Stephan (Oliver) Merckens

IPMA® Level D Certified Project Management Associate

Oststeinbek, Germany

Experience

Jun 2024 - Jun 2029
5 years 1 month

IPMA® Level D Certified Project Management Associate

PM-ZERT

  • Achieved the required competence level to be awarded IPMA® Level D Certified Project Management Associate by PM-ZERT, the certification body of GPM Deutsche Gesellschaft für Projektmanagement e. V., using IPMA ICR4 and ICB4 as validated by the International Project Management Association (IPMA®).
  • This certification process was conducted in German.
  • Certificate No.: 242793.
May 2024 - Jun 2024
2 months
Hamburg, Germany

Continuing Education Module: Agile Process and Project Manager

CBM Projektmanagement GmbH

  • Successfully completed the continuing education module Agile Process and Project Manager, including preparation for Professional Scrum Master (PSM) I / Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) I certification (scrum.org).
  • Preparation seminars followed CBM’s PM concept based on the Scrum Guide and AZAV requirements for professional training.
  • Seminar content (187 hours):
  • Agile PM basics: Agile Manifesto, values & principles, history & classic vs. agile PM, complexity models, Scrum values, roles, artifacts, events (25h)
  • Agile planning & control: team self-organization, sprint planning, Scrum board, Kanban, estimation (Scrum Poker), velocity & capacity, burndown charts (25h)
  • Agile team development: Scrum Master role, team development, impediments and backlog, agile organizational development (20h)
  • Agile creativity & problem solving: moderation techniques, decision making, team building, design thinking basics (20h)
  • Agile requirements management: Product Owner role, vision, backlog management, writing and prioritizing user stories, story mapping, use-case diagrams, stakeholder management, Scrum scaling (38h)
  • Exam prep for PSM I / PSPO I certification (59h).
Jan 2024 - May 2024
5 months
Hamburg, Germany

Preparation Seminars for Certified Project Management Associate IPMA Level D

CBM Projektmanagement GmbH

  • Successfully completed the preparation seminars for Certified Project Management Associate IPMA Level D.
  • Certification by PM-ZERT followed ICR4 IPMA Certification Regulation and ICB4 Individual Competence Baseline as validated by IPMA.
  • Seminar concept based on ICB4, AZAV-certified by CBM.
  • Seminar content (578h):

PRACTICE TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

  • Project design, objectives, scope, deliverables, environment, stakeholders (45h)
  • Phases, organization, documentation, risk/opportunity management (45h)
  • Procurement, contract management, legal aspects, quality management (35h)
  • Work breakdown structure, scheduling with MS Project/Merlin (45h)
  • Cost & funding planning, resource planning (45h)
  • Controlling, reporting, knowledge management (45h)

PEOPLE SOCIAL PERSONAL COMPETENCIES:

  • Team building, leadership, communication, result focus, presentation (25h)
  • Conflict & crisis, negotiation, facilitation (25h)
  • Creativity, versatility, self-reflection, self-management (25h)

PERSPECTIVE CONTEXT COMPETENCIES:

  • Strategy, structures & processes, power & interests, stakeholder management (18h)
  • Compliance, standards, culture & values (10h)

LEVEL D REPORT PROJECT PLAN on chosen topic:

  • Project design, requirements, objectives, stakeholders, risks (45h)
  • Org structures, phase model, WBS (45h)
  • Planning & control: resources, costs, quality, schedule (45h)
  • Self-reflection, self-management, personal communication, versatility (35h)
  • Exam prep, individual & group coaching (45h)
  • Certified by PM-ZERT on 06.05.2024.
Oct 2021 - Jul 2023
1 year 10 months
Munich, Germany

Product Owner

Knowledgepark GmbH

Engaged as Product Owner for the Dionysos development team. Led product development of:

  • KBV-compliant archive and exchange interface (AWSST)
  • Integration of KBV VOS prescribing software and e-prescription, plus FHIR server with DISweb practice management system
  • Prototype web-based dialysis monitor with medVISON AG, simplifying data capture and dialysis oversight, integrated with DISweb.

