Christoph Lefkes - Program Manager - SAP S/4 HANA

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Hamburg, Germany

Experience

Oct 2024 - Jan 2025

4 months

Mannheim, Germany

Program Manager - SAP S/4 HANA

Bahag AG

Took over control of the SAP S4 Transformation program after 15 months of project runtime.
Assessed the quality of soft factors, especially teamwork and communication.
Reviewed program plan, resource management, and realigned the timeline.
Introduced the software delivery model and quality gates.
Defined initial scope as business capabilities.
Implemented enterprise architecture.
Reported to the steering committee and C-level for the S4 transformation program.
Managed risks and escalated project risks according to reporting lines.
Coordinated the projects within the program.

Dec 2023 - Jul 2024

8 months

Augsburg, Germany

Program Lead SAP S/4 HANA Public Cloud

H-Tec Systems GmbH

Managed the entire project from start date to go-live, including documentation and communication at all levels, especially board level.
Replanned, structured, and organized all project processes for all teams and departments.
Defined project goals and aligned them with stakeholders; monitored budget and timelines including progress tracking.
Led and supported subproject managers; regularly reported to project sponsors and steering committees.
Managed external service providers, especially SAP consulting and internal resources.

Jun 2023 - Dec 2023

7 months

Munich, Germany

Business Development Officer

Urb@nFish UG

Developed business plan, financing and pitch deck, marketing concept, and investor presentations for an aquaponics start-up.
Found partners, entered competitions, gave pre-seed presentations, and provided strategy consulting.

Sep 2022 - May 2023

9 months

Bergkirchen, Germany

SAP S/4 Project Lead and Crisis Intervention

REPA Deutschland GmbH

Project lead for crisis intervention of a four-year implementation project.
Assessed organizational maturity, IT and business processes, vendor management, and IT structure.
Defined and built an IT operating model, including hiring 20 IT staff.
Defined software delivery model, quality gates, and deliverables.
Redesigned the future business model and target processes.
Defined target architecture for SAP and third-party systems in the European group and created a migration path from legacy systems.
Performed SAP safeguarding and digital discovery assessment; reissued RFP for implementation.
Managed change, stakeholders, risks, project organization (training, workshops, rooms), architecture diagrams, process development, interfaces to parallel projects, and conflict management.

Apr 2021 - Aug 2022

1 year 5 months

Munich, Germany

SAP S/4 – Sales & Distribution Crisis Intervention

Fraunhofer Gesellschaft e.V.

Led all hypercare activities from go-live on 01/10/22.
Acted as enterprise architect and oversaw public project billing in SAP SD and IBSO development.
Defined master data strategy and governance, IAM and identity access governance.
Managed change, project controlling (status capture, analysis, actions, consolidation, reporting), stakeholders, risks, project organization (training, workshops, rooms), architecture diagrams, process development, interfaces to other projects, and conflict management.

Nov 2020 - Feb 2021

4 months

Hamburg, Germany

Project Lead ERP Evaluation

OTTO DÖRNER GmbH & Co. KG

Gathered requirements from disposal, building materials, and landfill divisions through strategic and functional workshops and on-site observations.
Consolidated requirements using a custom template approach.
Defined module deliverables for functional and technical modules.
Added industry specifics and best practices.
Created functional and technical specifications for a 48-company group.

Jul 2020 - Oct 2020

4 months

Attendorn, Germany

Project Lead ERP Implementation

Viega Holding GmbH & Co. KG

Managed the entire vendor selection process, from requirements validation to choosing the implementation partner for SAP S/4.
Defined project goals and aligned with stakeholders; ensured budget and timeline adherence.
Managed external service providers, especially the SAP implementation partner.
Handled escalations and program management.
Led and developed the core project team.

Apr 2019 - Mar 2020

1 year

Bad Rodach, Germany

Interim Lead Project Portfolio and Process Management & Project Lead ERP Implementation

Habermaass GmbH

Crisis intervention and project lead for a large ERP implementation.
Provided strategy consulting and redesigned the business model (B2B + B2C) and corporate structure for a multi-brand group.
Managed SAP ERP tender and redesigned processes and deliverables.
Conducted staff training.
Built portfolio management.
Analyzed dependencies and managed projects.
Redesigned the software delivery process.
Managed risks and communications.
Led and trained the core project team.

