Rick Ottiger
Interim Operation Manager
Experience
Interim Operation Manager
Element Materials Technology Holding Germany GmbH
- Operation manager, plant and project manager
- Project and change management
- Restructuring & crisis management
- Process optimization
- Establishment of shopfloor management
- Implementation of lean management
- Technology integration and automation
Project and Process Optimization Expert
Element Materials Technology Holding Germany GmbH
- Analysis of processes and structures
- Value stream analyses
- Development of evaluation instruments
- Implementation of lean management
- Technology integration and automation
- Process optimization and documentation
SAP Polaris Project Manager
Amcor Flexibles Kreuzlingen AG
- SAP Polaris project management
- Analysis of processes and systems (E2E)
- Design and implementation of solutions
- Organization and leadership of key users
- Master data management
SCM - Operational and Strategic Optimization
Magnetbau Schramme GmbH & Co. KG
- Analysis and potential assessment
- Lean coaching
- Operations management
- Quality optimization
- Engineering services
Head of Supply Chain Management
hGears AG
Restructuring supply chain and interfaces
Leading departments: order center, production control, production, quality assurance, logistics and shipping
Establishment of shop and office floor management
Execution of various Kaizen projects (Lean Six Sigma)
Creation and optimization of processes and structures
Oversight of customs functions
Inventory optimization and development of KPIs and reporting systems
Direct leadership of 5 team leaders and functional leadership of over 50 employees
Implemented lean operations (shop and office floor management)
Changed structures and processes to increase productive and administrative performance
Developed system-based KPI system to optimize inventory and production capacity
Introduced automation and handling systems
Reduced backlog by 80%
Increased delivery reliability by 55%
Reduced inventory by 35%
Increased productivity by 15%
Reduced supply chain costs by 17%
Consultant
StartUp LEAN4Future
- Analysis and potential assessment
- Lean coaching
- Operations management
- Quality optimization
- Engineering services
- IT project implementation - digitization of business processes (3 months)
- Planning and expansion of server topology
- Digitization of order management processes
- Process automation
- Access-controlled information provision in DMS
Chief Operating Officer (COO with power of attorney)
Herold Maschinenbau GmbH
Overall operational responsibility for the GmbH
Future-oriented company development and advancement
Creation, analysis and optimization of processes
Expansion and development of planning tools (MS Dynamics AX ERP, Babtec CAQ, ELO DMS)
Development, evaluation and integration of KPIs
Establishment and management of cost management along the value chain
Cross-departmental development of tolerance management (design/production/quality)
Establishment of supplier management system
Contract negotiation with creditors and debtors
Restructuring and realignment of entire IT infrastructure
Implemented lean operations (shop and office floor management)
Introduced lean administration and process management
Established management system including multi-skilling of employees
Procured robotics, automation and handling systems
Designed, manufactured and programmed test benches for quality assurance (LabView, PLC)
Planned and implemented CAQ software in existing ERP system
Planned and established document management system
Increased production capacity by over 32%
Continuous EBITDA increase from 5% to up to 23%
Reduced rejection rate from 2% to less than 0.04%
Increased delivery reliability from 92% to 99.8%
Enhanced automation degree
Team Leader Quality Management
Schuck Group
- Development and standardization of processes
- Organization and development of quality management system
- Planning and execution of audits (customers, suppliers, internal)
- Quality planning and advanced quality planning
- Planning and execution of incoming and outgoing inspections
- Planning and execution of production and cooperation controls
- Establishment and oversight of supplier management system (agreements, audits, monitoring, evaluation, sampling)
- Establishment and oversight of complaint management system (internal/external, suppliers/customers)
- Conducting management reviews
- Organization and execution of certifications, quality circles and Kaizen projects
Head of Design and Project Manager Construction and Process Optimization
va-Q-tec AG
- Organized and led development of new and improved products, components, tools, equipment, machines and systems
- Registered multiple patents
- Led automation of quality assurance project
- Designed, planned and integrated hot air welding process into VIPs production lines
IT Security and System Administrator
BVW-IT
- Built, managed and administered IT infrastructure
- Advanced security standards
- Trained users
- Maintained and troubleshooted systems
Insurance Clerk
Debeka
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 (13.5 years), Information Technology (12 years), Insurance (3.5 years), and Professional Services (2.5 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 Operations (13 years), Quality Assurance (13 years), Information Technology (12.5 years), Supply Chain Management (10 years), Project Management (5.5 years), and Customer Service (3.5 years).
Summary
In my role as an interim manager, I help companies optimize their processes and increase efficiency. I use a holistic approach that includes identifying improvement potential and developing implementation plans.
My passion for innovative technologies and commitment to continuous learning allow me to plan, execute, and improve projects successfully to exceed my clients' requirements and expectations. My core strength is in process optimization and boosting operational efficiency. As an experienced project engineer, I have extensive expertise and hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex systems. I combine my technical know-how with strong problem-solving skills to analyze challenges precisely and develop effective solutions. My solid understanding of IT/OT security enables me to build robust systems that meet the highest standards for data integrity and cybersecurity. My leadership skills allow me to lead a motivated team and strengthen collaboration across departments. As a manager, I aim to improve product and service quality, control costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. I rely on process analyses to identify weaknesses and implement continuous improvements. My strategic thinking and decision-making ability enable me to put the company on a sustainable growth path and successfully open up new markets.
