Michael G.
Interim Manager, Head of Project Management
Experience
Interim Manager, Head of Project Management
Hubert Schlieckmann GmbH
Optimization and monitoring of project management
Stakeholder management internal/external
Conflict and escalation management
Contact person for customers
Leading team meetings.
Planning, coordination and control of projects, taking into account client and project milestones.
Preparing, monitoring and adherence to financial and personnel planning.
Deadline monitoring and ensuring project and product quality.
Products:**
Welded assemblies made from 7000 series aluminum extrusion profiles
Complex chassis assemblies made from stamped, forged, and cast parts
Module carriers, structural elements, door components
Manufacturing methods used:**
Progressive and transfer presses, robot welding, automated assembly, mechanical aluminum profile machining
Project:**
6 team members
Program Manager for Automotive Projects
freeglass GmbH & Co. KG
Independent leadership of a door and aero trim project for 3 Audi platforms.
Fulfilling customer requirements by managing available resources in product development, manufacturing, quality department, and purchasing.
Leading the cross-functional team.
Customer contact at 2 locations.
Leading team meetings.
Planning, coordination, and control of the project, considering client and project milestones.
Preparing, monitoring, and adherence to financial planning.
Deadline monitoring and ensuring project and product quality.
Responsible for project documentation and internal and external communication.
Planning sampling to ensure deliveries to customer logistics as well as for test and prototype parts.
Contact person for the master fixture.
Products:**
High-gloss door and aero trims.
Manufacturing methods used:**
Injection molding on slide plate machines, gate removal using lasers; CI marking using lasers, fully automated assembly of aero trims
Project:**
Budget €12m, 15 team members
Program Manager for Automotive Projects
Rogers GmbH
Independent leadership of 5 automotive projects.
Fulfilling customer requirements by managing available resources in product development, manufacturing, quality department, and purchasing.
Introducing quality roadmaps and closing commercial agreements.
Responsible for planning and managing the cross-functional team.
Point of contact for assigned automotive projects from design phase to SOP.
Responsible for project documentation and internal and external communication.
Leading weekly internal and external project meetings.
Leading design change meetings.
Creating and maintaining schedules to track project status.
Tracking project team members' tasks to ensure they are completed on time and according to project requirements.
Responsible for identifying project risks and implementing preventive measures.
Escalating issues where required and appropriate.
Products:**
Power rails between inverter and drive motor for electric vehicles.
Manufacturing methods used:**
Stamping, bending, forming, deburring, laminating copper and aluminum; automatic assembly and automatic testing
Project:**
Budget €24m, 15 team members
Consultant for optimizing project management / PMO processes
Atreus GmbH für Nanogate NRW GmbH
Optimization of project management / PMO processes using the Daimler ramp-up project as an example.
Optimizing project management processes and implementing professional project management.
Consulting support for transforming project management from automotive tier 2 to tier 1 processes.
Support in project management for the "Daimler Front Module Ramp-up" project and ensuring a smooth start-up.
Advisory support for improvements & process optimizations in day-to-day operations (e.g. regular communication, milestones, gate reviews).
Optimizing daily workflows and regular communications with the end customer, Daimler, and other involved parties.
Coaching staff in new processes and procedures, involving relevant departments (development, production, procurement, industrial engineering, quality, and controlling).
Project:**
Budget €12m, 10 team members
Program Manager
Megatech Management GmbH Munich GmbH
Manufacturing a center console in several trim variants for the Audi A3 successor.
Coordinating product development.
Leading the project team.
Budget responsibility and control.
Regular update meetings with the end customer.
Regular update meetings with management.
Cubing and color matching at the end customer.
Implementing engineering changes.
Coordinating the ramp-up in the manufacturing plant.
Tool tracking.
Products:**
Center console and its components
Manufacturing methods used:**
Injection molding, mirror welding, hot riveting, semi-automated assembly
Project:**
Budget €70m, 12 team members
Launch Support and Program Manager
Tenneco Automotive Europe bvba
Launch Support for BR 463 shock absorbers, conventional and adjustable
Manufacturing of conventional gas pressure shock absorbers and electrically adjustable gas pressure shock absorbers
Regular update meetings with the customer
Tracking the open issues list
Improving production equipment
Program manager for BR 463 conventional shock absorbers
Program management for conventional gas pressure shock absorbers
Leading the cross-functional team
Budget responsibility
Regular update meetings with the customer
Regular update meetings with management
Implementing engineering changes
Supplier management for a Chinese supplier
Manufacturing of hollow drilled piston rods
Regular conference calls with the supplier
Developing improvement measures
Monitoring progress
Products:
Shock absorbers and their components
Manufacturing processes used:
Fine blanking, rough blanking, tumble polishing, automatic assembly, MIG welding, painting.
