Find the best Interim Managers in Stuttgart in minutes from 15,000 CVs with the power of AI
Bring in proven interim leaders for restructuring, supply chain, plant operations, finance, or commercial transition work. Ideal when you need clear decisions, fast handover, and a manager who can take control from day one. Fast, precise matching with vetted, available freelancers.
About the role
What they do
An interim manager steps into a leadership gap and takes ownership quickly. The work is practical: stabilize teams, make decisions, and deliver a clear handover. Common assignments include restructuring, crisis management, transformation, and covering a vacant line role during a search.
Typical deliverables
- Fast assessment of the situation, risks, and priorities
- Clear plan for the first weeks in the role
- Leadership of teams, projects, or functions
- Support for change, turnaround, or integration work
- Reporting to executives, owners, or boards
- Structured handover to the permanent successor
Skills that matter
Strong interim managers combine leadership with speed and judgment. They know how to enter an unfamiliar setup, win trust, and keep work moving without long onboarding.
- Clear communication with management and teams
- Experience in change, restructuring, or scale-up situations
- Strong handling of pressure and conflict
- Ability to work with KPIs, budgets, and operating routines
- Sector knowledge when the project needs it
Tools and focus areas
The exact toolbox depends on the assignment. In practice, interim managers often work with reporting packs, action tracking, workshop formats, stakeholder maps, and basic project governance. In Stuttgart, this is especially relevant for automotive suppliers, industrial companies, engineering-driven businesses, and internationally connected mid-sized firms.
When companies bring one in
- A leadership position is open and work cannot wait
- A department needs turnaround support
- A transformation needs a steady hand
- A project has stalled and needs decision power
- A merger, carve-out, or integration needs experienced control
- The business wants flexibility before hiring permanently
What good looks like
A strong interim manager is not there to observe. They create order, make priorities visible, and keep people aligned. They fit the context quickly, stay calm under pressure, and leave the organization stronger than they found it. For many clients, the best fit is someone who has done the same kind of role before, not just someone with a similar title.
Meet FRATCH Interim Managers
Heiner Lüpertz
Executive Advisor | Interim Executive | Founder
Last position:
Executive Advisor | Interim Executive | Founder at VisionBridge Global Consultancy
- Project-based support for industrial and technology companies in transformation, growth, and turnaround situations at executive level
- Founder of VisionBridge Global Consultancy as a platform for strategy development, market entry programs (Middle East), operational excellence, change management, and executive development
- Focus on project-based mandates with the option of long-term leadership roles
Lars Otto
Interim mandate for the AI-LIVE project
Last position:
Interim mandate for the AI-LIVE project at IEM GmbH
Jochen Langenberger
Management Consultant, Coach, Senior Project Manager, and Interim Manager
Last position:
Management Consultant, Coach, Senior Project Manager, and Interim Manager at JL International Projekt Management & Beratung
Project Manager – Management Consultant – Lean Manager – Coach in mechanical/plant engineering, pharma, and medical technology
Senior Project Manager + Assembly Manager: Modification of Porsche assembly lines Emil Schmid Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
- Planning and modification for the integration of new camera technology with AI tools for process optimization on the V-engine lines Management Consultant: Business Development Defense Industry for NATO Emil Schmid Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
- Market research - Analysis of potential customers in the defense industry
- Direct approach to potential customers and market participants
- Developing options for action and strategy for further market cultivation Seminar Leader, Consultant + Coach: Project Management + Exchange of Experience Ness Wärmetechnik GmbH
- Workshop for the further development of project managers with prior knowledge
- Exchange of experience with project managers and derivation of measures
- Recommendations for improving the project management organization Management Consultant: Research EU Market for Hemodialysis Systems Scherzinger Pumpen GmbH & Co. KG
- Market research for gear pumps in hemodialysis systems
- Contacting purchasing and R&D of dialysis system manufacturers
- Identification of market data with growth forecasts and changes Management Consultant: Strategy + Global Business Development Vibrationmaster s.à r.l.
