Jens Keckstein - Interim Manager

Q: Where is Jens based?

Jens is based in Darmstadt, Germany and prefers 100% remote projects.

Q: What languages does Jens speak?

Jens speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced) .

Q: How many years of experience does Jens have?

Jens has at least 16 years of experience. During this time, Jens has worked in at least 9 different roles and for 15 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 1 month . Note that Jens may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Jens's latest experience?

Jens's most recent position is Interim Manager at Pharma Site .

Q: What companies has Jens worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Jens has worked for Pharma Site , High Voltage Systems Company , and Transport & Logistics Company .

Q: Which industries is Jens most experienced in?

Jens is most experienced in industries like Banking and Finance , Information Technology (IT) , and Transportation and Logistics . Jens also has some experience in Manufacturing , Pharmaceutical , and Chemical .

Q: Which business areas is Jens most experienced in?

Jens is most experienced in business areas like Strategy and Planning , Operations , and Project Management . Jens also has some experience in Product Development , Information Technology (IT) , and Human Resources (HR) .

Q: Which industries has Jens worked in recently?

Jens has recently worked in industries like Pharmaceutical , Transportation and Logistics , and Energy .

Q: Which business areas has Jens worked in recently?

Jens has recently worked in business areas like Project Management , Information Technology (IT) , and Strategy and Planning .

Recommended expert

Darmstadt, Germany

Experience

Feb 2024 - Present

2 years 1 month

Interim Manager

Pharma Site

Optimized entire project management and governance process
Developed organizational standards
Consulted on setting up new project management department
Consulted on future organizational allocation and placement
Consulted on assignment of internal and external staff
Developed requirements for new project management department
Conducted various employee interviews
Analyzed as-is process, defined future state scenarios and personal contributions to change
Elaborated pain points and derived action points
Defined PM method, roles and project types
Aligned definitions with internal requirements
Shaped and implemented the rollout project for the new PM methodology

Jan 2023 - Dec 2023

1 year

Program Manager

High Voltage Systems Company

Managed strategic program for digitization initiatives with four projects for procurement and accounting shared-service units
Implemented digital invoice processing: approvals and release process
Selected and implemented supplier management platform (SRM)
Selected and implemented procurement platform (eProcurement)
Designed and controlled proof-of-concept for SRM and eProcurement
Conducted efficiency analysis for accounting (SSE tasks and capacities)
Conceived efficiency improvements in digitization initiatives
Managed task relocation, change management and FTE adjustments
Program planning: topics, deliverables and risks
Ensured project progress, schedule adherence and risk management
Managed external service providers and consultants

Feb 2021 - Jun 2022

1 year 5 months

Program Manager

Transport & Logistics Company

Overall responsibility for development and evolution of strategic program with ten projects delivering CAL-suite solutions
Ensured alignment with corporate strategy and business requirements
Coordinated project participants and coached project managers
Advised leadership on project management methodologies
Developed new global IT initiatives and analyzed project proposals regarding timelines, financing and implementation options
Integrated new workstreams into program planning
Developed program project plan: milestones, deliverable definitions and risks
Ensured project progress, schedules and risk management at program level
Managed budget preparation, monitoring, reporting and escalation
Reviewed and approved external service providers’ work plans and consultants
Established standards and procedures for project and program reporting
Reported to C-level, IT leadership team, steering committee and business unit managers

Jun 2020 - Dec 2020

7 months

Interim Manager

Bank

Reduced and reallocated resources for sustainable organizational setup
Focused company on key topics relative to competition and growth with modern processes and technology
Delivered project results on time and within budget
Supported individual areas in existing and identification of potential lean initiatives
Scoped B2B, B2C, private banking, operations, IT and HR areas
Established HR controlling: KPIs, progress tracking and escalation
Analyzed FTE development in IT from 2018 to 2021: cost and FTE development of internal and external staff, capacity analysis demand vs supply, compared with cost drivers in run-the-bank and change-the-bank contexts

Jul 2019 - Oct 2019

4 months

Program Change Manager BPM

Medtech Company

Led change management activities in complex transformation program with 32 parallel projects
Developed and adapted IT strategy change management framework to define BPM requirements
Updated OCM approach and documentation within the framework
Defined communication channels and executed selected communication measures at program and project level
Created key messages for IT strategy and BPM for integration into employee magazine, newsletters and communication guide
Conducted stakeholder interviews with 14 BPM leads
Performed stakeholder analyses, change impact analyses and action planning for individual projects
Developed individual change stories for each project
Supported and coached delivery service managers on OCM measures
Designed change network with change ambassador per project