Project:
Budget €25M, 3 team members
Sr. Program Manager
Adient Ltd. & Co. KG
Program manager for AU 651 Audi A8 headrests 2nd row**
Headrests with plastic carrier, foam core and stitched cover in fabric or leather
Coordinating product development
Supporting the project teams
Budget responsibility and control
Regular update meetings with the customer
Regular update meetings with management
Implementing engineering changes
Coordinating the start-up in the manufacturing plant
Products:**
2nd row headrests for Europe, China and NA as well as Audi Sport
Manufacturing processes used:**
Injection molding, lamination, painting, assembly, sewing of fabric and leather covers, automated final inspection.
Project:**
Budget €70M, 10 team members
Program Manager, Tool Tracker
Yanfeng Europe Automotive Interior Systems
12/2014 to 07/2016 - Program manager for VW326 Tiguan door trim panels**
Door trim panel with laminated armrest and inserts and armrests made of renewable materials
Coordinating product development
Supporting the project teams
Budget responsibility and control
Regular update meetings with the customer
Regular update meetings with management
Implementing engineering changes
Monitoring the production implementation
Tools and equipment
Cubing and colour matching at the customer
Coordinating the start-up in the manufacturing plant
Products: door trim panels
Manufacturing processes used: thermoforming renewable materials and laminating with fabric and synthetic leather in a one-step process, stamping, injection molding, IMG laminating, ultrasonic welding, fully automatic assembly.
Project: Budget €200M, 12 team members
07/2016 to 12/2016 - Tool tracker for VW536 FC, PO 536 DP and FC**
Center consoles and door trim panels for Touareg and Cayenne
Monitoring tool production in China and Europe
Sample approvals
Optimization loops
Leading and coordinating a team of 6 tool trackers
Regular update meetings with the customer
Regular update meetings with management
Products: center consoles and door trim panels
Manufacturing processes used: injection molding, laminating, coating, magnesium die casting, chrome plating, painting.
Project: Budget €0M, 6 team members
12/2016 to 03/2017 - Program manager for PO 536 FC**
Center console with magnesium die-cast carrier, laminated and painted surfaces
Supporting the project teams
Budget responsibility and control
Regular update meetings with the customer
Regular update meetings with management
Implementing engineering changes
Monitoring the production implementation
Tools and equipment
Cubing and colour matching at the customer
Coordinating the start-up in the manufacturing plant
Products: center console
Manufacturing processes used: injection molding, laminating, coating, aluminum die casting, chrome plating, painting
Project: Budget €75M, 10 team members
Launch Support BR205 Soft and Hard Trim in South Africa
IAC-Feltex (Pty), Ltd.
Launch support BR205 soft trim and hard trim in South Africa**
Pillar trim program laminated with knitted fabric
Starting up injection molding tools including tool optimization
Supporting the local tool shop
Starting up the lamination line
Optimizing the process flow
Regular update meetings with the customer
Implementing engineering changes
Carpets, trunk liners, wheel arch liners
Starting up carpet forming tools
Starting up foam tools
Starting up HF welding machines
Starting up trunk liner forming tools
Starting up stamping tools
Starting up the waterjet trimming
Regular update meetings with the customer
Implementing engineering changes
Products:**
Pillar trims, vehicle carpets, tailgate trim, trunk liners, wheel arch liners
Manufacturing processes used:**
Injection molding, fully automated assembly, manual assembly, lamination, bending, ultrasonic welding, carpet forming, foaming, waterjet trimming, HF welding, needlepunch forming
Project:**
Budget €75M, 5 team members
Lead Engineer BR205 Pillar Trim
IAC International Automotive Components
Leading product development
Pillar trim program laminated with knitted fabric
Managing the external design house
Sharing information with project teams in the USA, RSA and China
Preparing quotes
Regular update meetings with the customer
Installation tests on the pilot line
Engineering changes
Prototypes
Tools and equipment
Products:**
Pillar trims, tailgate trim, trunk liners
Manufacturing processes used:**
Injection molding, fully automated assembly, manual assembly, lamination, bending, ultrasonic welding, hot air welding
Project:**
Budget €25M, 2 team members
Platform Manager
IAC International Automotive Components for SIAC Shanghai International Automotive Components
Platform Manager BBAC (Beijing Benz Automotive Company)
Pillar trim program with knit fabric and a luxury version laminated with microfiber fleece
Trunk lid trim with GID window frame
Coordination of product development
Support of project teams
Preparing proposals
Regular update meetings with the client
Engineering changes
Conducting regular internal audits
Monitoring manufacturing implementation
Prototypes
Tools and equipment
Planning and carrying out a production transfer
Products:**
A-pillar trims, tailgate trim, trunk trims
Manufacturing processes used:**
Injection molding, fully automated assembly, manual assembly, lamination, bending, ultrasonic welding and mirror welding
Project:**
Budget €70m, 6 team members
Program Manager
IAC International Automotive Components
External program manager for 3 pillar trim programs after the PM dropped out
Budget responsibility and control
Coordination of product development
Support of project teams
Monitoring manufacturing implementation
Prototypes
Tools and equipment
Products:**
A-pillar trims
Manufacturing processes used:**
Injection molding, fully automated assembly, manual assembly, lamination, bending, ultrasonic welding, mirror welding
Project:**
Budget €200m, 12 team members
External program manager for the implementation of continuous improvements
Johnson Controls Interior Systems
Problem Solving / Corrective Action / 8D Process / Kepner-Tregoe
High Level Quality Systems / Layered Process Audit / Kamishibai
APQP, FMEAs, Control Plans, Process Flow Charts
JCMS (5S, Standardised Work, Kaizen)
Supplier Quality Management, Balanced Score Card
Products:**
Continuous Improvement Project
Manufacturing processes used:**
8D, 5-phase, layered process audit
Project:**
Budget €0, 0 team members
External consultant for plastics processing
Mercedes-Benz Espana S.A.