Responsibilities:

  • Requirements engineering with client and internal stakeholders
  • Translating requirements into user stories, refining with the dev team
  • Clarifying KBV regulations with specialists and creating user stories
  • Building and maintaining product backlogs
  • Accepting user stories by review and manual testing
  • Planning and managing maintenance for medication and dialysis modules
  • Attending daily stand-ups to clarify stories and requirements
  • Managing AWSST, VOS/e-prescription, dialysis monitor projects
  • Close coordination with management and product leads

Has strong eHealth knowledge and technical understanding of standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR). Quickly filled any knowledge gaps independently or with experts. With nursing background, communicates well with all stakeholders. Works independently, reliably, and engages teams. Handles critical situations professionally. Gained PO experience quickly and delivered value for company, clients, and partners. Highly recommended as a PO.

Jul 2021 - Jul 2021
1 month
Bonn, Germany

Hospital Future Fund Training Program

Bundesamt für Soziale Sicherung

Successfully completed the Hospital Future Fund training program. Certificate issued 15.07.2021. Completed while employed at OrgaClin Services UG. Verified ability to make decisions on IT measures under the Hospital Future Fund funding rules (§ 19 1 2, 5, 6 KHSFV and Hospital Financing Act).

Mar 2020 - Mar 2020
1 month
Berlin, Germany

FHIR® Workshop

ZTG Zentrum für Telematik und Telemedizin GmbH

Content:

  • Origin, motivation & principles of FHIR®
  • REST paradigm
  • Aggregation & search
  • Operations & transactions
  • Linking resources
  • Terminologies
  • Document & message paradigms
  • Questionnaires
  • FHIR® apps, frameworks & scenarios (live demo)
  • FHIR® and HL7® V2/IHE/CDA
  • Creating profiles, ValueSets & extensions
  • Conformance resources
  • Tool overview

Hands-on:

  • Modeling patient demographics
  • REST, aggregation & search
  • Operations & linking
  • Terminologies Trainer: Simone Heckmann.
Jan 2019 - Aug 2019
8 months
Cologne, Germany

Project Manager

m.Doc GmbH

Served as project manager for Balgrist (Switzerland), University Medicine Essen, and other clients implementing Smart Clinic App. Tasks:

  • Led strategic & complex product and client projects, documentation & planning
  • Managed full project cycle: business case, controlling, risk management, milestones, decision templates
  • Ran workshops & meetings to define goals, scope, and specs
  • Wrote client requirements and integrated specifications into m.Doc solutions
  • Liaised on technical & commercial issues, coordinating internal/external teams
  • Collaborated with product management, business development, and data protection

Supported key system upgrades making platform scalable and optimizing delivery. Provided expertise for smooth handover to internal teams, ensuring project success. Acts independently with high commitment and strong technical skills. Reliable partner who builds consensus and drives project results.

Jul 2017 - Mar 2018
9 months
Kiel, Germany

Project Manager

vitabook GmbH

Led project connecting UKSH to vitabook’s electronic health record at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein. Advised UKSH independently on behalf of vitabook. Tasks:

  • Coordinated and planned rollout, data protection, and communications
  • Aligned planning with UKSH project team
  • Created concept and inventory of existing KIS functions with UKSH
  • Collected and forwarded UKSH requirements
  • Identified further implementation options for handover and transplant management

Collaboration with UKSH was excellent. Highly valued for engagement and friendliness. Showed loyalty, assertiveness, and flexibility to reach sustainable compromises. High expertise and technical insight enabled constructive teamwork. Worked independently and reliably, contributing significantly to success.