Apr 2017 - Sep 2018

1 year 6 months

Herzogenaurach, Germany

Project Lead Merchandising Financial Planning & North America Market Entry, Product Owner

adidas AG

Defined scope and concept for North America (adidas USA, Canada, Reebok USA).
Created global templates (Western Europe, North America, Russia, China) for forecasting, financial and assortment planning.
Set guidelines for overhang valuation and release.
Product owner for MFP and WSSI.
Analyzed dependencies, managed projects, risks, and communications.
Managed testing and vendors.
Redesigned and implemented an agile software delivery process.

May 2016 - Mar 2017

11 months

Metzingen, Germany

Project Lead Omni-Channel Services

Hugo Boss AG

Defined scope, lean development, architecture, release and test management, dependency analysis, project planning (scope, schedule, budget, quality), risk and communication management, and project controlling.
Delivered agile POS, iPad, inventory, and ERP solutions.
Planned and ran structured walkthroughs.

Nov 2015 - Jan 2016

3 months

Hamburg, Germany

CIO Strategy Workshop, Onboarding and Client Analysis

Ernst & Young GmbH

Nov 2015 - Jan 2016

3 months

Hamburg, Germany

Enterprise to Collection Planning

Globetrotter Ausrüstung GmbH

Aug 2014 - May 2015

10 months

Halle, Germany

Project Lead ERP Implementation Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012

Gerry Weber International AG

Conducted requirements analysis, restructuring, and transformation for retail and wholesale.
Designed planning and inventory management processes.
Led functional and technical ERP implementation and overall project and vendor management.

Jan 2014 - Present

11 years 7 months

Hamburg, Germany

Founder and Managing Director

Lefkes Unternehmensberatung GmbH

Feb 2013 - Present

12 years 6 months

Heidelberg, Germany

Partner

AMONTIS Consulting AG

Nov 2006 - Dec 2013

7 years 2 months

Hamburg, Germany

IT Department Head, Solution Architect, Project Lead, Scope Manager

OTTO Group

Scope manager for SAP implementation.
Project lead for strategic large projects.
Solution architect for multichannel retail, procurement, and planning.
IT head for key accounts, controlling, and architecture.
Managed scope and portfolio for a multiproject environment migrating host applications to Java and SAP. Defined project dependencies and sequence, built a process model and topology, and planned 400 internal and external resources with a €30 M annual development budget.
Created staff development program for IT, defining roles, skills, and progression for >300 staff.
As IT head and key account manager, oversaw client management, architecture, planning, and resources with >400 person-years in >100 projects.
Managed IT requirements for all Otto-Group companies.
Ensured multitenancy and reusability of IT implementations and services (lean development).
Set up unified project methodology and governance structures.
Managed multiproject portfolio, test, release, and rollout processes.
Defined and implemented software delivery processes and quality standards.
Oversaw master data management, data governance, and migration with cross-dependencies.
Optimized logistics and merged warehouses under a unified inventory system; led synergy projects like centralizing imports; managed >€1 B logistics volume annually.
Reimplemented wholesale processes and established cross-selling between SportScheck and Otto.

May 2006 - Oct 2006

6 months

Hamburg, Germany

Managing Director

Lascana

Led brand launch for Lascana in brick-and-mortar, including corporate design from store layout to marketing materials. Expanded to 50+ locations and 20+ labels.
Developed and launched retail operations and new inventory system with planning and BI tools.
Integrated logistics and IT into the existing mail-order structure.

Aug 2002 - Apr 2006

3 years 9 months

Taufkirchen, Germany

Director Merchandising

Eddie Bauer GmbH & Co. KG

Launched Eddie Bauer in Europe and scaled through SportScheck, Heine, Alba Moda, and Otto in Germany and Switzerland; managed webshops, catalogs, and stores, achieving >€100 M annual sales.
Introduced new inventory system with planning and BI tools.
As Director Merchandising, oversaw 50% in-house styles, 12 catalogs, webshop stocking, 11 stores, 4 mail-order partners; built cross-channel forecasting and replenishment algorithms; set up sourcing and audits (FLA, BSCI); designed product workflows; achieved >€100 M p.a. sales.
Created marketing materials for Germany, Austria, Switzerland; integrated logistics and IT into mail-order processes.
Managed assortment planning across web, catalog, and retail for 4 group companies in 3 countries using custom master data and BI consolidation.
Built a scalable joint-venture organization with US and Hong Kong partners, integrating 4 countries, 7 companies, and 12 departments.