- Company-wide strategy development together with the CEO for test systems for screw connections
- Consulting and support in international business development and cooperation with partners Senior Project Manager + Assembly Manager: Modification of Porsche assembly lines Emil Schmid Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
- Project management for new/renovation of wheel carrier press line and assembly line
- Coordination of tasks and work packages for sub-project managers
- Scheduling and cost control
- Resource planning with internal departments, external specialists
- Management and implementation of customer and supplier agreements Management Consultant + Coach: Handling difficult project situations Ness Wärmetechnik GmbH
- Coaching project management in project control for the major Exyte project to secure ongoing order processing, raising awareness for difficult project situations and upcoming decisions Senior Project Manager, Consultant, Coach: Improving quality of pharma bags B. Braun Melsungen AG, Hospital Care Division, Pharma, Plant A
- Project management for improving/averting quality fluctuations of three-chamber bags and their over-bagging
- Leading interdisciplinary international team in Germany, Italy, Switzerland
- Improvement of the production concept
- Adjustment of quality criteria and establishing end-to-end traceability across manufacturing/logistics processes Management Consultant: Further development of structure + business processes KLAUS UNION GmbH & Co. KG
- Analysis of the current state of pump processing
- Conception of the target state of pump processing
- Cost-benefit analysis of changes
- Business process realignment
- Implementation with internal and external resources Senior Project Manager, Consultant, Coach: Production improvements in pharma B. Braun Melsungen AG, Hospital Care Division, Pharma area, Plant A
- Replacement procurement of packaging machines (case erectors, sealers)
- Concept / implementation of initial procurement for depalletizing in the packaging process
- Concept development in a simulation game with production employees for a new small-batch packaging facility with implementation and setup
- Expansion of a rack conveyor system
- Contribution of automation know-how and Lean Management in projects
- Further development of project management specifically for Technical Service
- Sparring partner, consultant, and coach for specialists and managers Senior Project Manager: Plant modification for filter production for ventilators 3M Deutschland GmbH Membrana
- Management support for program and project leadership for a fast-track project at the Wuppertal plant
- Construction of a plant (approx. €30 million) for the production of filter membranes for use in ventilators (oxygenators) Consultant: Assessment of leadership, structure, processes + trends in the US branch Bleichert Inc. for R. Weiss Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
- Company-wide assessment of the structure, business processes, communication, and activities with SWOT analysis through interviews across all levels of the company
- Assessment of existing leadership, control instruments, and tools
- Assessment of potentials and trends in the North American market Senior Project Manager: Consolidation of packaging variety in medical technology at B.Braun B. Braun Melsungen AG
- Leading and supporting the implementation phase of a corporate project (multi-million Euro range)
- Reduction of packaging variety
- Implementation for different product families, taking into account the perspectives of sales, marketing, R&D, regulatory affairs, supply chain, logistics, sterilization, production, purchasing, and controlling
- Sophisticated communication / conflict management in merging interdisciplinary, international teams of 30 members
- Management reporting of the implementation phase with quality assurance and costs of implementation Management Consultant: Corrective alignment of the Ness thermal technology project Ness Wärmetechnik GmbH
- Supervision of major projects + further development of project management
- Interim Manager "Head of Project Management": Supervision of large and critical projects with direct customer contact in Latvia
- Coaching project managers and teams, securing ongoing order processing, raising awareness for difficult project situations, consulting on upcoming decisions
- Improvement of deadline tracking for ongoing projects
- Concept for the further development of project management
- Consulting on necessary structural corporate changes and staffing of project-related functions Senior Project Manager + Consultant: Deadline coordination for major BMW projects Emil Schmid Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
- New construction / modification of assembly lines for BMW Munich / Steyr / Hams Hall
- Project management for more than 500 modification / new construction measures for assembly lines
- Detailed, structured scheduling, averting potential delays
- Resource planning with internal departments and external specialists
- Management and implementation of customer and supplier agreements
- Defusing interpersonal disputes with conflict management
- Further development of project management, supporting the change process
- Management consulting on various business matters Senior Project Manager + Consultant: Technical cleaning at BMW Dingolfing A. Markert GmbH Metal Cleaning Machines
- Project leadership with employee motivation during the integration of a cleaning plant into the production line within a short conversion time
- Rapid establishment of project transparency when joining an ongoing project
- Structured agreements with customer and suppliers to improve deadlines
- Averting a critical deadline situation to regain the customer
- Ensuring a stabilized deadline situation through detailed scheduling Senior Project Manager: Consolidation of packaging variety in medical technology at B.Braun B. Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen
- Project: Harmonization of packaging for cost optimization for the plant in Gyöngyös, Hungary
- Leading the concept and implementation phase of a corporate project (multi-million Euro range)
