Management Summary
The interim mandate originally began as a way of bridging a vacancy, but it soon became clear that the Operations division was in need of far-reaching realignment. Within a few months, the Operations division was not only restructured, but strategically positioned for long-term growth. Core tasks such as supply chain management, process optimization, relocation of production and integration of a new site were successfully implemented by the GOiNTERIM manager. The result was a leaner organization, increased cost transparency and a future-proof, agile operations setup.
Company
The company is a pan-European player in the healthcare sector with a turnover of several million euros and over 1000 employees. The site where the interim management was deployed forms a central part of the production and operational structures. The company is characterized by its technological products in the healthcare sector and faces the challenge of making its production and supply chain efficient and future-proof.
Initial situation
At the beginning of the mandate, the central question was how the Operations division should be strategically and structurally optimized. Processes were heterogeneous, responsibilities were not clearly defined and cost transparency was limited. In addition, complex changes were pending: a planned plant relocation to Eastern Europe, the integration of a new location and the outsourcing of sub-processes. Against this backdrop, the GOiNTERIM manager needed to develop a lean, efficient and scalable operations model that would enable both increased efficiency and long-term growth.
Goals and tasks
The overarching goals of the project were clearly defined: ensuring sustainable growth through structural optimization of the operations area. This included restructuring production, optimizing the supply chain and introducing new process and KPI structures. One focus was on relocating the plant to Eastern Europe, including the necessary product certifications to ensure the smooth transfer of production. At the same time, product range management was realigned, product development was supported and interfaces to the national organizations were consolidated.
Measures and implementation steps
At the beginning of the mandate, a comprehensive analysis of the existing processes was carried out in order to identify potential savings and optimization opportunities. Based on this, lean process structures were implemented, responsibilities were redistributed and the organization was trimmed for efficiency and transparency. The plant relocation to Eastern Europe was planned and implemented in close coordination with all relevant stakeholders, including product certifications and logistics transfers. At the same time, KPI systems for operations were developed and continuously managed in order to map performance and costs in real time. Other measures included the restructuring of production, the integration of the new site and the gradual reduction of hierarchies in favor of a mix of experienced and young talent to promote agility and knowledge transfer.
Successes and results
The deployment of the interim manager led to measurable successes: The organization became significantly leaner, manufacturing costs more transparent and the supply chain more efficient. Despite drastic measures such as plant relocation and partial staff outsourcing, employee motivation was kept high. Processes were sustainably restructured, KPIs established and product range and product management professionalized. The integration of the new location went smoothly and operational performance increased significantly. Overall, a sustainable operations model was created that supports growth, reduces costs and offers a clear strategic direction.
Conclusion
The interim project not only bridged the vacancy, but also fundamentally transformed the operations area. With leaner processes, increased transparency, an efficient supply chain and clear KPI structures, an operational basis was created that enables long-term, sustainable growth. The project illustrates how interim management successfully combines strategic realignment, process optimization and restructuring in a complex, international environment.
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Dr. Martin Ludwig Mayr, Managing Director
martin.mayr@gointerim.com
+49 89 20 500 8695