Operations Manager
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Meet FRATCH Operations Managers
Matthias Sauer-Rank
Last position:
Lecturer Software Management, 10% at FH Graubünden
- Design and delivery of the university module "Software Management" in the Bachelor's program Artificial Intelligence in Software Engineering
- Teaching software project management, project organization, stakeholder management, risk and quality management, as well as agile and hybrid project steering
- Covering release planning, cut-over, go-live, handover to operations, and the operational impact of technical decisions
- Developing a case study across the semester for practical application of the methods taught
- Designing lectures, group work, risk and decision workshops, and practice-oriented assessments
- Combining methodological fundamentals with experience from software development, customer projects, delivery, release, testing, and IT operations
- Use of AI in software and project management
Methods and tools: Software project management, HERMES, PRINCE2, Scrum, Kanban, hybrid delivery models, requirements engineering, risk and quality management, release management, test management, Moodle
Robert Karash
Last position:
Interim Manager | Group Leader in the IT Operations & Digitalization Division "Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS) at Landwirtschaftliche RentenBank
- Technical leadership and further development of a team of 28 IT staff (internal & external) in the areas HelpDesk/HelpLine, RHEL (Red Hat), MUREX (trading system & applications), SAP basis operations
- Managing external service providers (including FI-TS for SAP basis operations)
- Personnel, resource and budget planning for the IT department and projects
- Introducing and establishing regular communication formats (weekly status meetings, team and cross-department meetings)
- Ensuring application operations in a hybrid environment (Windows/Linux with database and web/application servers)
- Supporting transformation projects to modernize the application landscape (e.g. DevOps approaches)
- Setting up and implementing a digital IT procurement for hardware & software (e.g. with DELL)
- Developing and managing the "IT Operations DOS" department based on corporate strategy
- Preparing management reports & decision papers on IT projects, optimization potential and automation opportunities
- Representing the department in the advisory boards of the Rentenbank and ensuring regulatory compliance (BaFin §44, GDPR, BSI, MaRisk)
Vicky Lee
Last position:
Lead Product Manager, Operational Excellence at GoFractional Engagement
- Strategy: Embedded full time in a scaleup to identify the cross team problems blocking company growth, particularly delivery speed and customer satisfaction.
- Problem Discovery: Ran 50+ interviews with internal team members and functional leads, identified 100+ problems and pain points across the organisation, then ran 10 workshops with executives and stakeholders to group findings into themes and build a prioritisation framework.
- Solution: Redesigned the entire subscription management experience for customers and the internal workflows supporting it across 5 teams, reducing manual work by 80% and improving CSAT from 3.8 to 4.1.
Rüdiger Schulz
Last position:
Full-Stack Software Engineer / Consultant for Digitalization at ARTEVENT
Designed, built, and launched an internal event planning web application used by over 100 department leads for a large event, despite having no dedicated testing phase.
Ensured smooth, failure-free operation during first production use, leading to the tool being adopted for future events.
Automated catering calculations and related workflows, significantly reducing email communication and manual computation effort for meal planning.
Managed deployment and hosting on a Linux server using Coolify, including application setup and runtime operations.
Hired and guided a communication designer on UX while independently owning all technical decisions and implementation.
Andrew Steinhauer
Last position:
CSO/COO Interim at Testa Motari GmbH
- Interim leadership responsibility for realigning the entire leadership organization – away from classic target setting and solution specification toward a teal-oriented organization with clear responsibility for each individual employee.
- Stabilization of production processes and reduction of the backlog in all customer projects.
- Building up the necessary material inventory (agreed with end customers by contract) – eliminated backlogs and special runs, achieved 2 weeks of material inventory.
- From the start of the assignment, also took over overall technical responsibility for Research & Development (R&D).
- In addition to the CSO/COO role, took over responsibility for controlling and finance in the last 9 months.
Karsten Reischl
Last position:
New conference and canteen building, centralization of administration. at Essity Operations Mannheim GmbH
- Essity Operations, sparring partner for all sites.
