Recommended expert

Rainer Meyer

Mentor & Quality Lead

Rainer Meyer
Potsdam, Germany

Experience

Aug 2024 - Nov 2024
4 months
Zehdenick, Germany

Mentor & Quality Lead

Diehl Advanced Mobility GmbH

  • Restructuring of operational quality assurance
  • Reduction of scrap costs
  • Mentor for new quality manager
  • No direct reports
Apr 2024 - Jul 2024
4 months
Krefeld, Germany

Interim QHSE Manager Europe

Akiem Technik GmbH

  • Setup of operational quality assurance for railway maintenance
  • Establishment of complaint management
  • Transformation at European sites
  • No direct reports
Feb 2023 - Feb 2024
1 year 1 month
Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany

Interim Head of QM / Deputy Operations Manager

HKR Automotive GmbH

  • Restructuring and establishment of the quality department
  • Handling of customer and supplier complaints
  • Reduction of scrap by changing process and product design (engineering)
  • Restructuring of the quality management system
  • Continuous improvement (CIP) project: Lean management (OEE efficiency improvement)
  • Coordination and successful completion of IATF 16949 certification
  • Development of digital KPIs (quality metrics)
  • Coaching of plant management (strategic, operational)
  • Reporting line: Plant management, CEO, CTO, shareholders
  • 2023 revenue: €40 million; number of employees: 210
  • Leadership responsibility: 15 employees
May 2022 - Jan 2023
9 months
Berlin, Germany

Project Manager Intralogistics

Siemens AG

  • Planning of new intralogistics processes for plant relocation
  • Project structuring
  • Team coaching
  • Reporting line: SCM management, plant management
  • No direct reports
Oct 2021 - May 2022
8 months
Itzehoe, Germany

Interim Quality & Operations Expert

Custom Cells GmbH

  • Confidential QM/operations tasks for battery cell production
  • Development projects in aviation
  • Automotive & aviation
  • Reporting line: Operations, quality management, CEO
  • Leadership responsibility: 2 employees
Jan 2020 - Oct 2021
1 year 10 months
Karlsruhe, Germany

Interim QM Lead, Europe Region

SAS Autosystemtechnik GmbH

  • Technical QM lead for European plants (9 plants)
  • Transformation of QM systems/applications SAS – Faurecia
  • Led VW and Audi task force: improving JIS delivery performance (volumes, quality)
  • QM lead of a plant (disciplinary) / Deputy plant manager
  • Coordinated and successfully completed IATF 16949 certification
  • Restructured QM department at the Meerane plant
  • Reporting line: Vice President Total Customer Satisfaction & QM, COO, CEO
  • 2022 revenue: EUR 896 million; number of employees: > 5,000
  • Leadership responsibility: 16 employees
Jul 2019 - Nov 2019
5 months
Wörth am Rhein, Germany

Senior Expert: Electronics Manufacturing Optimization

Webasto Mechatronic GmbH

  • Optimized electronics manufacturing, including internal logistics/engineering processes for producing wall boxes and power electronics
  • Reporting line: CEO
  • 2022 revenue: EUR 4.4 billion; number of employees: > 16,500
Jul 2019 - Sep 2019
3 months
Velten, Germany

Interim Head of Development/Design

Wall GmbH

  • Bridged absence due to illness
  • Reporting line: CEO
  • Leadership responsibility: 17 employees
Feb 2019 - Jun 2019
5 months
Wörth am Rhein, Germany

Interim Head of QM Department

Webasto Mechatronic GmbH

  • Restructured quality department
  • Product/process validation (e.g., power electronics)
  • Restructured and built up QM area
  • Reporting line: CEO
  • Leadership responsibility: 9 (12) employees
Oct 2018 - Feb 2019
5 months
Markgröningen, Germany

Senior Expert for Supplier Selection and E-Motor Engineering

ACPS Automotive GmbH

  • Focused on electric trailer hitch
  • Reporting line: CEO, Head of Engineering
  • Leadership responsibility: none
Mar 2018 - Oct 2018
8 months
Hildesheim, Germany

Interim Project Manager

Aptiv GmbH

  • Outsourcing and relocation
  • Series support and launch management
  • Tracking measures for product validation (internal/external)
  • Reporting line: Development management, program management
  • Leadership responsibility: 8 employees
Dec 2017 - Mar 2018
4 months
Eisenach, Germany