Nov 2015 - Nov 2015
1 month
Leck, Germany

Course: Data Breaches in Public Authorities and Businesses, Data Protection & Information Security (LEC)

DATENSCHUTZAKADEMIE Schleswig-Holstein

Completed course at Datenschutzakademie Schleswig-Holstein, Nordsee Akademie, while at OrgaClin Services UG. Content:

  • Common data processing flaws
  • 25 real-world cases
  • Threats & measures
  • Checklist
  • Data protection & IT security management: requirements, tasks, implementation
  • Data protection & IT security concepts: content, structure, templates
  • Methodology: BSI baseline protection
  • Small business baseline protection model.
Oct 2015 - Oct 2016
1 year 1 month
Hamburg, Germany

Data Protection Officer - Basic

ask Datenschutz

Meets requirements for the Data Protection Officer - Basic role. Successfully passed CeLS assessment. Certificate valid one year.

Sep 2015 - Sep 2015
1 month
Leck, Germany

Course: Standard Data Protection Model, Intro to Methodical Audit & Advisory (SDM)

DATENSCHUTZAKADEMIE Schleswig-Holstein

Completed course at Datenschutzakademie Schleswig-Holstein, Nordsee Akademie, while at OrgaClin Services UG. Content:

  • Role & function of data protection
  • Modern strategies: Privacy-By-Design, Privacy Impact Assessment
  • Key data protection laws (BDSG, LDI-SH, SH Data Protection Regulation)
  • Method I: BSI IT baseline protection
  • Method II: SDM basics: goals, needs, components, measures
  • Discussion on aligning legal and technical functions in audits and advice
  • SDM exercises: privacy concept for a medical practice, risk analysis, DPM components.
Jun 2015 - Mar 2016
10 months
Luxembourg

Project Manager / Consultant Expert

CAPCON S.à.r.l.

At T-Systems GEMATIK project as Consultant Expert and project manager. Tasks:

  • Coordinated rollout planning
  • Aligned rollout approach with hospital management
  • Created rough concepts and inventories at five hospitals
  • Managed KIS vendor
  • Identified and delivered training per hospital
  • Oversaw rollout and production support

Collaboration was excellent. Valued for engagement and friendliness. Assertive and flexible, securing customer-focused compromises. High expertise and technical understanding enabled constructive teamwork. Worked independently and reliably, greatly contributing to success.

May 2009 - Present
16 years 3 months
High Wycombe, United Kingdom

PRINCE2® Practitioner

APMG

Practitioner certification per APMG International Swirl Management System, based on 2009 syllabus. Certificate No.: 00652998.

Apr 2009 - Present
16 years 4 months

PRINCE2® Foundation

APMG

Foundation certification per APMG International Swirl Management System. Certificate No.: 00607142.

Apr 2007 - Aug 2011
4 years 5 months
Oststeinbek, Germany

Head of Sales, Marketing & Communications

Horst F. C. Brüggemann Handelsgesellschaft mbH

Started as sales rep and IT manager. After founder’s death in July 2007, took over sales, later led sales, marketing & communications. Managed sales, IT, and marketing teams, reporting to board. Granted sole signing authority on 15 May 2009. Responsibilities:

  • New client acquisition
  • Client relationship management
  • Offer calculation & preparation
  • Contract negotiations with clients, suppliers, service providers
  • Sourcing hydrocolloid manufacturers in India & Pakistan
  • Trade show planning & execution
  • Unified company image online & offline
  • Expanded IT & communication infrastructure

Achievements:

  • Increased revenue by over 50%, led company back to profit
  • Negotiated successfully in English with Indian suppliers
  • Launched website driving new leads
  • First successful trade show in 30 years, gaining new clients
  • Developed a custom FileMaker Pro ERP, boosting efficiency
  • Improved email, fax, and telephony infrastructure
  • Earned FH degrees in Business Administration and Business Informatics; applied thesis results in practice.

