Thomas Eiskamp
Self-employed Quality Management Officer
Experience
Quality Management Consultant
eiska-projekt
- At a long-established third-generation company in the metal and plastics industry for surface finishing of single parts as well as small and large series, the quality management system according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 was fully revised and made practical. As an external Quality Management Officer (QMB), preparing and following up on internal and external audits as well as certification audits were my main tasks. Other activities included creating management reports, reviewing and actively updating quality and safety agreements, and training employees. Targeted measures successfully lowered the complaint rate.
- In a part-time mandate, a quality management system according to DIN ISO 9001:2015 was introduced and implemented in a toolmaking company with about 40 employees working three shifts. This included creating the complete documentation, such as the quality manual, management review, work and process instructions, forms, and workflows, as well as training the employees. Preparation and follow-up of internal and external audits, including certification audits, were also carried out. The certification was successfully achieved with flying colors. The mandate ended after 5 months, during which the internal Quality Management Officer was successfully onboarded.
- In an interim mandate as Head of Quality Management at an international automotive supplier for well-known OEMs in the body shell parts sector, the quality management system according to IATF 16949:2016 was completely revised and practically reoriented. This included streamlining processes, creating management reports, and preparing and following up on internal and external audits as well as certification audits. Customer visits were organized and managed, and employee development was advanced. Complaint handling was done using methods like 8D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa. The quality team was also led disciplinarily, resulting in a successful reduction of complaint costs. Quality and safety agreements were reviewed and actively updated. The interim mandate ended after 6 months due to a permanent position.
- During a fault analysis, the assembly process of a plant producing plastic housings for integrating electronic components for GPS signal amplification was examined. After delivery, the assemblies often had cracks in the plastic housings that let in water and caused their failure. By identifying optimization potentials in materials, assembly, and sealing, targeted improvements were implemented. After redesigning and optimizing the assembly line, the root cause of the failures was permanently resolved. This led to a significant increase in customer satisfaction and a marked reduction in scrap costs.
- In an interim mandate as Head of Quality Management at an international automotive supplier for well-known OEMs, the quality management system according to IATF 16949:2016 was fully revised and practically oriented. Tasks included preparing and following up on internal and external audits as well as certification audits, introducing a CAQ software, and handling complaints using methods like 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa, and problem-solving sheets. Processes were also streamlined and reoriented, management reports were created, and customer visits were managed. Employee development and collaboration with internal and external material testing labs and suppliers were also promoted. Additionally, I supervised 16 quality management staff, achieving a successful reduction in complaint costs. Quality and safety agreements were reviewed and actively updated. The interim mandate ended after 20 months due to a permanent position.
- In preparation for re-certification to DIN ISO 9001:2015 for a globally active industrial company in Lower Saxony with 1200 employees, I organized internal audits across the entire company. This included planning, conducting, and documenting the audits, as well as report creation and follow-up on actions. Coordination of addressing identified improvement potentials was also ensured. The audit was successfully passed, confirming the company's ongoing compliance with quality standards.
- Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015, working for three certification bodies.
- After the sale of the traditional injection molding company to a new owner, a comprehensive restructuring was carried out. The goal was to optimize production processes by reducing setup times, improving tool availability, preheating, and material flows, and minimizing downtime and scrap. Other measures included introducing an organized material and color batch warehouse, structured workplaces, and efficient workflows. Investments were made in modern equipment, focusing on securing customer orders and jobs. Processes were streamlined to increase the company's long-term efficiency and competitiveness.
- As an external Quality Management Officer (QMB) for an international manufacturer and supplier of plain and roller bearing technology, I fully revised and practically oriented the quality management system according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015. Tasks included preparing and following up on internal and external audits as well as certification audits. Complaint handling processes were optimized using the 8D method to respond to customer feedback more efficiently and effectively. Other activities included creating management reports, employee development, reviewing and updating quality and safety agreements, and recording and reducing internal complaint costs. Targeted measures significantly lowered the complaint rate and greatly reduced costs.
