Steffen L.
Problem Solver for Logistics, Supply Chain, and Processes
Experience
Feb 2021 - Present
4 years 10 monthsFreelance Consultant and Interim Manager
Freelance Consultant and Interim Manager for Process and Cost Optimization
- Interim management of export control: defining objectives, assessing the current situation and system landscape, BPMN process modeling, gap analysis, developing a system-driven, risk-based inspection and release process (SAP EWM and Business Central), setting up a training tool, further development of the automated SAP-linked export control check, interface and user story definition for IT, rollout in APEC, APAC, EMEA and Australia, operational support in export control decisions and staffing.
- Process analysis and efficiency improvement consulting mandate (automotive client): carrying out process recordings, creating value stream analyses, deriving process simplifications, technical adjustments and automations, multi-project management, creating and implementing layouts and material flow concepts, AGV optimization, PMO function.
- Turnaround of a logistics site (freight forwarder): managing all operational processes, employee coaching, workforce planning, billing and controlling, route optimization, process analysis and documentation, preparation and execution of ISO 9001 recertification, safety optimization, change management, fleet and workshop management.
- Warehouse turnaround (trading company): ensuring delivery capability, establishing a warehouse organization system, introducing uniform event-driven processes, implementing scanners, introducing supporting systems, regular communication, training and guidelines, safety initiatives, knowledge documentation, improving interaction between inventory management, warehouse and sales, interim personnel management, inventory management and order control in MS Dynamics AX.
- Consolidation (homecare client): analysis and decision paper for shareholders, planning and managing the consolidation from 6 to 2 sites, ROI calculations, layout and infrastructure planning, process standardization, data analysis, knowledge transfer, improving picking efficiency, planning and implementing automated warehousing technology, specification and selection of warehouse management system, workforce planning, procurement of conveyance and storage technology, interim personnel management, inventory system optimization, troubleshooting during the dismantling phase.
- StartUp (food start-up): selecting suppliers, negotiating and finalizing contracts, securing supply, calculating production costs, building supply chain and distribution network, commercial sparring.
Aug 2017 - Jun 2021
3 years 11 monthsHanover, Germany
Branch Manager
Exportverpackung Sehnde
- Setting up a logistics site and managing it.
- Staff development (25 employees).
- Establishing and documenting stable process flows.
- Developing and introducing a custom IT system for more efficient material supply (JIS principle) based on WBS elements in SAP R3, similar to the KKS system.
- Bundling goods and components for large industrial projects and shipping to end customers.
- Concepts for direct deliveries from suppliers to end customers (B2B).
- JIT/JIS plant supply.
- Assignment and labeling of equipment components and spare parts.
Dec 2016 - Jul 2017
8 monthsHanover, Germany
Logistics Manager
Kraul und Wilkening & Stelling GmbH
- Implementing a loading time window management system and process optimizations.
- Comparing freight costs and negotiating purchases for raw materials and services.
- Monitoring and securing contracts.
Nov 2015 - Nov 2016
1 year 1 monthHanover, Germany
Logistics Manager
Columbian Carbon Deutschland GmbH
- Operational management based on KPIs.
- Restructuring and modernizing the loading operations.
- Assignment and labeling of spare parts.
- Handling shipping and warehouse processes with SAP MM.
- Process cost analysis.
- Team leadership (15 employees).
- Safety initiatives and training.
- Coordinating and overseeing dismantling for plant closure.
Sep 2013 - Oct 2015
2 years 2 monthsHanover, Germany
Strategic Buyer
Krauss Maffei Berstorff GmbH
- Conducting national and international price negotiations.
- Acquiring and auditing new suppliers.
- Achieving cost savings by technically reducing to the essentials.
- Procuring large-scale plant equipment, special units, vacuum and temperature control technology.
- Ensuring compliance with customs regulations.
- Creating orders, contracts, and inquiries in SAP R3.
- Developing supply chain concepts and tenders.
Aug 2012 - Dec 2013
1 year 5 monthsHanover, Germany
Freelance associate
Logistics and startup project in the renewable energy sector
- Set up a distribution network for biomass
- Acquired new customers (B2B sales)
- Secured grants and financing
- Developed operational business processes
- Selected suitable heat generation systems
Nov 2010 - Sep 2012
1 year 11 monthsPeine, Germany
Operations manager
Deutsche Erz und Metall Union GmbH (Salzgitter AG)
- Established a loading operation for shaped steel onto rail wagons (5 tracks, 2,400 t/day)
- Managed truck loading and port operations
- Recruited and led staff (120 employees)
- Scheduled shifts
- Controlled operations using KPIs
- Optimized processes and improved safety measures
- Facilitated knowledge transfer
- Managed personnel and inventory in SAP
- Led safety initiatives and training sessions
Summary
“We really should start right away...,” is often the first realization, but then it either gets complicated quickly or the necessary resources are missing. I want to support you in turning your insights into measurable goals first and then confidently achieving them with clearly prioritized actions. Because with a clear goal in sight everything is possible - step by step.
- Process Organization (BPM)
- Process Automation
- Project Management (PMO)
- Consolidation, Restructuring, and Turnaround
- Interim Management
Often all it takes is a doer who goes ahead and brings others along. First, I want to understand exactly what you do and why you do it. Together with your employees we will then work out which tasks are absolutely necessary and which are not. What doesn't add value you shouldn't do. The same applies to specifying products and components. Here I help deliver the same customer benefit at lower production costs. Since such a project can become confusing quickly, I am happy to take on steering and tracking of the identified actions. Your employees are the most important resource and are fully involved from the start. If needed, I also support your employees with methodological and technical training so that you can maintain the achieved standard in the long term.
Languages
German
NativeEnglish
AdvancedSpanish
ElementaryFrench
ElementaryEducation
Oct 2012 - Nov 2014
Leuphana University Lüneburg
Master of Business Administration, Manufacturing Management · Manufacturing Management · Lüneburg, Germany
Oct 2007 - Sep 2010
European University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Logistics Management · Logistics Management · Brühl, Germany
Oct 2007 - Jun 2009
Karl Schmidt Spedition
Freight Forwarding and Logistics Services Clerk · Hürth, Germany
...and 1 more
Certifications & licenses
Export Control Update 2025
Foreign Trade Academy (AWA)
Project Management in Practice
Dr. A. Kitzmann Institute
Air Security according to Chapter 11.2.3.9
STI Wiesbaden
Hazardous Materials Training for Responsible Persons according to Chapter 1.3 ADR
TÜV Nord
The Union Customs Code
Foreign Trade Academy (AWA)
Cargo Securing Seminar
TÜV Nord
Specialist Training Course for Waste Management Companies
Agimus GmbH
Hamburg Leadership College
inw Education Center North e.V.
Driver's License Class CE
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