Skills
Key Achievements
- Systematic Capacity Increase Of 32% Through An Interdisciplinary Approach
- Introduction Of New Technologies And Implementation Of A Cost Reduction Program To Increase Ebitda By An Average Of 29% Over 4 Years
- Digitization Of Business Processes To Reduce Ftes From 14 To 9 In Purchasing, Accounting, And Logistics
- Implementation Of Dms And Caq Software Into The Existing Erp System
- Introduction Of A Management System, Including Multi-skilling Of Employees
- Implementation Of The Research Project "Energy Recovery In Machine Tools" Commissioned By The Federal Ministry Of Education And Research (Duration 4 Years)
Profile Overview
- Empathic, Competent, Down-to-earth, And Assertive Leader With High Resilience, Holistic Thinker, Future-oriented With Entrepreneurial Vision
- "Hands-on Mentality" Through An Analytical And Strategic Approach With Focused Realization And Implementation Of Tasks
- Over 20 Years Of Leadership Experience In E-mobility/automotive, It, Printing And Machine Tool Industry, Power Tools, Aerospace
- Under Various Dynamically Changing Conditions Such As Financial, Energy, And Sales Crises, Numerous Change And Change-management Processes Were Successfully Initiated, Designed, And Implemented
- Continuously Challenges And Supports Employees To Deliver Outstanding Performance And Acts As An Active Part, Mentor, And Sponsor Of The Team In Innovations, Improvements, And Significant Changes To Ensure Timely Success
It Skills
- Network Topology
- It Topics
- Ms Office
- Ms Excel Including Macro Programming
- Ms Powerpoint
- Ms Word
- Ms Project
- Ms Onenote
- Ms Power Bi
- Ms Outlook
- Sap
- Microsoft Dynamics Ax
- Microsoft D365
- Navision
- Caq Systems (E.g., Qs1234, Babtec, Minitab)
- Cad Systems (E.g., Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks, Proe)
- Dms Systems (E.g., Windream, Elo, D3, Docuware, Docutain)
- Sage
- Lims
- Simvsm
Programming
- Python
- C++
- Labview
- Siemens Plc
- Codesys
- Vb
Tools Proficiency
- Lean Principles And Kaizen Methods Such As: Six Sigma, Kanban, Fmea, 5s, 5why, Ishikawa, Oee, 8d Reports
- Knowledge Of Standards Such As: Qs-9000, Vda 6.1, Iso 9001, Iso 16949, Iso 50001, Iso 14001, Vob
Patents
- Clamping Device (Fixture) For Securing Plate-shaped Objects In Rotationally Symmetric Bodies
- Clamping Device For Attaching Printing Plates To A Plate Cylinder
Character Traits And Personal Qualities
- Reliable: Expects And Demonstrates High Reliability, Including Early Countermeasures And Communication In Case Of Deviations
- Authentic: Builds Trust And Credibility, Continues To Be Consulted By Former Employees, Managers, And Shareholders As A Coach And Sparring Partner
- Down-to-earth: Considers Risks In Strategic Decisions And Applies Suitable Risk Management Methods
- Goal-oriented: High Intrinsic Motivation And Resilience, Career Path From Insurance Clerk Via It System Administrator To Mechanical Engineer And Manager, Combining Practical "Hands-on" Solutions For Quick Wins With Systematic Approaches For Sustainable Improvements
- Sports And Leisure: Bujinkan, Skiing, Cycling, Spending Time With Family
Languages
Education
Debeka Plauen
Insurance Clerk · Plauen, Germany
IHK Karlsruhe
Certified Business Administrator for Organization · Organization · Karlsruhe, Germany
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering · Mechanical Engineering · Würzburg, Germany
Certifications & licenses
CTQ in Manufacturing
Step-Up Academy
Lean Black Belt Module Hoshin Kanri
Six Sigma College
Lean Black Belt Module Leadership
Step-Up Academy
Lean Black Belt Module Value Stream Analysis
Step-Up Academy
Lean Production
Step-Up Academy
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
Lean-Administration Green-Belt
Quality Management Representative
TÜV Thuringia
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.
Where is Rick based?
What languages does Rick speak?
How many years of experience does Rick have?
What roles would Rick be best suited for?
What is Rick's latest experience?
What companies has Rick worked for in recent years?
Which industries is Rick most experienced in?
Which business areas is Rick most experienced in?
Which industries has Rick worked in recently?
Which business areas has Rick worked in recently?
What is Rick's education?
Does Rick have any certificates?
What is the availability of Rick?
What is the rate of Rick?
How to hire Rick?
Average rates for similar positions
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
Similar Freelancers
Discover other experts with similar qualifications and experience
Experts recently working on similar projects
Freelancers with hands-on experience in comparable project as a Interim Operation Manager
Nearby freelancers
Professionals working in or nearby Kiel, Germany