Skills & qualities:

  • Quickly adapts to new situations
  • Excellent and broad expertise, quick learner, dedicated
  • Initiative, diligence, care, and precision
  • Loyal, creative, self-reliant, organized
  • Highly reliable and versatile
  • Consistently delivered outstanding qualitative and quantitative results, motivating team through leadership.
Feb 2005 - Jun 2006
1 year 5 months
Hamburg, Germany

Sales Executive

ECS International Deutschland GmbH

Worked as Sales Executive for northern region at Hamburg branch (interim reference 20 June 2006). Focus:

  • Selling rental & leasing IT solutions, consulting & maintenance
  • Building network of potential partners (system integrators like ADA, ComputaCenter, CABUS, BIVG, MCS)
  • New client acquisition (e.g., Signal Iduna, Volkswagen, Hannover Clinic, EDEKA)
  • Key account management (e.g., Dussmann, RTA, KAEFER, Berlin-Schönefeld Airport)

Skills & attributes:

  • Strong analytical skills, quick integration and engagement
  • High initiative, responsibility, always fully satisfying
  • Resilient under pressure, maintains quality and deadlines
  • Open, well-respected for expertise and confidence
  • Professional, friendly, cooperative with superiors, colleagues, clients.
Jan 2004 - Jan 2005
1 year 1 month
Willich, Germany

Account Manager / Focus Sales Manager

ADA-Das SystemHaus GmbH

Started as Focus Sales Manager; from 01.07.2004 served as Account Manager for northern region. Tasks:

  • Managed assigned clients
  • New client acquisition
  • Order processing & offers
  • Pricing & contract negotiations
  • Sales project leadership
  • Company and product presentations

Skills & attributes:

  • Extensive expertise, above-average performance
  • Strategic thinker finding solutions under pressure
  • Met deadlines with high quality
  • Identified with role, highly committed
  • Responsible, dependable even in crises
  • Exemplary behavior with colleagues and partners
  • Represented company well.
Mar 2003 - Apr 2003
2 months
Hamburg, Germany

Seminar: Linux Server Administration

Akademie Werbung Grafik Druck gGmbH

Seminar topics:

  • PPP basics
  • Dial-up with wvdial, PPP daemon
  • ISDN fundamentals and routers
  • DNS, NFS, NIS, DHCP
  • FTP, proxy servers
  • Apache.
Sep 2002 - Sep 2002
1 month
Hamburg, Germany

Seminar: Content Management with Examples

Akademie Werbung Grafik Druck gGmbH

Seminar topics:

  • CMS functions and features
  • Content component structure
  • Decentralized content creation without HTML
  • User, rights & location management
  • Collaborative content creation
  • Interactive media archive.
Jul 2002 - Jul 2002
1 month
Hamburg, Germany

Seminar: ASP/PHP

Akademie Werbung Grafik Druck gGmbH

Seminar topics:

  • Overview of web languages
  • ASP model, creating ASP pages, script commands, built-in objects, database integration
  • PHP basics: syntax, operators, variables, loops, arrays, MySQL integration.
Jun 2001 - Jun 2001
1 month
Hamburg, Germany

Seminar: Active Selling

Akademie Werbung Grafik Druck gGmbH

Seminar topics:

  • Communication & interaction
  • Conversation techniques
  • Sales dialogues
  • Presentation skills
  • Follow-up & self-motivation.
Nov 2000 - Jul 2003
2 years 9 months
Hamburg, Germany

Senior Technical Sales Engineer

Cable & Wireless Deutschland GmbH

Served as Senior Technical Sales Engineer at C&W Germany (formerly Digital Island) in Hamburg, reporting to Sales Director Enterprise Markets. Technical lead for hosting and CDN projects for major clients (e.g., SAP, Heidelberg, Nokia, ABN AMRO, Bertelsmann, Kirch New Media). Tasks:

  • Designing custom hosting solutions
  • Project management & presales
  • Customer needs and workflow analysis
  • Managing installations
  • Liaison with HQ in San Francisco for requirements.