Feb 2018 - Aug 2018

7 months

Programme Manager DACH

International Financial Services Company

Implemented central legal requirements for GDPR compliance effective 25.05.2018
Took over and turned around project in crisis situation
Managed quick wins until and beyond deadline in accountability and governance: data retention schedule and policies
Managed fair and lawful processing: FPN, webpages, verbal and privacy notices
Implemented enhanced individual rights in ERP and non-ERP systems
Initiated and managed pilot for data blocking and deletion
Covered operations, operations delivery and receivables management, downstream finance, pricing and HR
Led business process management and IT change management including data warehouse
Directed specialist concept for data blocking and deletion in ERP system (PowerTeam)
Planned program Opex and Capex budgets
Oversaw PMO of two staff

Jul 2017 - Dec 2018

1 year 6 months

Interim Manager

Chemical Manufacturing Industry

Conceptualized organizational integration of three sister companies into a single organization in two steps
Designed and implemented growth consolidation of three operational legal entities
Planned rebranding and renaming strategy
Identified external and internal fusion-related issues
Clarified corporate law aspects and structuring options
Coordinated legal topics with parent company
Shaped organizational structure to a unified enterprise
Oversaw and managed areas including product approvals, trademarks, patents and utility models, export regulations and transition periods
Implemented adjustments in operations and production
Managed internal corporate affairs modifications
Led personnel-related aspects and works council coordination

May 2015 - Oct 2015

6 months

Interim Manager

Regional Sparkasse

Conducted cost-revenue study for outsourcing foreign business unit
Performed make-or-buy analysis for product portfolio and personnel
Compared in-house operation, partial outsourcing and full outsourcing scenarios
Collected internal cost structures and profit per product category
Conducted market and potential analysis for strategic product portfolio assessment
Created, executed and evaluated RfP for three external service providers
Developed business case with multiple scenario analyses
Calculated imputed cost valuation of new service offers
Prepared board proposal with recommendation

Dec 2013 - Mar 2014

4 months

Program Manager

Pharma & Logistics Company

Led strategic transformation program to implement global enterprise processes in SAP ERP, SAP CRM and SAP HRM
Established program structures in line with corporate governance guidelines
Responsible for creating program handbook per PMBOK
Defined handbook structure and deliverables
Defined and drafted program-wide standards and processes: escalation, change request, stage gates and reporting
Defined and drafted program governance bodies: program charter and project steering committee
Established responsibilities, decision rules and levels
Developed 32 project roles with functions and seniority levels
Specified required skills, responsibilities and expectations for roles

Feb 2012 - Dec 2012

11 months

Program Manager

Credit Card Processor

Migrated positions from German headquarters to other national and international sites for cost reduction and consolidation of centers of excellence
Took over and turned around program, delivering results on time and budget, saving approx. USD 8 M within two years
Relaunched project structure, scheduling and communication
Managed scope, risk management and change request assessment
Oversaw in-scope departments: IT infrastructure, networks, product, client service delivery
Established controlling: KPIs, progress tracking and escalation
Matched structural requirements of starting and landing sites
Contributed to organizational structure development at destinations and facilitated workshadowing
Adapted cross-processes (SOP)
Developed program-wide reporting
Participated in steering and approval committees and change control forum
Led workshops and meetings

Apr 2009 - Jul 2009

4 months

Process Manager

German DIY Retail Chain

Relaunched customer card system for loyalty and new customer acquisition
Managed product launch (go-live), product and process management
Analyzed systems: merchandise management, POS, campaign management and financial accounting
Coordinated between IT process, marketing and sales departments
Created full specification for system adjustments
Developed complete process documentation and handbook
Adapted processes: checkout flow, electronic order processing and loyalty discount settlement
Redesigned processes to include group discounts
Designed card-triggered kick-back logic and voucher settlement

Oct 2006 - Apr 2008

1 year 7 months

Interim to perm Country Manager D

Norwegian Tech Group

Founded subsidiary and built business in Germany
Managed GmbH with general power of attorney
Planned and executed market entry and competitor analysis
Selected target customers and conducted B2B sales of tracking and tracing services
Acquired and managed new customers
Negotiated cooperation contracts with strategic partners
Managed budget including planning and control
Held revenue responsibility
Led and managed team of three employees

Jan 2005 - Sep 2006

1 year 9 months

Senior Business Consultant

NetCo Consulting GmbH

Consulted for banks and IT service providers
Developed business case for desktop services outsourcing
Implemented KPI steering and BI platform (SAS SPM)

Sep 2000 - Jul 2001

11 months

Project Manager for DSL Marketing via AOL

AOL Bertelsmann Online GmbH & Co KG

Designed online product and customer-facing business and IT processes
Managed product launch (go-live), product and process management
Defined project scope and work packages, business processes: acquisition, order management, customer services, billing and reporting
Negotiated distribution partnership with a telco company

Jul 1996 - Aug 2000

4 years 2 months

Consultant Banking Structures

Mummert + Partner Unternehmensberatung AG

Advised banks and financial services companies
Developed functional concepts for projects (organization and processes)
Conducted feasibility study and functional concept for card management system
Executed outsourcing projects for a German bank

Industries Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.