Senior Management Expert for Scrap Reduction

Rebo lightning GmbH

  • Technical and economic evaluation of production processes, products, and customer complaints
  • Optimization of in-house logistics and costs
  • Change management of production processes
  • Coaching of the CEO (operational) and operations manager
  • Reporting line: Plant management, CEO, Chinese owners
Jun 2017 - Dec 2017
7 months
Ludwigsfelde, Germany

Interim Project Manager BMW project

Gestamp Umformtechnik

  • Structural assessment of tools and tool-related parts (pre-series)
  • Reporting line: Plant management
  • Leadership responsibility: 6 employees
Feb 2017 - May 2017
4 months
Munich, Germany

Interim Program Manager BMW project

Magna Seating

  • Interior, seats
  • Reporting line: International management team
  • Leadership responsibility: 9 employees
Nov 2014 - Jan 2017
2 years 3 months
Langenfeld, Germany

Interim COO

redi Group GmbH

  • Responsibility for personnel, budget, and results
  • Restructuring of the entire technical department
  • Management of engineering, metrology, and control divisions
  • International projects (focus: Mexico) with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers; e.g., product relocation from Germany to Mexico
  • Supplier development: product and process optimization for head-up displays for premium OEMs, including software quality assurance and evaluation of validation results
  • Program definition and implementation with customers: PAR (Prevention/Action/Reaction) preventive product assurance in the development phase through to series production
  • Reporting line: CEO, owners
  • Leadership responsibility: 220 employees (indirectly > 600)
Jun 2014 - Nov 2014
6 months
Lüdenscheid, Germany

Senior Expert: Supplier Development

Kostal GmbH

  • Supplier development (national/international)
  • Management responsibility: none
Apr 2014 - Dec 2014
9 months
Lippstadt, Germany

Senior Quality Expert

BHTC GmbH

  • Interface analyses in quality management considering Automotive SPICE requirements
  • Concept development: reducing quality costs
  • Reporting line: plant management, head of quality department
  • Management responsibility: none
Mar 2014 - May 2014
3 months
Hanover, Germany

Change Management Coach

Nexans GmbH

  • Change management and coaching for implementing a growth strategy
  • Reporting line: CEO
  • Management responsibility: none
Apr 2013 - Jan 2014
10 months
Berlin, Germany

Head of Quality Management

Lautsprecher Teufel GmbH

  • Establishment of the newly created quality management unit
  • Restructuring of QM tasks at the Hamburg, Berlin and TangXia/China sites with defined interfaces to purchasing, suppliers, logistics and development
  • Product relocations within China
  • Introduction of 8D reporting at suppliers in China and establishment of a new supplier reporting system
  • Introduction of quality assurance for development projects
  • Budget responsibility and team management
  • Quality costs along logistics chains
  • Introduction of KPIs and project reviews
  • Reporting line: CEO, CFO
  • Management responsibility: 21 employees (Germany, China)
Jun 2011 - Apr 2013
1 year 11 months
Berlin, Germany

Senior Consultant Quality Management: E-Machines

Daimler AG / EM Motive GmbH

  • Industrialization of E-machines including pre-series builds
  • Process/quality approval of complex assembly systems
  • Interface function between Daimler (PL), suppliers and Bosch/EM
  • Equipment and product relocation from Daimler AG Berlin plant to joint venture partner (EM Motive GmbH), Hildesheim
  • Project completion: successful VDA 6.3 audit
  • Reporting line: Daimler AG divisional management, CEO of EM Motive GmbH
  • Management responsibility: 7 employees
Jun 2011 - Dec 2011
7 months
Bratislava, Slovakia

Taillight Delivery Quality Expert

Volkswagen

  • Improving quality and securing delivery quantities for Touareg and Porsche Cayenne
  • Weekly quality reviews
  • Reporting line: Head of VW Purchased Parts Quality
Feb 2010 - Jun 2011
1 year 5 months
Wolfsburg, Germany
Hybrid

Quality Management: Hybrid / E-Drive

Volkswagen AG

  • Quality assurance for purchased parts: components for hybrid/electric drives (e-motor, power electronics, high-voltage connector system, BMS)
  • Supplier qualification in Czech Republic and China based on failure analyses, operational data and measurements
  • Initial sampling of HV connector systems (also considering functional safety)
  • Function prioritization of vehicle functions with ASIL classification (functional safety) considering software interfaces
  • Task force deployments: in China to support ramp-up and series production; product relocation within China and selection of new suppliers
  • Interface role between VW development/design, development/system partners, group brands (Audi, Porsche), procurement and suppliers
  • Evaluation of product and process validations at suppliers
  • Preparation of division/board reports
  • Reporting line: VW division management, group quality management
  • Leadership responsibility: none, international teamwork
Jan 2010 - May 2010
5 months
Molsheim, France

