Norbert Kuhn - Interim Consultant & Coach for Launch and Task Force Management

Q: Where is Norbert based?

Norbert is based in Traunreut, Germany and can operate in on-site , hybrid , and remote work models.

Q: What languages does Norbert speak?

Norbert speaks the following languages: Spanish (Native), English (Advanced), German (Elementary), Portuguese (Elementary), Serbian (Elementary) .

Q: How many years of experience does Norbert have?

Norbert has at least 45 years of experience. During this time, Norbert has worked in at least 22 different roles and for 23 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 11 months . Note that Norbert may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Norbert's latest experience?

Norbert's most recent position is Interim Consultant & Coach for Launch and Task Force Management at Hatko Electronics .

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

In recent years, Norbert has worked for Hatko Electronics , AutoKabel GmbH & Co. KG , Eissmann Automotive Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG , Filzwieser GmbH - Industrietechnik , and Carcoustics .

Q: Which industries is Norbert most experienced in?

Norbert is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing , Automotive , and Metals and Mining .

Q: Which business areas is Norbert most experienced in?

Norbert is most experienced in business areas like Production/Manufacturing , Operations , and Quality Assurance (QA) . Norbert also has some experience in Project Management , Logistics , and Strategy and Planning .

Q: Which industries has Norbert worked in recently?

Norbert has recently worked in industries like Automotive and Manufacturing .

Q: Which business areas has Norbert worked in recently?

Norbert has recently worked in business areas like Operations , Production/Manufacturing , and Supply Chain Management .

Recommended expert

Traunreut, Germany

Experience

Mar 2024 - Sep 2024

7 months

Interim Consultant & Coach for Launch and Task Force Management

Hatko Electronics

Restructuring toolmaking using the Lean module TPM, including tool cost calculation, design, as well as setup and throughput times
Optimization of production flow structures and documentation, including maintenance of wear and spare parts using standard part suppliers (consignment stock)
Reduction of tool setup times based on REFA study and MTM
Revision of organizational and planning processes
Coordinating equipment availability in detail with logistics

Mar 2023 - Nov 2023

9 months

Mexico

Interim Co-Project, Launch and Task Force Leader

AutoKabel GmbH & Co. KG

Solely responsible co-project manager for the quantitative and qualitative pre-series and series production of all modular components through final assembly, including packaging, photography and logistics criteria
Managing the Mexico and Slovakia sites for the 48V cable harnesses for battery and supply lines of the Audi Q5, Q7 and Q9 electric models
Management according to VW supply criteria TBT-VFF-0-SOP (N3/N1)
Interim consultant & coach for the VW customer and supplier portal LION with documentation and ongoing alignment since 2002
Adjustments based on BOM contents regarding drawing status, assembly instructions with test criteria, and shipping status at production plants

Aug 2022 - Jan 2023

6 months

Germany

Interim Technical Purchasing

Eissmann Automotive Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG

Project work with Citrix (virtual desktop office) including SAP R3 MM module
Proactively supporting the Head of Buying in supplier selection
Stabilizing the required delivery performance in quantity, quality and process by proactively using lean methods (5S, TPM, Kaizen)
Reviving and reactivating the company philosophy focusing on discipline and communication
Close coordination with CEO/executive management and project manager on the eBOM with derivation to the purchased parts navigator
Controlling/sourcing management (CBD Cost Breakdown, RfQ Request for Quotation, EBIT/EBITA, LoN Letter of Nomination)
Supply chain management: analyzing and implementing onboarding processes for new suppliers
Tracking the budgeted production equipment from LoP as well as planning, organizing, coordinating, scheduling, controlling and implementing

Sep 2021 - Apr 2022

8 months

Interim Shopfloor & Task Force Leader

Filzwieser GmbH - Industrietechnik

Leading the production relocation in plastic injection molding manufacturing with industrial equipment for part and final assembly
Overseeing a factory section closure, including related pre-assemblies into module assemblies, and managing tool and prototype construction with 250 employees and various related areas
Ensuring target, KPI and result responsibility for quantitative and qualitative serial production
Technical and disciplinary leadership and development of 250 employees
Overall responsibility for production and engineering
Managing, planning and coordinating all production processes
Optimizing production processes using a project navigation list (BOM) and lean methods
Applying lean modules TPM, 5S and Kaizen for self-driven KPI management to achieve company goals and EBIT
Launch and schedule tracking as a "deadline hunter"

Jan 2020 - Jun 2021

1 year 6 months

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Interim Plant Manager

Carcoustics

Took over plant management after the plant manager was released due to catastrophic delivery performance
Stabilized quantitative, qualitative and cost-optimized production steps in modified (MTM & TPM) series production and modular assembly
Task force work with troubleshooting team meetings together with operations departments, suppliers and customer teams
Responsibility for production equipment and shopfloor management
Project termination due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Jun 2019 - Dec 2019