- In an interim mandate as Head of Quality Management at a renowned automotive supplier in Germany, I managed the quality management department of a company whose products are used in many premium vehicles. Tasks included maintaining customer portals, coordinating internal QA staff, creating IMDS entries, and preparing and submitting samples according to APQP and PPAP. Additionally, the internal quality management system was further expanded and optimized according to ISO 9001:2015. Other focuses were supporting customer, certification, and supplier audits and developing existing quality management staff.
- In a mandate as an external Quality Management Officer (QMB) at an injection molding and toolmaking company in the plastics industry, an outdated QMS was brought up to date and adapted to the company's specific needs. The complete revision and practical orientation of the quality management system according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 was carried out in close collaboration with the departments. Tasks included preparing and following up on internal and external audits as well as certification audits, creating management reports, and reviewing and updating quality and safety agreements. Additionally, complaint costs were significantly reduced, and employees were trained in relevant quality processes. The mandate ended after 2 years due to a long-term permanent role.
- In preparation for the first project-specific VDA 6.3 audit by its end customer (OEM) at a globally operating textile company, the company's quality management system was aligned with the specific requirements of the automotive industry. This involved integrating VDA requirements into the existing ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. Processes were adapted, relevant procedures documented, and employees trained. The audit was successfully passed, confirming the company's suitability for the automotive industry.
- In an interim mandate as Head of Quality Management at a global company in the exhaust gas recirculation systems sector, the main goal was to fix significant quality issues in the produced parts. Measures included setting up a Q-Gate to identify quality issues early and feeding problems back into previous production phases for root cause analysis. In close cooperation with upstream departments, solutions for production problems were developed. Employee training on defect characteristics was conducted, and knowledge tests were introduced to strengthen quality awareness. These measures led to a clear reduction in scrap rates and complaints and restored customer confidence. Follow-up projects were successfully placed by the customer. Additionally, the interim manager took disciplinary responsibility for quality across both plants. The project ended successfully with a planned permanent position at the client.
- On behalf of a German OEM, a quality project was carried out at a Southern European supplier to analyze and fix recurring functional failures in a component. The aim was to identify the causes of the quality issues and work with the supplier to develop measures that would then be monitored for compliance. During a process walkthrough at the supplier, various irregularities in production were discovered that caused the functional failures. Together, measures were agreed on and immediately integrated into the production process. Implementing and continuously monitoring these measures quickly led to a noticeable improvement in quality and stabilization of the revised processes. A re-audit based on a comprehensive sample confirmed the success of the measures. No further production issues or irregularities were found, and the supplier regained its usual high performance.
Training as a Plastics and Rubber Process Mechanic
- Clamping force range of 1000 t to 2500 t and PVC extrusion
- Processing machines from Krauss-Maffei, 1K injection molding
- Two-shift operation
- Company size: 500 employees
Plant Manager
In this responsible role, I was in charge of overall plant management. Clamping force range: 50 t - 250 t, processing machines: Krauss-Maffei & Arburg, 1K injection molding & toolmaking. Personnel responsibility: 25 employees in two shifts. Company size: 25 employees.
Procurement of all operating supplies to ensure production capability
Customer acquisition and relationship management
Preparing quotes and concluding framework agreements
Quality Management Officer (QMB) and Environmental Management Officer (UMB)
Conducting customer visits to strengthen customer loyalty
Managing the toolmaking department to ensure product quality
Conducting capacity analyses to optimize production resources
Process optimization to increase efficiency
Sampling of new tools and materials up to series release
Commissioning complex automation solutions to improve efficiency
Support in tool design
Personnel planning and management to ensure optimal staffing
Overseeing projects in subsequent galvanizing and/or painting
Employee training and training apprentices
Supporting certification audits to ensure compliance with quality standards
Coordinating temporary staffing agencies to secure production capacity
Reducing unplanned downtime to maximize production availability
This role requires comprehensive knowledge of injection molding and toolmaking, strong leadership skills, and a high level of organizational talent to successfully achieve business goals.
Head of Application Engineering
As Head of Application Engineering, responsibility for the clamping force range from 50 to 1000 tonnes was central. The work was done with state-of-the-art processing machines from Arburg and Krauss-Maffei, including 1K and 2K injection molding as well as mono-sandwich technologies. A team of six employees was led in two shifts, with personnel responsibility as a key task. Company size: 180 employees.