Jan 1992 - Jul 2002

10 years 7 months

Munich, Germany

Head of Liquidation, Import & Export, Department Head Eddie Bauer

SportScheck GmbH

Led development and launch of SportScheck Outlet “HotSpot” as a standalone profit center; designed corporate identity across POS, store, webshop, and catalog; achieved €13 M profit on 4 000 m² and >300 000 customers.
Led technical migration of online, print, and retail systems by big-bang across DE, AT, CH, NL; 165 developers, 6 000 days development, 3 000 days testing; delivered on schedule and budget (€6 M IT cost).
As import head, built private label sourcing and logistics; launched >20 collections, 25% of sales; managed brand and liquidation activities across channels.
Managed events, direct mail, and marketing for “HotSpot” openings.
Established import/export logistics from 14 countries (€30 M annual value); set freight, documentation, archiving, tariffs, and customs processes; managed exports to third-party countries and Swiss market entry.
Established cross-selling between SportScheck and Otto.

Aug 1990 - Jul 1991

1 year

Buchholz in der Nordheide, Germany

Buyer and Planner

Rohè Golf-Handels GmbH

Defined brand positioning and benchmarked Golfhouse and Golfdiscount in hard goods.
Restructured central warehouse.

Jan 1989 - Jul 1990

1 year 7 months

Hamburg, Germany

Customer Service Manager

Golf House Direktversand

Managed inventory flows and returns.
Defined brand positioning and benchmarked Golfhouse in hard goods.

Jun 1988 - Dec 1988

7 months

Mannheim, Germany

Bank Clerk

Commerzbank AG

Bad Salzuflen, Germany

Procurement Systems

Alba Moda GmbH

Hamburg, Germany

Planning Systems and In-Store Launch

Apart International GmbH

Hamburg, Germany

Functional and IT Concept for an E-Commerce Ecosystem

Collins/AboutYou

Japan

Joint Venture

Eddie Bauer Inc.

Seattle, United States

Joint Venture

Eddie Bauer Inc.

Rottendorf, Germany

Procurement Systems

Frankonia Handels GmbH & Co. KG

Hamburg, Germany

Wholesale Operations

H.I.S. Textil GmbH

Karlsruhe, Germany

Import and Export Operations

Heinrich Heine GmbH

Hamburg, Germany

Logistics Interface

Hermes Fulfillment GmbH

Hamburg, Germany

Cross-Selling and Trading on Other Platforms

OTTO Group

Blumenau, Brazil

Joint Venture with Otto

Posthaus

Dresden, Germany

Inventory System, POS

Salt Solutions GmbH

Hanau, Germany

In-Store Concept, POS

Schwab Versand GmbH

İstanbul, Turkey

Collection Development

Sera Tekstil

Summary

Christoph Lefkes brings over 20 years of experience in multi-project management and crisis intervention in large-scale projects, especially in designing and optimizing organizational structures. As an IT organizational architect, he has successfully defined, improved, and documented organizational structures in product organizations. Christoph has deep expertise across different industries and technology environments. He is a skilled problem solver who combines strategic and analytical skills with strong technical understanding. His experience managing multinational projects enables him to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all corporate levels and make critical decisions under pressure.

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

French

Advanced

Education

Commerzbank AG Mannheim

Bank Clerk · Mannheim, Germany

Technical High School Heidelberg

Heidelberg, Germany

Certifications & licenses

BAFA (Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control) Certified

PRINCE2® Foundation Exam

AXELOS Global Best Practice

PRINCE2® Practitioner Exam

AXELOS Global Best Practice

Professional Scrum Master I

Scrum.org

Six Sigma Green Belt

AIGPE

Strategic Management

amontis.com

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