7 months

Germany

Project Leader TPM

Webasto

Focus on relocation of equipment and systems
Launch of all budgeted and in-process new starts, as well as changes and relocations of approved production and process equipment from design release through APQP with SOP and series ramp-up
Task Force for gradual optimization of production lead times and costs regarding quality, quantity, and meeting delivery commitments
Further development of maintenance (TPM) regarding equipment maintenance and supply
Ensuring complete documentation
Support for manufacturing technologies such as plastic injection molding, metal forming, and hydroforming

May 2018 - Apr 2019

1 year

Saltillo, Mexico

Project & Task Force Leader; Planner, Coordinator

Fehrer / ISRI

Implementation of the budgeted and scheduled manufacturing equipment with an investment volume of €3.2 million for the DB Maybach/middle consoles and MB 204 (headrest and center console) product groups
Planning, coordination, and setup through SOP with series ramp-up
Responsibility for technical purchasing, equipment procurement, and prototype procurement
Successful realization of the manufacturing equipment within the planned budget
Process chain optimization by reducing production lead times and costs

Nov 2017 - Mar 2018

5 months

Mexico

Interim Plant Manager for Greenfield Technology Transfer

Winkelmann Group

Plant management as part of a greenfield technology transfer for Ford injection systems
Setup and commissioning of production units
Integration and linking of new production units to existing production structures
Ensuring quantitative and qualitative APQP requirements up to SOP
Achieving SOP with customer award
Participation in requirement and specification documents, as well as supporting design and maintaining customer portals

Mar 2017 - Oct 2017

8 months

Project Leader

Brandl Maschinenbau GmbH

Project management for the series launch of the Lamborghini wheel carrier and Audi Q3
Turnaround of project backlog based on defined milestones
Consistent use of lean modules Kaizen and TPM
Conducting meetings with LOP to identify and significantly eliminate or reduce deficits
De-escalation with the customer by reducing external control in the specialist departments

Apr 2016 - Aug 2016

5 months

Technical Purchasing Leader

Brita GmbH

Leading technical purchasing of equipment and systems for new launches
Creating and handling requirement and specification documents as well as change management
Supplier selection including try-out support
Support up to APQP with proactive assistance of the series ramp-up
Process and cost optimization during the start-up phase

Mar 2016 - Jun 2016

4 months

Puebla, Mexico

Project Manager for the Audi Q5 Cockpit

SMP

Project management for the Audi Q5 cockpit at the Puebla site
Coordinated equipment and budget control for production and process equipment investments of €4.6 million
Responsible for equipment installation and pre-series control
Managed the project up to APQP

Feb 2015 - Dec 2015

11 months

Project Leader and Coordinator

Faurecia

Project management and coordination of the VW Golf models, Amarok, and Skoda
Responsible for front and rear spoilers as well as bumpers for all new launches
Managed projects up to APQ

Oct 2014 - Jan 2015

4 months

Puebla, Mexico

Plant Manager in Insolvency Proceedings

Scherer & Trier (SMP) Puebla

Plant management during insolvency proceedings with a focus on troubleshooting
Stabilizing quantitative and qualitative supply agreements
Staff restructuring and realignment based on insolvency administrator's concepts
Implementing a catalog of measures according to cost specifications

Jan 2014 - Aug 2014

8 months

Wieselburg, Austria

Tool Engineer & Industrialization

ZKW

Industrialization including tool management in line with TPM
Overseeing headlamp and taillight production for the Opel Astra model
Supporting the introduction and optimization of production processes at the Liberec and Wieselburg sites

Sep 2011 - Dec 2013

2 years 4 months

Brazil

Deputy Managing Director, Cold Forging

Metalurgica Fry Ltd. do Brasil

Developing solutions for efficient, high-quality, and cost- and labor-reduced semi- or fully automated series production
Responsible for optimizing cold forging processes
Managing efficiency and automation projects

Jan 2011 - Aug 2011

8 months

Turkey

Deputy Managing Director

Coco Werke - Cerceskö

Relocation and move of the BSH shop-in-shop plastic injection molding production with assembly to the client's new production halls
Integration with existing capacity, production, and logistics planning as well as delivery
Ensuring a stable production ramp-up after the move

Jan 2010 - Dec 2011

2 years

Subotica, Serbia

CEO

ATB - Subotica

Implementation of corporate goals with the spin-off of loss-making departments and their sale
Founding member of the Subotica industrial park
Establishing the spun-off companies as extended service providers
Identifying and implementing cost optimization opportunities

