Rainer Meyer
Mentor & Quality Lead
Experience
Mentor & Quality Lead
Diehl Advanced Mobility GmbH
- Restructuring of operational quality assurance
- Reduction of scrap costs
- Mentor for new quality manager
- No direct reports
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
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
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
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
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
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
Interim Head of Development/Design
Wall GmbH
- Bridged absence due to illness
- Reporting line: CEO
- Leadership responsibility: 17 employees
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
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
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
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
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
Interim Program Manager BMW project
Magna Seating
- Interior, seats
- Reporting line: International management team
- Leadership responsibility: 9 employees
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)
Senior Expert: Supplier Development
Kostal GmbH
- Supplier development (national/international)
- Management responsibility: none
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
Change Management Coach
Nexans GmbH
- Change management and coaching for implementing a growth strategy
- Reporting line: CEO
- Management responsibility: none
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Training and Consulting Consultant
Teradyne GmbH
- Training and market consulting during the introduction of new optical inspection systems
- Advising the American management
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
Lecturer for Technical Presentations
Speedline Technologies GmbH
- Delivered series of lectures in Germany, Hungary, and Switzerland
Branch Manager
Heller Industries Deutschland GmbH
- Set up the German branch office
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
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
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
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).
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).
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
Education
Cologne University of Applied Sciences
Diploma in Production Engineering · Production Engineering / General Mechanical Engineering · Cologne, Germany
Ratingen Technical High School
Advanced Technical College Entrance Qualification · Ratingen, Germany
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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