Experienced in Banking and Finance (8 years), Information Technology (4 years), Transportation (3 years), Pharmaceutical (2.5 years), Manufacturing (2.5 years), and Chemical (1.5 years).

Banking and Finance

Information Technology

Transportation

Pharmaceutical

Manufacturing

Chemical

Business Areas Experience

The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.

Experienced in Strategy (9.5 years), Operations (8 years), Project Management (7.5 years), Information Technology (5 years), Product Development (5 years), and Human Resources (2 years).

Strategy

Operations

Project Management

Information Technology

Product Development

Human Resources

Summary

Shaping transformation. With confidence.

Your interim manager and program manager for business transformation and organizational development. He steps in when leadership needs to further develop your company or parts of it.

He is your helmsman in project management | during reorganizations | change management initiatives: from analysis, through conception, hands-on implementation to successful completion – with more than 30 years of professional experience.

His specialties are organizational integrations of SMEs or their separation | carve-out to other European countries | globally. Also the examination of business units from cost/benefit perspectives (make-or-buy), leadership development within change initiatives.

He is your helmsman in reorganizations | change management initiatives | in leading projects: from analysis, through conception, hands-on implementation to successful completion – with more than 30 years of professional experience.

In familiar collaboration with decision-makers and key players, he has a clear idea of what he can expect from leaders – and he demands it.

Working with people, involving people, leading people – his open, appreciative, and reliable manner quickly makes him a trusted person and a leader.

Born in 1968, German nationality. As a bank clerk (IHK), graduate in business administration (FH), certified SME consultant (BVMW), interim executive (EBS), and change manager (IHK), he brings exactly the background knowledge necessary for successful implementation in companies. He has himself managed the mentioned topics in various leadership positions.

Transforming companies: restructuring. expansion. reorganization. – As a doer, he combines the complexity of the matter with clarity in implementation: digitizing and skillfully executing the related processes and structures. In familiar collaboration with decision-makers, he has a clear idea of what he can expect from leaders, and he demands it.

Experienced in "what works now" and "what still works later," still always eager to learn, he convinces pragmatically, tailored to the audience – no matter the level.

Thus demanding, but not overstretching, that is his work style as a leader. With the core points as change & transformation manager, organizational developer and certified project manager (Level C) according to GPM | IPMA, he shapes the procedures, the implementation, the goals – and ultimately the result. Regardless of the industry or company size.

He is active across various sectors wherever transformation experience is needed.

Skills

Expanding | Professionalizing Business Units

Business Development
It Process Management: Digitizing Business Processes
Setup | Execution | Governance Of Large Projects | Programs
Internationalization

Transforming Companies | Mastering Turnaround

Make-or-buy Analyses For Company, Product, And Personnel
Reorganization | Turnaround | Post-merger Integration
Business Process Outsourcing | Insourcing
Site Relocation | Consolidation
Development | Implementation Of Organizational Change Management Initiatives
Development | Introduction Of Transformation Concepts

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Genossenschaftsbank

Bank Clerk · Bank Clerk · Germany

Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Diploma in Business Administration (FH) · Business Administration · Frankfurt, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Change Manager

IHK

Interim Executive

European Business School

Certified SME Consultant

BVMW

Certified Project Manager (Level C) according to GPM | IPMA

Profile

Created

February 2025

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Jens based?

Jens is based in Darmstadt, Germany and prefers 100% remote projects.

What languages does Jens speak?

Jens speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Jens have?

Jens has at least 16 years of experience. During this time, Jens has worked in at least 9 different roles and for 15 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 1 month. Note that Jens may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Jens be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Jens would be well-suited for roles such as: Interim Manager, Program Manager, Program Change Manager BPM.

What is Jens's latest experience?

Jens's most recent position is Interim Manager at Pharma Site.

What companies has Jens worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Jens has worked for Pharma Site, High Voltage Systems Company, and Transport & Logistics Company.

Which industries is Jens most experienced in?

Jens is most experienced in industries like Banking and Finance, Information Technology (IT), and Transportation and Logistics. Jens also has some experience in Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, and Chemical.

Which business areas is Jens most experienced in?

Jens is most experienced in business areas like Strategy and Planning, Operations, and Project Management. Jens also has some experience in Product Development, Information Technology (IT), and Human Resources (HR).

Which industries has Jens worked in recently?

Jens has recently worked in industries like Pharmaceutical, Transportation and Logistics, and Energy.

Which business areas has Jens worked in recently?

Jens has recently worked in business areas like Project Management, Information Technology (IT), and Strategy and Planning.

What is Jens's education?

Jens attended Genossenschaftsbank for Bank Clerk.

Does Jens have any certificates?

Jens has 4 certificates. Among them, these include: Change Manager, Interim Executive, and Certified SME Consultant.

What is the availability of Jens?

Jens is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Jens?

Jens's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.