Jul 2008 - Dec 2010

2 years 6 months

Asunción, Paraguay

Deputy Managing Director / Zinc Die Casting

Meridian S.A. Asuncion

Productivity analysis of all manufactured products and production capacity utilization
Presenting results and creating decision matrices for discontinuation, spin-off, or outsourcing of products
Realizing cost saving potentials while considering core competencies in zinc die casting

Jan 1998 - Jun 2002

4 years 6 months

Plant Manager with Prokura

Novem Car Interieur

Managing the plant with Prokura and overseeing 250 employees
Running the site based on target and quality agreements, including budget responsibility
Ensuring output at optimized production costs

Oct 1990 - Dec 1997

7 years 3 months

Mexico

Plant Manager with Prokura

Hella Mexico S.A.

Plant Manager with Prokura and responsibility for 800 employees
Managing injection molding and metal assembly process lines
Overseeing assembly into module units
Responsible for industrialization, toolmaking, and maintenance

Mar 1985 - Feb 1990

5 years

Guelph, Canada

General Manager with signing authority

Magna Int. Canada / Profit Center Guelph

General Manager with signing authority and responsibility for 180 employees
Leveraged synergies in process, quality, and logistics optimization to improve the P&L operating EBIT
Successfully applied lean methods to increase efficiency

Jan 1981 - Feb 1985

4 years 2 months

Project Manager for BMC/SMC manufactured products

Thyssen Umformtechnik

Managed projects for BMC/SMC manufactured products
Successfully set up production tools and equipment up to SOP for multiple new product launches
Coordinated all interfaces from kick-off to production readiness

Jan 1971 - Feb 1981

10 years 2 months

Toolmaker and Team Leader

BSH Electrical Household Appliances Industry

Expert and specialist in manufacturing and maintaining stamping, progressive die, and transfer tools
Managed plastic injection molds with 1K/2K hot runner and cascade technology
Led a toolmaking team responsible for the quality and availability of tools

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 Manufacturing (35.5 years), Automotive (27.5 years), and Metals and Mining (2.5 years).

Manufacturing

Automotive

Metals and Mining

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 Production (36 years), Operations (27.5 years), Quality Assurance (18 years), Project Management (10 years), Logistics (5.5 years), and Strategy (3.5 years).

Production

Operations

Quality Assurance

Project Management

Logistics

Strategy

Languages

Spanish

Native

English

Advanced

German

Elementary

Portuguese

Elementary

Serbian

Elementary

Certifications & licenses

VW customer platform LION

Metal Forming Technology Seminar

Plastics

Lean Module Kaizen

Engel – Innovation Center

SAP PM Module

Helios-Octobus

SpinFire Tooling - Design

Lean Element

IAFTA 16 949 / VDA 6.1

Business Administration Basics Course

AutoCAD

Master Craftsman Diploma

REFA Production Design

Skilled Worker Diploma

Profile

Created

July 2025

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Frequently asked questions

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

Where is Norbert based?

Norbert is based in Traunreut, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

What languages does Norbert speak?

Norbert speaks the following languages: Spanish (Native), English (Advanced), German (Elementary), Portuguese (Elementary), Serbian (Elementary).

How many years of experience does Norbert have?

Norbert has at least 45 years of experience. During this time, Norbert has worked in at least 22 different roles and for 23 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 11 months. Note that Norbert may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Norbert be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Norbert would be well-suited for roles such as: Interim Consultant & Coach for Launch and Task Force Management, Interim Co-Project, Launch and Task Force Leader, Interim Technical Purchasing.

What is Norbert's latest experience?

Norbert's most recent position is Interim Consultant & Coach for Launch and Task Force Management at Hatko Electronics.

What companies has Norbert worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Norbert has worked for Hatko Electronics, AutoKabel GmbH & Co. KG, Eissmann Automotive Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Filzwieser GmbH - Industrietechnik, and Carcoustics.

Which industries is Norbert most experienced in?

Norbert is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Automotive, and Metals and Mining.

Which business areas is Norbert most experienced in?

Norbert is most experienced in business areas like Production/Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality Assurance (QA). Norbert also has some experience in Project Management, Logistics, and Strategy and Planning.

Which industries has Norbert worked in recently?

Norbert has recently worked in industries like Automotive and Manufacturing.

Which business areas has Norbert worked in recently?

Norbert has recently worked in business areas like Operations, Production/Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Management.

Does Norbert have any certificates?

Norbert has 15 certificates. Among them, these include: VW customer platform LION, Metal Forming Technology Seminar, and Plastics.

What is the availability of Norbert?

Norbert is immediately available part-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Norbert?

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