- Reduction of packaging variety in advance of cost-intensive validation / verification processes for packaging families
- Guiding towards best proposed solutions for different product families, taking into account the perspectives of sales, marketing, R&D, regulatory affairs, supply chain, logistics, sterilization, production, purchasing, and controlling
- Sophisticated communication and conflict management in merging interdisciplinary, international teams of 30 members
- Management reporting of the concept result with quality assurance, cost, deadline, and capacity planning for the subsequent implementation phase Consultant: Market study USA / Canada + Business Development Basics Scherzinger Pumpen GmbH & Co. KG, Furtwangen
- North American market study with market data and competitive situation
- Contacting and assessing interest from customers and sales partners
- Travel to potential customers and partners as a basis for decision-making Trainer: Workshop on team building, self-management & conflict management ZF AG, ABB AG in cooperation with Lindconsult GmbH
- Cooperation in teams, self-management & conflict management
- Workshop with individual and group exercises as well as role plays Consultant: Project management implementation + process adjustment at Lauffer Maschinenfabrik Lauffer GmbH & Co. KG
- Introduction of project management
- Investigation of current business processes and definition of target processes for quoting, order handover, and processing with clear responsibilities in all process steps
- Review and development of internal tools for the processes
- Process documentation and review for the quality management manual
- Support for induction and gaining employee buy-in
- Fine-tuning of processes after initial implementation experiences Management Consulting: Plant layout and business process development ACSYS Lasertechnik GmbH, Mittweida
- Development of facility layout with manufacturing/production sites, warehouse, goods receipt, shipping, and material flow
- Investigation of current business processes and definition of target processes from "inquiry to after-sales" with clear assignment of responsibilities in all process steps
- Review and development of internal tools for the business processes
- Documentation and review of business processes
- Support for inductions Moderator: Plant planning with master plan, layout, and business plan Klaus Union GmbH
- Moderation and consulting in a workshop for developing a plant layout with production sites, test sites, warehouse, goods receipt, shipping, and material flow
- Template for the architect's layout for the construction permit for the renovation Management Consultant: Business process + structure adjustment AMT Alfing Montagetechnik GmbH
- Investigation of current business processes and definition of target processes for "creating orders", "spindle repairs", and "spare parts processing" with clear responsibilities in all process steps
- Review and development of internal tools for the business processes
- Documentation and review of business processes
- Support for inductions Management Consultant + Coach: Introduction of project management at ELHA ELHA Maschinenbau Liemke KG
- Professional coaching for project managers and consulting on setting up project management in the production systems area, including analysis of business processes and production workflows
- Investigation of current processes and definition of target processes for sales, order handover, processing, deadline control, cost control, and dunning with clear responsibilities in all process steps
- Review and development of internal tools for the business processes
- Documentation and review of business processes
- Support for inductions
- Development of facility layout with production sites, warehouse, and material flow Consultant: Further development of project management + knowledge management at AKS AKS Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinenbau GmbH
- Consulting and reorganization of business processes for the further development of project management as well as setting up a knowledge database
- Investigation of current business processes and definition of target processes for order handover, cost orientation, claims & change management, and securing lessons learned with clear responsibilities in all process steps
- Review and development of internal tools for the business processes
- Documentation and review of business processes Senior Project Management: Patent implementation of a safety concept Human Bios International AG
- Overall project management for patent implementation
- Market research in the field of safety technologies
- Acquisition of development partners, sales partners, and potential customers
- Strategy development and implementation
- Sales and technical development consulting
- Application for and receipt of government subsidies Project Manager + Management Consultant: Processing of BMW Munich order AMT Alfing Montagetechnik GmbH
- Leading the project with accompanying management consulting and coaching
- Internal coordination with sales and technical processing
- External coordination with customers and suppliers
- Quality assurance, deadline tracking, cost control with claim management
- Creation of inquiries with specifications and negotiations with suppliers Trainer: Workshop on time and self-management ABB AG in cooperation with Herrenberger Team GmbH
- Training on time & self-management
- Workshop with individual and group exercises as well as role plays Management Consultant: Accompanying analysis of business processes Klaus Union GmbH
- Accompanying analysis of essential business processes for pumps, valves, spare parts/service from inquiry to order receipt, technical and commercial processing through to delivery
- Identifying collected weaknesses and disturbances, their dependencies, and joint development of process improvements in workshops
- Documentation of analysis and workshops Management Consultant: International sales development for combi-steamers Lefa Fleischereiausstattungen GmbH + Edelstahl-Mechanik GmbH
- Europe-wide market research for sales partners and potential customers for the sale of combi-steamers with smoking function
