Ulf S.

Innovation Manager

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Bad Homburg, Germany

Experience

Jan 2023 - Present
3 years

Innovation Manager

Claas

  • Steer innovation projects for AI-based systems, focusing on plant detection technology for agricultural applications.
  • Champion digital transformation initiatives within software departments, advocating for Agile methodologies and Scrum-based workflows.
  • Analyse and optimise team infrastructure, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strategic development.
  • Pioneered integration of AI technology in agricultural equipment, significantly advancing precision farming techniques.
  • Designed a cloud-based dashboard platform, facilitating real-time data access and decision-making for field management.
  • Developed camera-based GPS systems for tractors, enhancing field analysis capabilities.
  • Created and implemented AI interfaces for pre-processing image data, ensuring seamless statistics delivery to the cloud via LTE.
  • Innovated cloud-based dashboard platforms, introducing cutting-edge technology concepts and coordinating cross-functional teams to execute project visions.
Jan 2023 - Dec 2023
1 year

Senior Management

Cariad

  • Lead a team of 40 people mostly located in India, responsible for the AUTOSAR test tool environment.
  • Weekly status reporting to senior management.
  • Ensure requirement and documentation management of all test procedures.
  • Develop CI/CD framework and integration.
  • Address test-architecture design basis questions.
Jan 2022 - Dec 2024
3 years

Consultant

Kurtz Holding GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG

  • Provide consultancy on digital transformation, focusing on software departments, Scrum Agile work processes, and cloud computing.
  • Report directly to the CEO, analyse team infrastructure, and introduce Agile methodologies to enhance work processes.
  • Planned, methodically analysed, and optimised team infrastructure.
  • Analysed Agile software cost structure.
  • Implemented Agile methodologies and Scrum-based workflows.
  • Provided strategic training and development on future technologies.
Jan 2021 - Dec 2022
2 years

Entrepreneur Energy Management

Senec GmbH (EnBW)

  • Lead integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into development of the "Home V4" Battery-Energy-Management System, including inverter, battery balancing system, and heat pump.
  • Directed Scrum-based development teams, requiring in-depth technical understanding of MQTT and cloud technology, alongside embedded software engineering with Linux-based control units.
  • Oversaw series introduction, coordinated development efforts, and provided regular updates to the steering committee.
  • Pioneered a new IoT concept integrating energy management across battery, controllers, solar, and apps, enhancing system interoperability.
  • Initiated and enhanced industrial processes within and outside of Senec GmbH, implementing tools and methodologies such as Scrum, EOL, JIRA, and release management to streamline operations.
Jan 2020 - Present
6 years

Managing Director – Entrepreneur

Kimetis GmbH

  • Lead industrial DS-Control coaching, advising on Industry 4.0 technologies tailored for next-gen manufacturing.
  • Conduct training on Industry 4.0, integrating AI into management practices.
  • Facilitate connections between software suppliers and data scientists to enhance client capabilities.
  • Establish machine network support and develop AI models to diversify analytical approaches.
  • Advocate for adoption of predictive data analytics and implement Big Data solutions as SaaS in cloud, optimising production chain procedures.
  • Found and directed a new R&D department focused on industrial Big Data in manufacturing, overseeing all operations.
  • Pioneered introduction of AI and machine learning models to streamline various manufacturing processes.
  • Fostered collaborative partnerships, connecting clients with key software and data science resources.
  • Spearheaded development of a new R&D division, focusing on leveraging Big Data within the industrial manufacturing sector.
  • Drove integration of predictive analytics to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
Jan 2019 - Dec 2020
2 years

Chief Technology Officer

Bigdata in Manufacturing

  • Developed detailed cost projections for development, manpower, and equipment to ensure project feasibility.
  • Strategised and cultivated a network of software supplier partnerships to enhance module support and engineering capabilities.
  • Negotiated mathematical frameworks for machine learning programs and delineated clear milestones and work packages for supplier collaboration.
  • Authored technical requirements specifications to serve as the foundation for product platform development.
  • Presented technical product strategies to investors and clients, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
  • Oversaw pilot projects in partnership with universities, leveraging CNC machines and AI methodologies.
  • Established a new office in Darmstadt, leading recruitment and hiring of software engineering talent.
  • Structured hierarchical engineering infrastructure to optimise technical expertise and project delivery.
  • Spearheaded coordination of Linux-embedded target systems and establishment of robust software architecture frameworks.
  • Defined and implemented machine learning structures to advance technological innovation.
  • Identified and recruited a high-potential AI scientist, enhancing the team's capabilities in future-driven product development for part production.
Jan 2019 - Dec 2019
1 year

