation of specifications
Tendering and negotiation of the framework agreement
Implementation
Reduction of fixed costs
Introduction of system-based inventory management
Industry experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Manufacturing, Automotive, Chemical, and Cosmetics.
Business area experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Project Management, Logistics, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, and Production.
Summary
Reduce complexity, unlock potential, shape the future.
As an experienced interim manager and consultant, I connect strategy with execution—hands-on, digital, and data-driven. Whether it’s a procurement platform, smart logistics, or scalable SCM concepts, I help companies turn operational challenges into strategic opportunities—with solutions that deliver results and can grow.
Skills
Strategic & Operational Purchasing (Direct, Indirect, Services)
Global Sourcing & International Procurement Markets
Contract Management & Supplier Evaluation
Digitalization & E-Procurement
Procurement Controlling & Kpi Management
Transport Logistics (Road, Rail, Water) & Tender Management
Intralogistics, Tugger Train Systems & Production Supply
Warehouse Logistics & Capital-Optimized Inventory Management
Logistics Controlling & Kpi Management
Outsourcing & Management Of External Service Providers
Technical Logistics Management (Including Fleet)
Scm Strategy & Organizational Development
Supply Chain Planning, Management & Digitalization
Warehouse And Inventory Optimization
Process Analysis & Implementation
Communication
Clear, Focused Communication At Every Level—From The Shop Floor To Senior Management. I Explain Complex Topics In An Easy-To-Understand Way, Encourage Open Dialogue, And Ensure Transparency In Projects And Change Processes.
In Challenging Situations, I Communicate In A Solution-Focused, Empathetic, And Dependable Way—Internally And Externally, Nationally And Internationally.
Leadership Qualities
Experienced In Leading Cross-Functional And International Teams In Both Growth And Restructuring Situations. I Lead With A Clear, Dependable, And Adaptable Approach, Focused On Results And Sustainable Team Development.
I Actively Support Change Processes As A Change Leader—With Strong Decision-Making, Structure, And Empathy.
My Leadership Values:
Trust | Responsibility | Transparency | Respect | Efficiency
Languages
Education
Certified Business Administrator (IHK) · Business Administration
Certified Specialist, Purchasing & Logistics · Purchasing & Logistics
Freight Forwarding Agent · Freight Forwarding
Certifications & licenses
Statistics
Experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Find more information here.
Thorsten is based in Königsbrunn, Germany.
Thorsten speaks the following languages: German (Advanced), English (Advanced).
Thorsten has at least 6 years of experience. During this time, Thorsten has worked in at least 12 different roles and for 11 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 6 months. Note that Thorsten may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Thorsten would be well-suited for roles such as: Head of Global Purchasing ad interim, Head of Purchasing & Logistics ad interim, Purchasing Subproject Manager.
Thorsten's most recent position is Head of Global Purchasing ad interim at Manufacturer of technical textiles (TIER 2/3).
In recent years, Thorsten has worked for Manufacturer of technical textiles (TIER 2/3), Commercial vehicle OEM, Automotive supplier (TIER1), Automotive manufacturer, and Large tent manufacturer.
Thorsten is most experienced in industries like Automotive, Manufacturing, and Chemical. Thorsten also has some experience in Cosmetics.
Thorsten is most experienced in business areas like Project Management, Procurement, and Logistics. Thorsten also has some experience in Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, and Production.
Thorsten has recently worked in industries like Automotive and Manufacturing.
Thorsten has recently worked in business areas like Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management.
Thorsten attended education in Business Administration.
Thorsten has 5 certificates. Among them, these include: Gepr. Betriebswirt (IHK), Gepr. Fachkaufmann, and Lean Champion.
Thorsten will be available full-time from January 2027.
Daily rate distribution
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
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
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 13 Nov 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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