Frank S.
Project & Interim Manager
Experience
Freelance Project & Interim Manager
Self-employed
Head of Research and Development
Schaudt Mikrosa GmbH
- Managing the technical division with about 70 employees in design, software development, electrical design, documentation, and order engineering departments
- Developing product strategies and product roadmaps
- Project management for a new development project
- Establishing product maintenance and further development
- Reorganizing software development
- Introducing new control technologies
Project Manager, Research and Development
Georg Fischer Machining Solutions, Mikron Agie Charmilles AG
- Initiating new development projects for 5- and 3-axis milling machines in Switzerland and China
- Conducting market studies and drafting specifications
- Creating project plans, cost estimates and defending them to senior management
- Managing mechanical and electrical design as well as software development
- Testing and validating prototype machines
- Industrializing and launching into series production
Consultant
FANUC Ltd.
- Redesigning the CNC user interface on 19" screens
- Building efficient software structures and development tools
- Extending the PC-based virtual CNC "NCGuide"
- Training programmers
Product Manager
FANUC FA Europe Headquarters
- Product responsibility for open controls (PC frontend systems), user interfaces and application interface programming
- Coordinating product development with the parent company in Japan
- Planning and executing automotive projects (powertrain)
- Conducting product training for staff and customers
- Advising and supporting the development and commissioning of machine tools
Manager CNC Application & Projects
GE Fanuc Europe Headquarters
- Leading a team of development and application engineers
- Product development for the European market: CNC user interface for conventional lathes ("Turn Mate i") and for the automotive industry ("Auto HMI")
- Organizing customer support in key projects
Supervisor Network Engineering
GE Fanuc Europe Headquarters
- Leading the workshop-oriented programming group
- Specifying and implementing Ethernet-based network solutions for transfer lines
- Implementing Profibus DP as an open fieldbus system on FANUC CNC
Site Manager and Project Manager
General Contractor VW/Skoda
- Supervising and guiding control cabinet assembly and commissioning
- Managing PLC programming
- Implementing the production monitoring and visualization system
Application Engineer PLC
GE Fanuc Germany
- Implementing MES/SCADA systems at Opel Eisenach and General Motors in Zaragoza, Spain
Summary
At the center of my career are challenging roles in mechanical engineering and industrial automation, where I intentionally contributed my technical expertise and leadership skills. As head of engineering, I successfully led and developed teams of up to 115 engineers from various disciplines, both technically and as their line manager. My focus has always been on building a performance-driven, collaborative team culture and encouraging an open, solution-focused communication style.
My experience includes leading complex development projects from concept through to market launch, reorganizing and realigning existing structures, and introducing agile work methods. In critical situations, I stabilized organizations and guided them to successful completion through methodical multi-project management and responsible, transparent leadership. My special strengths include targeted development of employee skills, empowering teams, and fostering a sustainable, proactive leadership culture.
Skills
Product development projects from idea generation, drafting requirements and specifications, through development, prototype construction, testing and optimization, to rollout in series production
Automation projects
PLC software development projects; high-level languages C/C++/C#/Java, HMI, embedded
Customer-specific projects
Cost reduction projects (Design-to-Cost)
Multi-project management
Remediation of critical or troubled projects
Interim assumption of leadership positions at C-level and middle management
Bridging vacancies in department leadership for mechanical & electrical design, software engineering, etc.
Reorganizations, restructuring, crisis management
Process optimization
Introduction of agile work methods
Leading and facilitating "Design Thinking" processes
Risk and hazard analysis according to machinery directive, CE certification
Conflict management, mediation, team development
Battle-tested and stress-resistant
Calm and balanced demeanor
Very good analytical skills
Pragmatic approach to solving urgent problems
High social competence
Quick learner
Flexible and mobile
PLC controls (FANUC & Siemens)
CNC controls (FANUC; Siemens; Heidenhain)
Robot systems (FANUC & Kuka)
Turning, milling, grinding machines
3- and 5-axis HSC precision machining centers
Machine tool construction and general mechanical engineering
Plant engineering and automation technology
Manufacturing automation systems (MES SCADA databases)
Condition & performance monitoring systems
Solid practical knowledge in software development
PLC and CNC
High-level languages C; C++; C#; Java; HTML; XML
Architecture and design of object-oriented software
Technical leadership of mechanical design, electrical design, software development
Head of Research & Development (CTO); Engineering
Disciplinary and technical leadership of the departments mechanical design, electrical design, software development
Leading interdisciplinary teams of engineers from diverse nationalities and cultures (up to 120 people)
Project management (core competence)
Team reorganization, development and communication culture
Implementation of agile work methods such as SCRUM and Kanban in development and engineering
Budgeting, proposing and initiating projects
Creating roadmaps; project and time plans
Project analysis and turnaround
Active risk management
Facilitating "Design Thinking" sessions
Cost control using "Design-to-Cost" methods
MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint – advanced knowledge
MS Excel, MS Access – deep knowledge, programming
SAP – regular user
Languages
Education
Technische Universität Chemnitz
Diploma in Engineering · Information Technology / Electrical Engineering · Chemnitz, Germany · Good
Certifications & licenses
CE Officer
TÜV
Design Thinking Training
Georg Fischer Academy
Project Leadership Training Part 2
Georg Fischer Academy
Project Leadership Training Part 1
Georg Fischer Academy
Industrial Business Training
Georg Fischer Academy
Franklin Covey “The 4 Disciplines Of Execution”
Franklin Covey
Franklin Covey “The 7 Habits”
Franklin Covey
GE Six Sigma Green Belt
GE
Conflict As A Chance
UML Software Object Design
Leadership Development Course Ii
General Electric Academy
Wolfgang Denz Sales Training
Wolfgang Denz
Leadership Development Course I
General Electric Academy
Similar Freelancers
Discover other experts with similar qualifications and experience
Project Manager for IoT Applications and Workforce Management System Implementation
Senior Consultant
Post Merger & Digitalization Project Manager
Expert in Digital Transformation and Strategy Design
Portfolio Manager, Consultant, Leadership Coach
Project Manager/ Management Consultant
Freelance Project Manager
Lecturer in Project Management and Quality Management
Change & Rollout Manager for approx. 500 public authorities under SÜ2, upgrade & replacement of communication infrastructure
Architecture Management
Consultant, Advisor and Partner - Product, Design, Growth, Operation & Automation Expert
Overall Project Manager; Turnaround Manager & Coach
Interim Manager for Transformation and Restructuring
Consultant / Interim Manager
Founder / Co-CEO / Independent Consultant
Project Manager, Hustler, & Hound “Project Metrics on the Internet”
Sabbatical for Traveling and Private Projects
Interim IT Manager
Business Analyst, Configuration Manager
IT project and process management according to SAFe / SAP S/4
Process optimization
Senior IT Manager
AI-Consultant
System integration and subproject leadership as a system engineer for train control and train radio systems
Change Manager @ IT Transformation
Program Management SAP S/4HANA, Consultant for Business Units
IT-Business Analyst / Business Consultant
IT Project Manager
Project Manager for Network and Infrastructure Project migration EU/US/MEX
Interim / Senior Project Manager / PMO
- English
- Deutsch
2025 © FRATCH.IO GmbH. All rights reserved.