Sampling new tools and materials up to series release, which was crucial for quality assurance.
Commissioning complex automation solutions and continuous process optimization to boost efficiency and productivity.
Support in tool design and active participation in introducing new technologies that revolutionized the production process.
Project supervision in galvanizing and painting to ensure the highest standards in surface finishing.
Creating training materials and conducting training to promote employee education and development.
Transferring lines into series production and supporting them at various company sites to ensure a smooth transition.
Accompanying process approvals at major OEMs in the automotive industry and other sectors to ensure compliance with strict quality requirements.
This role requires technical expertise, leadership, and the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions successfully. As Head of Application Engineering, I contributed significantly to ensuring the highest quality standards and continuous improvement of production processes.
Head of Injection Molding, Assembly & Production Planning
In this responsible position, I led the areas of injection molding, assembly, and production planning. Clamping force range: 25 t - 1800 t. Processing machines: Arburg, Krauss-Maffei, Engel, 1K – 3K injection molding. Personnel responsibility: 140 employees in four shifts. Company size: 180 employees.
Conducting capacity analyses and process optimizations
Sampling new tools and materials up to series release
Commissioning complex automation solutions
Support in tool design
Personnel planning and management
Overseeing projects in subsequent galvanizing and/or painting
Employee training and apprentice training
Accompanying certification audits
Coordinating temporary staffing agencies
Reducing unplanned downtime
Preparing specifications for new injection molding machines and accepting them on site
Planning, implementing, and rolling out a shop floor data collection system
Regular reporting to the board
This position requires comprehensive knowledge of injection molding processes, strong leadership skills, and a high level of organizational talent to ensure efficiency and quality in production.
Production Manager
In this key position I was responsible for efficiently managing the production department. Closing force range: 15t - 1000t. Processing machines: Babyplast, Engel, Demag, Krauss-Maffei, 1K and 2K injection molding. Personnel responsibility: 30 employees in 3 shifts. Company size: 50 employees.
Conducted capacity analyses to optimize production processes
Optimized processes to increase efficiency and quality
Sampled new tools and materials up to series release
Commissioned complex automation solutions to improve production processes
Supported tool design to ensure product quality
Planned and managed personnel for optimal workload distribution
Supervised projects in subsequent electroplating and/or coating stages
Trained and coached employees and apprentices
Supported certification audits to comply with quality standards
Coordinated temp staffing agencies to secure production capacity
Reduced unplanned downtime to maximize production availability
This position requires comprehensive knowledge of injection molding, strong leadership skills, and a high level of organizational talent to successfully meet production targets.
Production Manager
In this responsible role I was in charge of leading the production department. Closing force range: 7.5t – 200t. Processing machines: Arburg, Babyplast, Engel, Demag, 1K and 2K injection molding. Personnel responsibility: 20 employees in 3 shifts, 64 injection molding machines. Company size: 80 employees.
Sampled new tools and materials up to series release
Commissioned complex automation solutions to increase efficiency
Optimized processes to improve production workflows
Supported tool design to ensure product quality
Planned and managed personnel for optimal workload distribution
Supervised projects in subsequent electroplating and/or coating stages
Trained employees and apprentices
Supported certification audits to comply with quality standards
Oversaw weekend production to secure production capacity
Coordinated temp staffing agencies to support production operations
Reduced unplanned downtime to maximize production availability
Conducted capacity analyses to optimize resource utilization
This position requires comprehensive knowledge of injection molding, strong leadership skills, and a high level of organizational talent to successfully meet production targets.
Team Leader (Shift Supervisor)
As the Team Leader (Shift Supervisor), I was responsible for a closing force range of 25 to 400 tons and worked with 1K injection molding machines from Arburg and Engel. I led a team of 10 employees across three shifts in a company with 100 employees.