- Support in the development of marketing material and activities
- Onboarding of sales partners and support for trade fair appearances Management Consultant: Strategy workshop + strategy review workshops Klaus Union GmbH + Co. KG
- Strategy development with company analyses (SWOT, Portfolio)
- Regular strategy review workshops with development of the holistic corporate strategy/vision/mission/goals, using the Balanced Scorecard
- Definition of strategic measures for corporate development Lecturer "International Project Management" at Aalen University Hochschule Aalen, Master's in International Business
- Workshop-style course covering project management basics, experiences, tools, and a business game
- Domestic/international market studies (Europe, overseas, Asia), company analyses, and HR concepts for German industrial companies with students Business Developer: Market entry India for nanotechnology product Rewitec GmbH
- India market study
- Market entry in India for nanotechnology products including trade fair appearance, search for trading partners, and contact follow-up
- Support during test phases, management of local partners as exclusive agent Moderator: Strategy rollout for automotive engineering companies IAV + NCC IAV GmbH, NCC Deutschland GmbH in cooperation with Herrenberger Team GmbH and E³ GmbH
- Moderation of strategy rollout in workshops
- Training in contract and conflict management with basics and role plays Overall Project Manager: Processing of order for granulate conveyor systems for Zeppelin Zeppelin Silo & Systems GmbH
- Leading the project with increased revenue and profit
- Professional coaching of the deputy project manager and project team
- Internal coordination with the project team, sales, and technical processing
- External coordination with customers and suppliers
- Quality assurance, deadline tracking, cost control with claim management
- Creation of inquiries with specifications and negotiations with suppliers Sessler Galvanikanlagen GmbH
- Market studies for USA and Russia with market data and competitive situation
- Development of strategy, contracts, and marketing with joint venture partner in the USA
- Training of US representatives and initial sales support
References [link]
Tobias Weik
Attorney/Lawyer Data Protection and Data Law, Banking and Capital Markets Law, Freelancer, Data Protection Officer
Last position:
External Data Protection Officer at Self-employed
- Informing and advising on obligations under applicable data protection regulations
- Reviewing compliance with data protection regulations and the client’s strategies for protecting personal data through own audits
- Advising on and preparing data protection impact assessments as well as data protection notices and data protection guidelines and policies
- Drafting, advising on and negotiating data processing agreements
- Raising awareness among management and staff on data protection by creating training materials and concepts and delivering training sessions
- Industries include: financial services, healthcare, trades, mechanical engineering, recruitment, auditing and tax consulting
Friedhelm Luetz
Interim Manager, Overall Owner's Representative
Last position:
Interim Manager, Overall Owner's Representative at AURUBIS AG
- Took over the project in crisis with about 1.5 years delay when joining in June 2024
- Clarified the contract situation, planning and construction history, and scope details
- Relieved the internal project management and improved team morale
- Calmed all stakeholders at all levels
- Clarified a change request with the executive board and supervisory board
- Systematized problem-solving areas and built a new schedule
- Led all subproject teams and clarified open issues with the district government
- Secured approval for early construction start (§8a) in November 2024 and initiated the start of construction
- Clarified safety-relevant aspects of the construction process
- Supervised foundation work (pile driving) and expert monitoring
- Facilitated and coordinated weekly construction meetings and subproject meetings
- Fended off claim initiatives
- Reported to the executive board and plant management
- Handed over the project to the internal project management in an orderly manner in February 2025
Thomas Arends
Interim Assignment
Last position:
Interim Management at Vincorion Power Systems GmbH
- Process and project management to optimize products and development processes for energy systems
- Technical risk management
- Requirements engineering and system architecture
- System FMEA of power generator units and energy storage modules aiming for generic structures
- Claims management according to Section 313 of the German Civil Code
- Regulatory environment: military and NATO standards, AQAP, VG norms
Andreas Eisenberger
Global Manager Technical Supplier Development EV Powertrain Components
Last position:
Global Manager Technical Supplier Development EV Powertrain Components at Stellantis eT
- Comprehensive strategic and technical development of three key suppliers
Steffen Dressler
Interim Manager & Project Lead | Software & AI | Health, Automotive
Last position:
CEO & Founder at 11bytes GmbH
- Digital Transformation & Strategy: Advising clients on developing digital business models. Supporting from the first idea through MVP development and go-live to successful scaling.
- Software Development: Designing, implementing, and operating cloud platforms. Deep hands-on experience with agile methodology (SCRUM).
- AI: Intensive building of knowledge and experience in AI-driven coding and AI solutions (AI Engineering and MLOps), focusing on data-sovereign open-source solutions and Microsoft Azure. Leading and hands-on execution of AI projects.
- Leadership: Building, leading, and developing the agency team of eleven international experts.
- Focus on Regulated Markets: Experience identifying and addressing industry-specific compliance requirements. Implemented the internal change project “ISO27001 ready”.
- Overall Entrepreneurial Responsibility: Managing delivery, sales, HR, and controlling. Ensuring highest customer satisfaction (5.0-star rating) as well as quality and efficiency in software development.