Senior Manager

Continental Corporation

  • Orchestrated integration of full-display systems between cluster instrument and infotainment units for automotive industry leaders.
  • Served as a pivotal liaison among tier-one suppliers.
  • Led global software development teams, negotiating supply chain objectives and establishing project milestones in alignment with architectural requirements.
  • Formulated complete resource plans, initiated project kick-offs, and identified key performance indicators to ensure project success.
  • Managed embedded teams worldwide, delivering complex projects for clients such as VW/Audi and BMW.
  • Assembled and managed Agile Scrum teams, employing SAFe methodology to meet and exceed project targets.
Jan 2017 - Dec 2018
2 years

Solution Manager

Continental Corporation

  • Managed cross-functional teams in a joint project between Audi and VW, focusing on resource planning, team ramp-up, and coordination.
  • Oversaw third-party supplier selection and engagement, establishing project budgets and KPIs.
  • Negotiated milestones and planning, leading task forces to drive project progress.
  • Ensured systems testing and validation met ASPICE and functional safety criteria.
  • Collaborated with customers to plan new HMI ADAS concepts and executed clear requirement engineering.
  • Coordinated prototype planning and prepared for series production through the Gate Maturity Process.
  • Defined innovative concepts and shared them with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with project goals.
  • Strengthened international cooperation and steered workflow processes using JIRA.
  • Spearheaded a joint venture with suppliers to develop a new HWI concept for BMW (AZV), demonstrating leadership in innovation and collaboration.
Jan 2016 - Dec 2017
2 years

Global PM/Solution Manager

Continental Corporation

  • Directed development of the MQB FPK full display cluster instrument, coordinating international teams across Singapore, Timisoara, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Germany.
  • Managed project budget estimations, milestone scheduling, and strategic planning of prototypes and series production.
  • Fostered a Scrum-based work environment, improving processes and integrating continuous software strategies using CI/GitLab.
  • Conducted risk assessments for technical concepts, ensuring adherence to ASPICE and safety standards.
  • Orchestrated ADAS concept planning sessions with clients, maintaining a forward-thinking approach to automotive safety and technology.
  • Defined and introduced new automotive innovations, enhancing product functionality and market competitiveness.
  • Spearheaded innovative solutions for complex technical challenges, reinforcing role as a key problem solver.
Jan 2015 - Dec 2016
2 years

Global P/Taskforce Lead

Continental Corporation

  • Coordinated communication between customers, vice president, and development teams, negotiating milestones and managing project planning.
  • Directed error ticket handling and executed requirements engineering to adhere to safety ASIL standards, traceability, quality, and documentation.
  • Managed time scheduling for software integration strategies and liaised directly with chip supplier NXP on complex technical challenges.
  • Facilitated interactions with the software test team for system, integration, and PVV tests, and prepared for series production.
  • Delivered continuous status updates to senior management, driving project success and timely delivery.
  • Oversaw third-party development, evaluated hardware errata implications, and planned prototypes and samples.
  • Led a high-impact cluster instrument project for BMW, steering an international team of over 110 members across Mexico, Singapore, Timisoara, Egypt, and Germany.
Jan 2014 - Dec 2014
1 year

Project Management (SW Team lead)

FTE (Valeo)

  • Directed a software development team in pioneering an innovative BLDC motor driving concept for start-stop automatic systems in collaboration with Ford and Chrysler.
  • Established a new software development department, recruiting and managing a skilled team to support automotive system innovation.
  • Organised creation of pre-development prototypes, ensuring adherence to industry standards and project requirements.
  • Negotiated agreements with chip manufacturers and built a Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) in C to manage a 3-phase BLDC motor.
  • Coordinated the series prototyping phase, streamlining transition from concept to production-ready prototypes.
  • Defined hardware and micro-controller specifications, aligning system design with the V-model for software architecture in C.
  • Appointed and managed a software supplier, building external partnerships and delivering software components on time.
  • Led requirements engineering efforts, ensuring compliance with the V-model and delivering robust software architecture solutions.

Summary

Highly accomplished professional with over two decades of extensive experience in software development, global R&D management in cross-functional teams, digital transformation and engineering leadership across diverse industries.

Proven track record in steering large-scale international teams, leading complex projects, and driving innovation in Industry 4.0, IoT, AI, and automotive technologies. Demonstrated expertise in software development, hardware integration, and cloud-based solutions with a strong focus on delivering cutting-edge products and services. Adept at navigating high-pressure environments, solving critical client challenges, and fostering agile, Scrum-based work cultures. Recognised for pioneering advancements in AI-driven solutions, digital transformation, and next-generation automotive systems.

Skills

  • Ai-based System Development
  • Digital Transformation
  • Software Architecture & Development
  • Technical Talent Acquisition
  • Cost Estimation Of Projects
  • Agile & Scrum Methodologies
  • Team Leadership & Mentoring
  • R&d Management
  • Product & Technology Innovation

Languages

German
Native
English
Advanced
Portuguese
Advanced

Education

University of Applied Sciences

Electronic Engineer · Frankfurt, Germany

Technical Secondary School

Electronic Engineering · Friedberg, Germany

ALCATEL/SEL

Apprentice (Communications Electronics Technician) · Frankfurt, Germany

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