- Support with the digitalization and implementation of a new billing system
- New concept for company catering
- New conference and canteen building
Jens Matthaei
Last position:
Automation project manager at Capgemini Engineering @ ACC Battery Factory
PSA, Peugeot Citroën, France (10/2023 – 05/2024)
- Launch Manager for electrode production rolling lines
- Setup, modernization, and commissioning of cleanroom production equipment
- Management of a team of 15 Chinese technicians
- Recovery of a three-month delay and on-schedule delivery
Stefan Ullerich
Last position:
Workstream Lead Solution Delivery / IT Operations Manager SAP S4/HANA Private Cloud Edition - RISE at Munich Re
- Lead Solution Delivery workstream
- Serve as IT Operations Manager ad interim
- Define, implement, and continuously optimize the Target Operating Model
- Design and implement incident and problem management processes
- Develop, maintain, and execute business continuity and disaster recovery plans, including DR testing
- Ensure system availability, performance, scalability, and compliance with SLAs
- Liaise between business stakeholders, SAP Basis teams, managed service providers, and cloud vendors
- Oversee incident, change, and problem management processes per ITIL best practices
- Lead service reviews and vendor performance evaluations
- Coordinate patching, upgrades, and enhancement cycles with SAP AG and application operations teams
- Monitor system health, performance, and security using SAP for Me
- Collaborate with IT security, infrastructure, and network teams to ensure system integrity
- Create, track, and manage project-related firewall requests
- Develop, coordinate, and deliver cutover activities for targeted system lines
Ebru Ataman
Last position:
Product Operations Manager, Media Operations & Growth, Global Marketing at Zalando SE
- End-to-end responsibility for the successful implementation and continuous optimization of Mediatool for strategic media planning (offline & online).
- Development and management of efficient onboarding, configuration, and support processes for international stakeholder teams.
- Leadership of API integrations to connect external systems (e.g., for result tracking and performance measurement).
- Advising departments on tool usage and development, including workshop design, training, and knowledge transfer.
- Establishment and maintenance of comprehensive PMO tracking for all tasks, milestones, and deliverables.
- Prioritization and documentation of requirements, change requests, and bugs in Jira, with transparent communication via Confluence.
- Systematic evaluation of user feedback to derive data-driven optimization measures.
- Responsibility for the monthly Mediatool communication newsletter, including content creation for users and leadership.
Dominic Schober
Last position:
Operations Technology & Analytics at Self-directed
- Built operational analytics dashboard suite for a multi-unit F&B group from granular Lightspeed POS data — KPI reporting, product-mix analysis, demand forecasting and expansion site-selection
- Automated weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting and P&L variance analysis, plus a demand-forecasting tool that converts POS data into hourly kitchen prep schedules
- Developed a customer-review intelligence system across six sites — automated data collection, AI classification into operational themes with bilingual reply drafting and an interactive dashboard, cutting weekly review analysis from 2.5 hours to minutes
Antonia Landi
Last position:
Senior Product Ops & Data Lead at Novartis
Embedded in the global MarTech organisation, I led strategic initiatives to shift towards a data-driven product operating model, strengthening decision-making, planning, and accountability across global marketing and product teams.
- Introduced and owned a structured OKR and quarterly planning cadence, coaching Product Managers and Leaders to move from output-driven delivery to outcome-focused prioritisation
- Designed and implemented a global analytics solution serving stakeholders across Marketing, Product, and Regulatory functions, reducing time-to-insight by 70%
- Established user behaviour analytics for internal tools, shifting product decisions from anecdotal input to evidence-based trade-offs
Volker Schreiner
Last position:
Operations Manager ATT Area at Klingelnberg AG
Bridging the vacancy of operations manager ATT area
Process optimization
Reduction of lead times
Reorganization of the ATT area
Increase in OTIF from 73% to 92%
Greater flexibility in employee deployment through internal equipment training
Integration of a new cooperation partner
Implementation of an MDE system
Nicole Neumeister
Last position:
SENIOR CONSULTANT - Digital Transformation / OE & Change at init AG
- Led and executed complex change and transformation projects, focusing on HR transformation and cultural change in public sector organisations (e.g., BAMF, bpb, DAkkS).
- Designed and facilitated change workshops and leadership development programs to drive adoption and successful implementation of change initiatives.
- Collaborated with executives and stakeholders to analyse requirements, define objectives, and develop tailored transformation roadmaps, including communication strategies and performance monitoring.
- Supported business development by identifying and developing new opportunities in digital transformation initiatives.
Edgar Behrend
Last position:
Operations & Customer Experience Lead
Strategic management of daily operations to ensure smooth processes in high-level customer service.
- Implementation and monitoring of performance KPIs to increase operational efficiency.
- Advising clients on optimizing their service workflows and customer journey.