Task force deployment: headlights

Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

  • Quality assurance for products and processes (injection molding, assembly)
  • Ensuring delivery capability (supplier in the UK)
  • Weekly quality reviews
  • Reporting line: Purchasing, Technical Planning Bughatti
  • Leadership responsibility: none
Aug 2009 - Feb 2010
7 months
Zwickau, Germany

Project management: Factory of the Future / Cockpit Assembly

SAS Autosystemtechnik

  • Concept, simulation and validation of alternative JIS solutions (innovative logistics concept)
  • Detailed study on switching from 3-shift to 2-shift operations involving HR and the works council
  • Evaluation and planning of a new site, including selection of general contractor and factory planning
  • Planning production start-up and developing contingency strategies
  • Planning and coordination with VW, Mosel plant
  • Coordination with social partners
  • Reporting line: Plant management, CEO
  • Leadership responsibility: 5 employees
Jan 2009 - Dec 2009
1 year
Bad Salzdetfurth, Germany

Senior Expert: Production/Process Optimization

Fuba GmbH

  • Industrialization of antenna systems for Daimler/BMW/Ford
  • Quality project lead: new development of antenna systems for various OEMs
  • Interim quality management lead during restructuring
  • Strategic consulting to optimize assembly and production processes for cost efficiency
  • Six Sigma analyses in manufacturing and optimization of operational workflows and processes, with resulting design improvements (product)
  • Conducting internal audits according to VDA / ISO TS 16649
  • Process and product audits for BMW, Mercedes, Ford products
  • Reporting line: Plant management
  • Leadership responsibility: 3 employees
Aug 2005 - Feb 2009
3 years 7 months
Germany

Project Lead: Quality Assurance

Delphi Delco Electronics GmbH

  • Projects: Saab navigation system, Opel navigation system, Audi navigation system, VW radios, Toll Collect toll collection system
  • Cost reduction measures during the development of navigation systems (hardware/software)
  • Change management: implementation of processes for prototype setup, commissioning and troubleshooting
  • QA project management: new development of infotainment systems including customer approvals and transition to series production
  • Planning: service and repairs for a site in the Czech Republic, including selecting a service partner
  • Analysis of returns and initial failures (0 km) as lessons learned
  • Teardown analyses during prototype and sample build phases
  • Supplier audits (electronics, electro-mechanics, assembly) according to VDA 6.3/ISO TS 16949
  • FMEA moderation (software, design, process, system)
  • Software FMEA with a multicultural software development team
  • Assessment of product validations (internal/external, components, assemblies)
  • International troubleshooting assignments
  • Quality and gate reviews: monthly, management level
  • Reporting line: program manager, development management
  • People management responsibility: 4 employees
Apr 2005 - Jun 2005
3 months
Germany

Senior Consultant Restructuring Concept

Elenxis GmbH / Nord Control

  • Technical assessment of an automotive supplier (four locations) as part of developing a restructuring concept, including audits according to VDA 6.1/6.3
  • Strategic planning for restructuring
  • Development of measures to increase productivity (short-term, strategic) at three manufacturing sites
Oct 2004 - Jun 2006
1 year 9 months
Buxtehude, Germany

Auditor Supplier Auditing

Airbus / KID Systeme

  • Auditing of aerospace industry suppliers (national/international) in the areas of metalworking, plastics engineering, cable manufacturing, PCB manufacturing and electronics production based on EN9100
Jun 2003 - Jul 2005
2 years 2 months
Recklinghausen, Germany

Project Lead: Change Management, Cost Reduction

Hella Hueck KGaA & Co

  • Optimization of electronics manufacturing, rework area and headlight assembly
  • Project lead: setup and implementation of a plant-wide failure analysis database and coordination of external partners for cost tracking and creation of transparent daily reporting
  • FMEA moderation
  • Process optimization in production lines based on technological and business criteria
  • Weakness analysis and restructuring of defect and scrap management
  • Redesign of organizational and business processes in production
  • Reporting line: plant management, head of manufacturing engineering
  • People management responsibility: 4 employees, teamwork
Feb 2003 - Apr 2004
1 year 3 months
Cologne, Germany

Quality Lead Development Project "Automaxx and Gibomaxx"