Set up, modified, and started injection molding machines to ensure smooth production flow
Sampled new tools and materials to ensure production quality and efficiency
Troubleshot production issues to minimize downtime and maximize productivity
Monitored the machine park and performed minor maintenance to ensure machine availability
Led and developed employees to foster a motivated and high-performing team
Scheduled shifts to ensure optimal resource utilization
Implemented tasks from management to effectively achieve company goals
This position requires technical know-how, leadership strength, and the ability to make quick decisions in a dynamic environment. In this role, I significantly contributed to the efficiency and quality of production processes.
Process Mechanic for Plastics and Rubber
In the role of Process Mechanic for Plastics and Rubber, I was responsible for a closing force range of 10 to 120 tons and worked with 1K injection molding machines from Arburg. I was employed in a company with 100 employees operating in two shifts.
Set up, modified, and started injection molding machines to ensure a smooth production process
Sampled new tools and materials to ensure production quality and efficiency
Troubleshot production issues to minimize downtime and maximize productivity
Monitored the machine park to guarantee machine availability and safety
Performed minor maintenance to promote machine longevity and prevent breakdowns
This position requires technical know-how, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment. In this role, I contributed significantly to optimizing production processes and ensuring high quality standards.
Process Mechanic for Plastics and Rubber
Further training to become an Industrial Supervisor for Plastics and Rubber
In the role of Process Mechanic for Plastics and Rubber, I was responsible for a closing force range of 10 to 120 tons and worked with 1K injection molding machines from Arburg. I was employed in a company with 100 employees operating in two shifts.
Set up, modified, and started injection molding machines to ensure a smooth production process
Sampled new tools and materials to ensure production quality and efficiency
Troubleshot production issues to minimize downtime and maximize productivity
Monitored the machine park to guarantee machine availability and safety
Performed minor maintenance to promote machine longevity and prevent breakdowns
This position requires technical know-how, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment. In this role, I contributed significantly to optimizing production processes and ensuring high quality standards.
Head of Quality Management
Automotive supplier of exterior and interior parts and assemblies
In this role, I was in charge of setting up a new site, ensuring the above standards and customer requirements were met. Standards: ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2026, VDA Volume 16. Company size: 180 employees. Supervisory responsibility: 65 employees.
Implemented visual inspection for 60 employees across three shifts
Conducted internal system and product audits
Supported customer audits and visits
Held quality discussions with domestic and international customers
Managed staff and conducted employee reviews
Prepared inspection documents and necessary documentation
Reported to senior management
Secured approvals from customers
Prepared IMDS entries
Conducted employee training sessions
Created and duplicated reference samples
Managed performance metrics
This role requires extensive knowledge in quality management as well as strong leadership and communication skills to maintain the industry's high standards.
Skills
Quality Management / Revision Din/iso 9001:2015
Problem-solving Skills / The Structured Problem-solving Process
Lrqa Practical Training / Internal Environmental And Energy Audits
Quality Representative (Tüv)
Product Auditor Vda 6.5
Quality Manager (Tüv)
Product Safety Officer (Psb)
Process Auditor Vda 6.3
Quality Auditor (Tüv)
Methods Officer Automotive Core Tools
Iatf 16949 Auditor (Tüv)
Sqms (Daimler & Amg Sampling Portal)
Imds (International Material Data System)
Mpdv (Shop Floor Data Collection)
Autinity (Data Collection)
Caq-ag – Caq System
Babtec – Caq System
Iatf Cara Nc Report
Vw Group Supply
Valuestreamer
Microsoft Office
Supplyon
Ipq (Bmw Sampling Portal)
Proalpha (Erp System)
Qad (Erp System)
Languages
Education
Apprenticeship as a Plastics and Rubber Process Mechanic
Further training to become Industrial Supervisor for Plastics and Rubber
Certifications & licenses
IATF 16949 Auditor (TÜV)
LRQA Practical Training / Internal Environmental and Energy Audits
Lead Auditor ISO 9001:2015
Methods Officer Automotive Core Tools
Product Auditor VDA 6.5
Product Safety Officer (PSB)
Process Auditor VDA 6.3
Quality Auditor (TÜV)
Quality Representative (TÜV)
Quality Management / Revision DIN/ISO 9001-2015
Quality Manager (TÜV)
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