Evelynn Matschassek
Last position:
Creative Strategy & Operations Manager at Vite LLC
- Identified and resolved a six-figure fulfillment deficit caused by legacy software misconfigurations and outdated SOPs
- Managed campaign product development and production, coordinating with multiple international stakeholders
- Revised/Created and implemented comprehensive and scalable fulfillment, inventory management, customer relations, and logistics SOPs
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Operations Managers statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
20 years
Position duration
3.2 years
Positions per freelancer
9
Top business areas
Operations, Project Management, Information Technology
Top industries
Professional Services, Information Technology, Manufacturing
Certification focus areas
Project Management, Human Resources, Information Technology
Bachelor's degree or higher
83%
Master's degree or higher
46%
Doctorate
8%
Certifications per freelancer
3
Most common languages
English, German, French
Speak two or more languages
100%
Based on our profile pool as of 21 Aug 2026.
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.
Average rates for Operations Managers
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 21 Aug 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
About the role
Driving Efficiency and Scalability
Optimizing workflows and scaling business units require a hands-on leader who can translate strategic goals into daily execution. Freelance operations managers step in during rapid growth phases, restructuring, or post-merger integrations to align departments, eliminate bottlenecks, and implement robust operational frameworks.
Core Responsibilities and Deliverables
- Streamlining supply chain logistics and procurement processes
- Implementing ERP systems and operational software tools
- Defining and monitoring key performance indicators across departments
- Standardizing standard operating procedures to ensure quality control
- Managing resource allocation and budgeting for key business units
When to Onboard a Freelance Operations Leader
Companies typically bring in an external operations specialist when facing sudden leadership vacancies, executing major digital transformations, or setting up new production facilities. A freelance expert provides immediate relief without the long-term commitment of a permanent executive search, delivering objective analysis and rapid implementation of best practices.
Key Competencies of Top Professionals
Successful operations specialists possess deep expertise in methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile project management. They are adept at managing cross-functional teams, resolving operational friction, and leveraging data analytics to make informed decisions. Strong communication skills enable them to bridge the gap between executive strategy and front-line execution.
Frequently asked questions
What clients ask us most about Operations Managers — answered in short.
A freelance operations manager oversees daily business activities, optimizes workflows, and ensures resources are used efficiently. They analyze existing workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement structured processes to improve overall productivity. Their goal is to align day-to-day execution with the broader strategic objectives of the company.
While a project manager focuses on temporary endeavors with specific start and end dates, an operations lead manages ongoing business processes and continuous organizational functions. Project managers deliver unique results under constraints, whereas operations specialists ensure the daily machine runs smoothly, sustainably, and cost-effectively.
Bringing in an interim COO is ideal during periods of rapid transition, such as sudden executive departures, post-merger integrations, or restructuring phases. A freelancer provides immediate, objective expertise to stabilize operations and can guide the department until a permanent replacement is onboarded.
Any sector undergoing rapid change or scaling challenges benefits from hiring a business operations manager, including manufacturing, e-commerce, logistics, and technology. They bring specialized knowledge in areas like supply chain optimization, inventory control, and digital system integration tailored to the specific industry dynamics.
A top-tier operations consultant is evaluated by their track record of successful process optimization, cost reduction, and change management. Look for concrete experience in your specific industry, proficiency with ERP systems, and the ability to present clear case studies of past operational turnarounds.
Many responsibilities of a modern operations director, such as digital workflow mapping, system implementation, and KPI tracking, can be handled efficiently in a remote setup. However, physical manufacturing, logistics, or on-site team building often require a hybrid model with regular on-site presence to understand local challenges firsthand.
A skilled operations manager utilizes a variety of software tools, including ERP platforms like SAP or Microsoft Dynamics, project management tools like Asana and Jira, and data analytics dashboards. They also employ process mapping software to visualize workflows and identify inefficiencies before redesigning business procedures.
The duration depends on the scope, but most assignments for an interim operations manager range from several months to a year. Short-term projects might focus on a specific audit or software rollout, while long-term engagements usually cover comprehensive organizational restructuring or scaling initiatives.
The average hourly rate for Operations Managers is 114 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 911 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers working as Operations Managers, 83% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 46% hold at least a Master's degree, and 8% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers working as Operations Managers have 20 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 3.2 years.
The most common languages among freelancers working as Operations Managers are English (99%), German (91%), and French (28%).
The most common industries among freelancers working as Operations Managers are Professional Services (54%), Information Technology (46%), and Manufacturing (43%).
The most common business areas among freelancers working as Operations Managers are Operations (95%), Project Management (87%), and Information Technology (54%).
FRATCH Operations Managers main locations
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Request a free demo
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
