Recommended expert
Mark (David) Atkins
Freelance Consultant
Experience
Jan 2015 - Present
11 years 3 monthsBickenbach, Germany
Freelance Consultant
Atkins Consulting
May 2014 - Apr 2015
1 yearCologne, Germany
Temp Specialist at Getrag Ford Transmissions
Hays AG
- Qualification and approval of 15 new suppliers and components through APQP
- Reduced processing time for engineering changes on existing parts by 20%
- Conducted all process audits (VDA 6.3) within department targets and trained three colleagues as process auditors
Nov 2013 - Apr 2014
6 monthsHeidelberg, Germany
Supplier Quality Engineer
IHI Charging Systems International
- Successfully launched 8 new cast parts through APQP from initial selection to approval
- Improved internal quality standards to reduce process errors by 40% and harmonized them with headquarters in Heidelberg and plants in Germany and Italy
Oct 2011 - Nov 2013
2 years 2 monthsKetsch, Germany
Senior Supplier Development Engineer
BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems
- Implemented quality improvement programs for problematic suppliers, reducing complaints by 70% and cutting quality costs by €15,000
- Achieved cost reduction of €10,000 by shifting a washing process to a sub-supplier
Jan 2009 - Jun 2009
6 monthsHigashimatsuyama, Japan
Quality Engineer (International Assignment)
Robert Bosch KK
- Supported the local quality department in developing their quality systems and implementing Bosch group standards, as well as updating over 20 quality documents
- Introduced regular quality circles for Japanese suppliers delivering to Germany
- Analyzed the Japanese supplier quality philosophy and presented more than 30 recommendations to the top purchasing management in Homburg
Aug 1999 - Sep 2011
12 years 2 monthsHomburg, Germany
Quality Engineer, External Sourcing
Robert Bosch GmbH
- Used skills gained in Japan to communicate between suppliers in Germany and development teams in Japan
- Supported the successful ramp-up of 30 components from the prototype phase to series approval, coordinating tasks between purchasing, development, and customer quality
- Harmonized initially difficult relations between Japanese suppliers and procurement through regular conference calls and using Japanese language skills, reducing phase times by up to 75%
- Coordinated the shift of quality responsibility for over 150 individual components from the USA to Brazil, linking production and purchasing in Germany with the development departments in the USA and Brazil
- Conducted process audits at over 20 suppliers and developed their quality systems to achieve ship-to-stock status
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 Automotive (15.5 years), Manufacturing (13 years), and Professional Services (11 years).
Automotive
Manufacturing
Professional Services
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 Quality Assurance (15.5 years), Procurement (15 years), Supply Chain Management (12 years), Strategy (11 years), and Operations (1 year).
Quality Assurance
Procurement
Supply Chain Management
Strategy
Operations
Summary
I am a freelance consultant with extensive experience in quality engineering, supplier development, and auditing in the automotive and aerospace industries. I have successfully led quality improvements, reduced process errors, and optimized supplier performance through structured audits, APQP, and implementing cost-saving measures. I have also played a key role in harmonizing quality systems across international teams, which accelerated time to market and enhanced overall production efficiency.
I bring strong expertise in managing complex quality issues and developing robust quality procedures. With hands-on experience working in diverse environments and a range of certifications, I deliver practical, efficient solutions that drive measurable improvements and solid operational results.
Languages
English
NativeGerman
AdvancedFrench
IntermediateJapanese
IntermediateItalian
Elementary ...and 1 more
Education
Sep 1995 - Jun 1996
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
Esslingen, Germany
Sep 1994 - Jun 1998
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Diploma in Engineering (grade: 2:1) · Hatfield, United Kingdom
Certifications & licenses
Practitioner of the Chartered Quality Institute
Chartered Quality Institute
European Engineer
FEANI
Chartered Engineer
Engineering Council UK
Aspiring System Auditor for DIN EN 9100 (Aerospace)
Qualified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015
TÜV SÜD Certified Specialist Trainer
Certified Auditor for AIAG Special Processes (CQI)
Certified Product Safety and Conformity Representative (PSCR)
Certified Senior Auditor for Process Audits according to VDA 6.3 Guidelines
Certified System Auditor (1st/2nd Party) to IATF 16949
Profile
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Last Update
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Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.
Where is Mark based?
Mark is based in Bickenbach, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.
What languages does Mark speak?
Mark speaks the following languages: English (Native), German (Advanced), French (Intermediate), Japanese (Intermediate), Italian (Elementary), Portuguese (Elementary).
How many years of experience does Mark have?
Mark has at least 27 years of experience. During this time, Mark has worked in at least 6 different roles and for 6 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 4 years and 5 months. Note that Mark may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
What roles would Mark be best suited for?
Based on recent experience, Mark would be well-suited for roles such as: Freelance Consultant, Temp Specialist at Getrag Ford Transmissions, Supplier Quality Engineer.
What is Mark's latest experience?
Mark's most recent position is Freelance Consultant at Atkins Consulting.
What companies has Mark worked for in recent years?
In recent years, Mark has worked for Atkins Consulting.
Which industries is Mark most experienced in?
Mark is most experienced in industries like Automotive, Manufacturing, and Professional Services.
Which business areas is Mark most experienced in?
Mark is most experienced in business areas like Quality Assurance (QA), Procurement and Purchasing, and Supply Chain Management. Mark also has some experience in Strategy and Planning and Operations.
Which industries has Mark worked in recently?
Mark has recently worked in industries like Professional Services.
Which business areas has Mark worked in recently?
Mark has recently worked in business areas like Strategy and Planning.
What is Mark's education?
Mark holds a Bachelor from Esslingen University of Applied Sciences and a Bachelor from University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
Does Mark have any certificates?
Mark has 10 certificates. Among them, these include: Practitioner of the Chartered Quality Institute, European Engineer, and Chartered Engineer.
What is the availability of Mark?
Mark is immediately available part-time for suitable projects.
What is the rate of Mark?
Mark's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.
How to hire Mark?
To hire Mark, click the Meet button on the profile to request a meeting and discuss your project needs.
Average rates for similar positions
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
1000
750
500
250
Market avg: 700-860 €
Market avg: 700-860 €
The rates shown represent the typical market range for freelancers in this position based on recent contracts on our platform.
Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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