- Stakeholder Management: Collaborating with managing directors, departments, service providers, and external IT teams.
Jens Strüwing
Independent Consultant and Interim Manager
Last position:
Independent Consultant and Interim Manager at Independent Consultant and Interim Manager
- Restructuring / Transformation / Cost Saving Projects / Lean Management
- Strategy projects, Mergers and Acquisitions, scaling and start-ups
- Industries: Automotive (OEMs and suppliers), mechanical and plant engineering, aerospace, trade and aftermarket service
Completed projects:
- Technical Due Diligence for an M&A service provider in the purchase of a mechanical and plant engineering company
- Building the Americas business for a material handling equipment manufacturer
- Scaling a mechanical engineering company by transforming it from a component supplier to a system manufacturer
- CRO at Valmiera Glass, Latvia on behalf of the owner (PE from the UK)
Current project:
- Sale of a Dutch group of companies operating in mechanical engineering
Nicholas Hancock
Interim Manager / Agile Leader
Last position:
Interim Manager / Agile Leader at Freelance
- Bank-Verlag: Interim lead for team of 5; introduced Scrumban; sub-project lead ensuring PCI4.0 compliance.
- LS Telcom: Product Owner/Project Manager for software integration; requirements analysis; led international development team (Kanban).
Mark Grabfelder
Interim Manager
Last position:
Interim Manager at MPG Care GmbH
- Setting up the support processes for six newly acquired nursing homes/subsidiaries
Tzen-Yik Yong
Interim Management and Digital Procurement
Last position:
Interim Management and Digital Procurement at Ebbo Yong Consulting
- Setting up Ebbo Yong Consulting as an independent company
- Training and certification as Project Management Professional through PMI
- Training and certification as IT Solution Architect
Christian Weis
Freelancer & Interim Manager
Last position:
Consultant & Lecturer at Freelance
- Clients include MPC Capital AG, iib Consult and EBS Executive School
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Interim Managers statistics
Typical experience
28 years
Average project duration
5 years
Certifications per freelancer
2
Top business areas
Project Management, Strategy, Operations
Top industries
Professional Services, Manufacturing, Automotive
Most common languages
German, English, French
Bachelor's degree or higher
79%
Master's degree or higher
43%
Doctorate
7%
Daily Rate Distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this role are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Average rates for Interim Managers & Seniority distribution
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.
Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about FRATCH? Find the answers you need
An Interim Manager takes over a leadership task on a temporary basis and focuses on results, not orientation. That can mean stabilizing a team, running a department, leading a transformation, or bridging a vacancy until a permanent hire is ready.
Hire an interim manager when the business needs immediate leadership or a specific change program, and waiting is not an option. This is often the better choice for restructuring, crises, mergers, or sudden departures where speed and experience matter more than a long onboarding phase.
A strong interim manager brings leadership, structure, and calm execution. Look for people who can assess a situation quickly, make decisions, communicate clearly with stakeholders, and hand over the role in an orderly way.
Not always, but the terms overlap. An acting manager usually covers a vacancy, while a turnaround manager focuses on recovery and performance improvement. An interim manager may do either, depending on the assignment and the business need.
In Stuttgart, interim managers are often used in industrial, manufacturing, automotive, and engineering settings. Typical work includes plant leadership, supply chain issues, finance transformations, and change programs in mid-sized companies with international operations.
It depends on the mandate. Many assignments need a strong on-site presence at the start, especially when teams are under pressure or processes are changing, but reporting, planning, and stakeholder work can often be handled partly remote.
Ask for proof of similar mandates, not just a polished profile. A good Interim Manager can explain what they changed, how they handled resistance, and what the handover looked like, ideally with references that match your situation.
They should be ready to explain their mandate scope, decision authority, and first priorities. Companies also want to know how quickly they can start, whether they can work in German and English, and how they handle alignment with the permanent leadership team.
The average hourly rate for Interim Managers in Stuttgart is 137 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 1,099 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers working as Interim Managers in Stuttgart, 79% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 43% hold at least a Master's degree, and 7% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers working as Interim Managers in Stuttgart have 28 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 5 years.
The most common languages among freelancers working as Interim Managers in Stuttgart are German (100%), English (93%), and French (29%).
The most common industries among freelancers working as Interim Managers in Stuttgart are Professional Services (71%), Manufacturing (64%), and Automotive (43%).
The most common business areas among freelancers working as Interim Managers in Stuttgart are Project Management (100%), Strategy (86%), and Operations (71%).
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