Skills & attributes:

  • Quickly mastered varied tasks, delivering excellent results
  • High independence, flexibility, commitment
  • Strong conceptual, analytical, and social skills
  • Customer- and team-focused, exemplary conduct
  • Recommended by Pekka Kuitinlahti (IT Architect, Cap Gemini EY Finland) for technical roles with client contact.
Oct 2000 - Oct 2000
1 month
Hamburg, Germany

WatchGuard Technical Training

Wick Hill

Successfully completed technical WatchGuard training at WAM!NET Germany. Trainer: Sascha Merberg. Content:

  • WatchGuard solutions overview
  • Firebox installation and configuration with Policy Manager
  • Monitoring with Firebox Monitors, reporting tools.
Sep 2000 - Sep 2000
1 month
Hamburg, Germany

Seminar: Linux System Administration

innominate training gmbh

Successfully completed. Topics:

  • Linux installation
  • User & group management
  • Process management & monitoring
  • System startup & shutdown
  • Peripheral management & software installation
  • Network integration.
Aug 2000 - Aug 2000
1 month
Essen, Germany

Seminar: Linux Basics

innominate training gmbh

Successfully completed. Topics:

  • Linux OS and filesystem
  • Basic Bash commands & scripting
  • Process management, X Window System
  • Hardware handling, networking.
Apr 2000 - Apr 2000
1 month
Hamburg, Germany

Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1.0

Cisco Systems / Global Knowledge Network GmbH & Co. KG

Successfully completed course.

Jul 1999 - Jul 1999
1 month

SPIN® Sales Training

Huthwaite Deutschland GmbH

Attended training program as WAM!NET Germany employee.

Mar 1997 - Mar 1997
1 month
Frankfurt, Germany

Seminar: Fast Track to PowerBuilder

Powersoft Education Services

Completed 4-day seminar covering:

  • PowerBuilder overview & objects
  • Scripting & database management
  • DataWindow result sets & UI extension
  • Database connectivity
  • OOP in PowerBuilder
  • MDI apps, sheets, custom events & functions
  • Data manipulation & application deployment.
Dec 1996 - Oct 2000
3 years 11 months
Hamburg, Germany

DACH Service Manager / Technical Sales Analyst

WAM!NET Deutschland GmbH

Started as Technical Sales Analyst, soon promoted to DACH Service Manager (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Achievements:

  • Built efficient team in weeks, boosting client and revenue focus
  • Acquired and retained major clients (e.g., Axel Springer)
  • Led network installation for Axel Springer across multiple sites, liaising with Telekom and Dutch providers
  • 24/7 support, solving issues quickly through deep technical understanding
  • Awarded WAM!NET Crystal Bang Award (June 2000) for exceptional performance.

Skills & attributes:

  • Polite, collegial, reliable under pressure
  • Initiative and rapid skill acquisition
  • Precise problem analysis and solution implementation
  • Explained new tech to clients and staff, enhancing company reputation.
Dec 1996 - Oct 1998
1 year 11 months
Hamburg, Germany

Head of Central Information Systems

Systematics GmbH EDV-Systemberatung

Hired to implement a new ERP, then led IT department. Achievements:

  • Built efficient team, boosting productivity through software updates and network tech
  • Achieved 99.5% uptime for ISP services

Responsibilities:

  • Rollout of ERP at 12 branches and subsidiaries
  • Admin and support of Omnis 7 ERP
  • Developed data warehouse module via Claris Emailer and AppleScripts
  • LAN optimization with managed hubs
  • Managed company intranet and mailbox system
  • Provided fall-back support for ISP services
  • Supported heterogeneous networks, NT in Mac environments
  • Planned and set up Windows NT and WinFrame servers for clients
  • Personnel leadership
  • 2nd-level network and server support
  • QPS support
  • IT asset and budget control.

Skills & attributes:

  • Credible, cooperative, dependable
  • Rapid skill acquisition in new IT areas
  • Accurate problem analysis and team implementation
  • Strengthened company’s role as an IT competence partner.
Feb 1996 - Present
29 years 6 months
Hamburg, Germany

Trainer

Klett WBS

Conducted IT training (confirmation 15.03.1996, continued thereafter).