ESG GmbH

  • Quality assurance of hardware/software development
  • Coordination of mechanical and electronic development partners
  • FMEA moderation and implementation of actions
  • Preparation of requirements and specification documents considering technological and manufacturing requirements
  • Selection of suppliers (hardware/software) and auditing
  • Reporting line: department management
Jul 2001 - Jan 2003
1 year 7 months
Germany

QA Project Manager

Grundig GmbH

  • Projects: VW Infotainment System, Toll Collect
  • QA leadership (product development)
  • Deputy project manager
  • FMEA – moderation and implementation of measures
  • Supplier audits according to VDA and ISO 9001 and involvement in certification audits
  • Implementation of quality management measures as part of the "Electronic Toll Collect" project, incl. confidential repair concept
  • Optimization of cross-company processes
  • Reporting line: Head of Quality Management
Apr 2001 - May 2001
2 months
Munich, Germany

Training and Consulting Consultant

Teradyne GmbH

  • Training and market consulting during the introduction of new optical inspection systems
  • Advising the American management
Jan 2001 - Apr 2001
4 months
Bruchsal, Germany

Expert in Manufacturing Process Optimization

Siemens AG

  • Manufacturing technology support in the production of PSGA components
  • Selection of equipment, suppliers, and optimization of manufacturing processes
  • Teamwork, no direct staff responsibility
Dec 2000 - Dec 2001
1 year 1 month
Dreieich, Germany

Lecturer for Technical Presentations

Speedline Technologies GmbH

  • Delivered series of lectures in Germany, Hungary, and Switzerland
May 1999 - Nov 1999
7 months
Hanau, Germany

Branch Manager

Heller Industries Deutschland GmbH

  • Set up the German branch office
Apr 1999 - Mar 2001
2 years
Hildesheim, Germany

Project Manager & Group Lead Manufacturing Engineering

Blaupunkt Werke

  • Development of 'Fine Pitch BGA' process technology up to series production readiness
  • Design, construction, and commissioning of new production lines (SMD and device assembly)
  • Qualification and process validation of bonding and potting technologies
  • Leading and coordinating the 'Manufacturing Engineering' team
  • Building and training a team for 'Assembly and Interconnection Technology'
  • Implementing quality targets in assembly and interconnection technology as part of introducing new technologies
  • Selection and commissioning of complex assembly systems and automated software programming
  • Strategic planning of new production facilities
  • Reporting line: Plant management, Head of Manufacturing Engineering
  • Leadership responsibility: 13 employees
Jan 1997 - Dec 1998
2 years
Dreieich, Germany

Key Account Manager for Siemens and Bosch

Speedline Technologies GmbH

  • Project and customer consulting (Europe) on manufacturing, technological, and business topics
  • Technical presentations for partners and universities
  • Application support: processes for manufacturing chip cards
  • Reporting line: CEO
Oct 1988 - Dec 1996
8 years 3 months
Berlin, Germany

Group Lead Manufacturing Process Development

Siemens AG

  • Setting up the technical center for electronics assembly
  • Exempt employee since 1991
  • Technological and manufacturing engineering consulting for plants (Europe)
  • Training and coaching measures for process optimization
  • Weakness analyses in plants (Siemens AG and customers)
  • Standardization work: SMD technology, Siemens AG and DKE
  • Coordination of collaboration with the Automation Technology business division
  • Participation in international trade fairs with presentations
  • Reporting line: Division management
  • Leadership responsibility: 11 employees
May 1985 - Oct 1988
3 years 6 months
Munich, Germany

Specialist in Mobile Phone Manufacturing Technology

Siemens AG

  • Introduction of SMD technology into mobile phones and transition to series production
  • Establishment of the 'Manufacturing Engineering' group
  • Setup of mobile phone manufacturing, including machine and system selection and procurement
  • Transfer of manufacturing know-how to a second production site
  • Collaboration in cross-plant and business division workgroups
  • Reporting line: Division and department management
  • Reference: Awarded by the Siemens AG Board of Management

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 (24 years), Automotive (20.5 years), Telecommunication (3.5 years), Aerospace and Defense (2.5 years), and Transportation (0.5 years).

Manufacturing
Automotive
Telecommunication
Aerospace and Defense
Transportation

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 (28 years), Production (17 years), Project Management (15 years), Operations (11.5 years), Product Development (7 years), and Procurement (5.5 years).