Supplier audit
Documentation of existing processes, tools, machines and equipment
On-site optimization of injection molding and welding processes at a local supplier
Auditing the TS 16949 system
Products:**
Bumpers
Manufacturing processes used:**
Injection molding, painting, manual assembly, semi-automatic assembly, welding
Project:**
Budget €0, 0 team members
External consultant for plastics processing
Fujian Daimler
Optimization of existing injection molding tools, welding equipment, assembly fixtures for a new start-up
On-site process optimization at local suppliers
Approval of tools localized in China
Granting texture approvals
Development of alternative manufacturing processes
Adapting European production techniques to local conditions
Optimization of existing production facilities
Carrying out engineering changes
Support in preparing the required documents
MoldFlow analyses, DVP&R
Control plans, (X-Bar)-R charts
Products:**
Complete vehicle interior and bumpers
Manufacturing processes used:**
Injection molding, painting, manual assembly, semi-automatic assembly, lamination, manual bending, heat staking
Project:**
Budget €0, 2 team members
Project Manager for Mercedes Benz W212 Pillar Trims and Footrests
IAC International Automotive Components for SIAC Shanghai International Automotive Components
Leading the project team, leading regular project meetings
Customer visits and line trials in Beijing
Supporting suppliers in China and Europe
Developing processes at the client and with local suppliers
Redesigning the production process
Optimizing existing production equipment
Implementing engineering changes
Assisting in creating necessary documents
Work Instructions
APQP, PPAP, MoldFlow analyses, DVP&R
Control Plans, (X-Bar)-R Charts
Presentations for the customer
Products:**
A/B/C pillars laminated with knitted fabric and microfiber fleece, footrest
Manufacturing processes used:**
Injection molding, laminating, manual bending, ultrasonic welding, manual assembly
Project:**
Budget €0 m, 6 team members
Project Manager for VW Touareg II Side Panel and Tailgate Trim
IAC International Automotive Components
Design and manufacturing implementation of customer requirements into a final product.
Creating surface data in collaboration with the customer. Generating B-approval data with an external design house. Planning tools and production equipment.
Preparing cost estimates, processing changes.
Producing prototypes and small series parts up to series production.
Creating and maintaining open issue lists to ensure open items are processed on time.
Supporting suppliers, approving tools and equipment in Italy, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Presenting the latest components to the end customer in Wolfsburg and Bratislava.
Aligning individual components in shape and position.
Providing manufacturing support for the ramp-up at the client's production sites and with suppliers.
Colour Matching.
Products:**
Side panel trims and tailgate trims
Manufacturing processes used:**
Thermoforming of renewable raw materials and Dilour using pinch-edge tools, stamping, injection molding, ultrasonic welding, fully automatic and semi-automatic assembly.
Engineering Manager, Director Technical Services, Divisional Program Launch Manager, Process Engineer, Manufacturing
Permanent positions at various companies
Summary
I have a solid background in project management, leading cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing and automotive processes. I focus on planning, coordination, and delivery while ensuring quality, cost control, and timely execution. My work spans diverse areas such as aluminum and automotive component production and continuous improvement initiatives.
I bring deep expertise in process optimization, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation from projects with budgets up to 200 million euros. I am experienced in transforming project management practices while effectively communicating with internal and external teams to drive project success.
Languages
Education
Bergische Universität Gesamthochschule Wuppertal
Diploma in Engineering · Mechanical engineering, manufacturing technology, specialization in plastics engineering · Wuppertal, Germany
Gebrüder Happich GmbH & Co. KG
Toolmaker · Toolmaker · Wuppertal, Germany · 1
Certifications & licenses
Kepner-Tregoe
Integrated Program Management System
Lean Manufacturing, Serious Practitioner
Saturn University
Lean Manufacturing
Saturn University
Synchronous Organisation Workshop
Conducting Performance Appraisals
Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
Conflict Resolution Training
QS-9000 Element 4.4 Design Control
QS-9000 Element 4.5 Document & Data Control
QS-9000 Internal Auditor
Employee Motivation
Training for Managers
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