  • Able to convey technical knowledge clearly and competently
  • Tailors focus to trainees’ needs.
Apr 1984 - Mar 1987
3 years
Bonn, Germany

Nursing Training

Staatlich anerkannte Krankenpflegeschule an den Medizinischen Einrichtungen der Rheinischen Friedrichs-Wilhelm-Universität

Attended nursing school and passed state exam. Theory (1442h): nursing theory, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, general and specialized nursing. Practical training across internal, surgical, psychiatric, neurological, ENT, orthopedic, urology, neurosurgery clinics.

Supporting Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 - Core Technologies (687)

Microsoft / Trefe & Partner

Successfully completed the Microsoft Official Curriculum course.

Kaiserslautern, Germany

Master of Arts (M.A.) - Management of Health & Social Institutions

Technische Universität Kaiserslautern & Universität Witten/Herdecke

Passed master’s exam in distance learning program. Grade: Good (1.8). Thesis: “Electronic Health Card, vitabook, Life Time – a comparison focusing on data protection and security.” Modules include:

  • MGS0100 Management Basics
  • MGS0200 HR
  • MGS0300 Corporate Communication
  • MGS0400 Quality Management
  • MGS0500 Change Management (case study on KIS implementation)
  • MGS0600 Communication & Leadership
  • Specialization in hospital and clinic management
  • MGS0700a Networking & Innovation
  • MGS0800a Result Orientation
  • MGS0900a Finance Management.
Essen, Germany

Diplom-Kaufmann (FH)

FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management

Degree in Business. Passed diploma exam. Subject average: Satisfactory (2.8). Thesis: very good (1.3) on reducing currency risks for a small trading firm. Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Thomas Pfahler. Colloquium: Good (2.0). Final grade: Good (2.2). Key courses:

  • Basic: Tax I, BWL I, IT I, accounting, statistics, economics, business law
  • Advanced: BWL II
  • Focus: IT II & III
  • Electives: project management, sales management.
Essen, Germany

Diplom-Wirtschaftsinformatiker (FH)

FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management

Degree in Business Informatics. Passed diploma exam. Subject average: Satisfactory (2.8). Thesis: Good (2.0) on mapping optimized processes to a relational database. Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Dirk Hauschildt. Colloquium: Good (1.7). Final grade: Good (2.4). Key courses:

  • Basic: Tax I, BWL I, IT I, accounting, statistics, economics, business law
  • Advanced: Business Informatics I–III, case studies I & II.
Eschweiler, Germany

Abitur (High School Diploma)

Städtisches Gymnasium Eschweiler

Passed Abitur. Average grade: 2.9.

Languages

German
Native
English
Advanced

Education

Technische Universität Kaiserslautern & Universität Witten/Herdecke

Master of Arts · Management of Health & Social Institutions · Kaiserslautern, Germany

FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management

Diplom-Kaufmann (FH) · Business · Essen, Germany

FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management

Diplom-Wirtschaftsinformatiker (FH) · Business Informatics · Essen, Germany

Certifications & licenses

IPMA® Level D Certified Project Management Associate

PM-ZERT

FHIR® Workshop

Data Breaches in Authorities and Companies, Data Protection & Information Security (LEC)

DATENSCHUTZAKADEMIE Schleswig-Holstein

Data Protection Officer - Basic

CeLS

Standard Data Protection Model

DATENSCHUTZAKADEMIE Schleswig-Holstein

Sole Signing Authority

District Court Lübeck

Linux Server Administration

Akademie Werbung Grafik Druck gGmbH

Content Management with Examples

Akademie Werbung Grafik Druck gGmbH

ASP/PHP

Akademie Werbung Grafik Druck gGmbH

Active Selling

Akademie Werbung Grafik Druck gGmbH

WatchGuard LiveSecurity System

Wick Hill

Linux System Administration

innominate training gmbh

Linux Basics Seminar

innominate training gmbh

Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1.0

Global Knowledge GmbH & Co. KG

SPIN® Sales Training

Huthwaite Deutschland GmbH

Fast Track to PowerBuilder

Powersoft

Licensed Professional Nurse

Health Department