Quality Assurance
Production
Project Management
Operations
Product Development
Procurement

Summary

  • Well over 25 years of experience in engineering, supplier and quality management at both OEM and Tier 1–n with international assignments (including China, Mexico)
  • Leadership experience at all company levels in quality and production
  • Extensive methods know-how in quality management, e.g. FTA, FMEA, complaint management (8D), QFD, Ishikawa, PPAP, APQP, IATF 16949 certification, continuous improvement (CIP)
  • Strong focus on efficiency (OEE), root cause analysis and solution paths
  • Development, production, quality, logistics and suppliers
  • Dedicated motivator with an additional focus on cost, economy and sustainability

Skills

  • Generalist With Strong Strategic And Technical Competence, Combined With Organization And Change Management Experience, Also In Turnaround/restructuring Tasks

  • More Than 10 Years Of Leadership Experience At The Second Management Level

  • More Than 8 Years Of Leadership Experience In Middle Management At Large Corporations And Mid-sized Companies In The Automotive And Electronics Industry

  • Highly International With Numerous Short- To Medium-term Assignments Abroad (Including Task Force Deployments At Suppliers) Within The Eu, Usa, Mexico And China

  • Broad Industry Expertise With Many Years Of Experience In The Automotive And Electronics Sectors

  • Strong, Infectious Motivation For New Things And New Paths

  • Authenticity And A Values Orientation Focused On Sustainability, Positive Curiosity And Personal Integrity

  • Strong Success And Problem-solving Orientation With High Social Skills And Teamwork

  • Decision-making Ability Combined With A Participative Leadership Style Of Support And Challenge

  • Results Orientation And Economic Efficiency As Key Factors For Sustainability

  • Dynamic, Strategic Visionary With Strong Implementation Skills And Focus In Developing And Implementing Innovations, Product Realization And Services

  • Authentic In Action And Decision-making

Languages

German
Native
English
Advanced
Italian
Elementary

Education

Oct 1981 - Jun 1985

Cologne University of Applied Sciences

Diploma in Production Engineering · Production Engineering / General Mechanical Engineering · Cologne, Germany

Oct 1980 - Jun 1981

Ratingen Technical High School

Advanced Technical College Entrance Qualification · Ratingen, Germany

Oct 1975 - Jun 1980

Mannesmannröhren-Werke

Energy systems electronics technician, electrical installation installer · Düsseldorf, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Certification as an expert under ISO/IEC 17024: Automotive industry damage analysis

Process auditor VDA 6.3

VDA, Hann. Münden

Systemic business coach

Berlin

Internal auditor DIN ISO 9001

DGQ, Berlin

Profile

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Frequently asked questions

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

Where is Rainer based?

Rainer is based in Potsdam, Germany.

What languages does Rainer speak?

Rainer speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Italian (Elementary).

How many years of experience does Rainer have?

Rainer has at least 39 years of experience. During this time, Rainer has worked in at least 39 different roles and for 34 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year. Note that Rainer may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Rainer be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Rainer would be well-suited for roles such as: Mentor & Quality Lead, Interim QHSE Manager Europe, Interim Head of QM / Deputy Operations Manager.

What is Rainer's latest experience?

Rainer's most recent position is Mentor & Quality Lead at Diehl Advanced Mobility GmbH.

What companies has Rainer worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Rainer has worked for Diehl Advanced Mobility GmbH, Akiem Technik GmbH, HKR Automotive GmbH, Siemens AG, and Custom Cells GmbH.

Which industries is Rainer most experienced in?

Rainer is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Automotive, and Telecommunication. Rainer also has some experience in Aerospace and Defense and Transportation and Logistics.

Which business areas is Rainer most experienced in?

Rainer is most experienced in business areas like Quality Assurance (QA), Production/Manufacturing, and Project Management. Rainer also has some experience in Operations, Product Development, and Procurement and Purchasing.

Which industries has Rainer worked in recently?

Rainer has recently worked in industries like Automotive, Manufacturing, and Aerospace and Defense.

Which business areas has Rainer worked in recently?

Rainer has recently worked in business areas like Quality Assurance (QA), Operations, and Project Management.

What is Rainer's education?

Rainer holds a Bachelor in Production Engineering / General Mechanical Engineering from Cologne University of Applied Sciences.

Does Rainer have any certificates?

Rainer has 4 certificates. Among them, these include: Certification as an expert under ISO/IEC 17024: Automotive industry damage analysis, Process auditor VDA 6.3, and Systemic business coach.

What is the availability of Rainer?

Rainer is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Rainer?

Rainer'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 Rainer?

To hire Rainer, 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.

1200
900
600
300
Market avg: 860-1020 €
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.