Christopher Martin Email & Phone Number

Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany

Returning to my roots in IT, I realized the opportunity to join the IT Project Management Practice at Schwarz IT, the IT business unit of Europe’s biggest retail company, the Schwarz Group, including Lidl & Kaufland. My responsibilities include:• In my current role as the IT Program Manager, I drive the digitalization of invoice processes in the context of the European e-Invoicing Initiative. This multifaceted responsibility involves overseeing the seamless implementation across 20+ countries for 40+ subsidiaries of Lidl, Kaufland, and other business units. My responsibilities encompass coordinating with stakeholders at various levels, both within the organization and external partners, to align strategic objectives with technical requirements. In addition, I oversee risk management, resource allocation, and progress tracking to ensure that each project stays on schedule and within budget.• Leading an AI-driven optimization of a sales process for Kaufland as the responsible IT project manager in an agile environment. This undertaking involved leveraging advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance decision-making processes & optimize sales KPIs for the non-food sector. My responsibilities encompassed project planning, resource management, and collaboration with external partners to ensure tangible results and alignment with organizational processes and objectives.These experiences have not only enhanced my skills but have also solidified my position as a trusted partner for management to implement key initiatives, as well as gaining firsthand exposure to the technology trend of the future, AI.

Leaving the consulting industry to reduce business travel and be more present for my newly found family, I joined PreZero, a rapidly growing recycling and waste management company set to become a global leader in sustainability. It is also the newest business unit of Europe’s biggest retail company, the Schwarz Group (Lidl & Kaufland). My main projects included:• Leading the development of an integrated platform designed to evaluate and optimize food and beverage packaging. This initiative aimed to enhance efficiency in waste management processes while minimizing environmental impact. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I oversaw the successful implementation of the platform, establishing PreZero as a pioneer in sustainable packaging solutions.• Championing the creation of a streamlined expansion process for the dual system business unit. By streamlining operations and ensuring regulatory compliance, this process not only improved the overall effectiveness of our dual system but also positioned PreZero for strategic growth in new markets.Despite my brief tenure at PreZero, I gained valuable insights into a key industry of the future. Moreover, being able to personally contribute, even in a small way, to making the world more sustainable was a fulfilling experience.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I undertook the challenging responsibility of leading a migration project for one of Germany's major utilities companies. In this capacity, I orchestrated the end-to-end project lifecycle, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring a seamless transition and minimal disruption to the client's operations. Key responsibilities included:• Establishing and maintaining effective communication channels within the remote work framework• Collaborating closely with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables• Conducting project planning, resource allocation, and risk management for a critical migration project• Finalizing contract details and signed agreements while already working for the client for several weeks• Manageing the development and implementation, ensuring alignment with client expectations• Conducting regular project reviews, addressing challenges promptly to maintain project momentumThis experience enhanced my ability to manage teams across borders and time zones, showcasing my adaptability and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. Additionally, it reinforced the importance of effective communication in successfully delivering projects.

As Business Development Consultant I was driving revenue growth and identifying new business opportunities for Infosys top “Titan” accounts within the manufacturing and utilities industries. My responsibilities included:• Analyzing and evaluating partnership and collaboration opportunities to drive business growth.• Supporting acquisition efforts by generating leads, prospecting, and qualifying potential clients.• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop client-oriented comprehensive solutions.• Developing and delivering persuasive sales presentations and proposals to prospective clients.• Monitoring and analyzing sales performance metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.• Preparing and presenting regular updates or reports on business development activities and outcomesI gained valuable insights into strategic partnership evaluation and collaboration, which drove significant business growth. Through lead generation and prospecting, I honed my skills in identifying and qualifying potential clients, enabling successful acquisition efforts. Collaborating with cross-functional teams allowed me to deliver comprehensive solutions that were client-oriented, resulting in enhanced customer satisfaction and business success.

My primary responsibility was to serve as the CEO's trusted right-hand and support the effective development and implementation of the company's strategy. In this key role, I oversaw the coordination of information flow, prepared strategic decisions, and ensured seamless communication with various stakeholders. My responsibilities included:• Assisting in developing and executing company strategies, including defining a turnaround approach for ensuring the growth and strategic value of the German office• Preparing presentations, reports, and materials for board meetings and executive committees• Implementing and monitoring key projects & initiatives• Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the customer and project landscape, identifying issues, and developing appropriate corrective measures• Establishing and nurturing relationships with internal and external partners to ensure effective communication and collaboration• Developing and executing communication strategies to keep employees at all levels informed about company goals and initiativesI significantly contributed to the CEO's productivity and successfully facilitated the execution of strategic goals. I defined and implemented turnaround management initiatives, identified and resolved a range of customer and project issues. Through my analytical skills and strategic thinking, I helped steer the company towards sustainable growth. This experience furthered my leadership capabilities, honed my problem-solving skills, and provided me with an in-depth understanding of overall business strategy and operations.

As a PMO Lead and Interim Project Manager, I was responsible for two multimillion-dollar SAP projects for leading manufacturing clients in Germany. My responsibilities included:• Leading the Project Management Office (PMO) and ensuring smooth project operations• Assuming project leadership in the absence of the project manager for extended periods, involving decision-making and task prioritization• Coordinating and monitoring project activities, including schedule planning, resource management, and budget control• Collaborating closely with clients to understand their requirements and ensure that the projects align with their needs• Identifying and resolving project challenges to ensure timely achievement of milestones• Managing and coordinating project teams, including internal and external stakeholders, to ensure effective collaboration• Ensuring compliance with quality standards and best practices in project management• Providing regular reporting to senior management and stakeholdersThrough my work as a PMO Lead and Interim Project Manager, I made significant contributions to the success of these projects. My ability to organize complex projects, motivate teams, and proactively address issues contributed

Córdoba Province, Argentina

Scapatti y Ascosciados is a Cordoba (Argentina) based consultancy with focus on lean manufacturing, project management and organisational development.As an intern I supported the team with creating proposals and doing market research. My main goal was to improve my Spanish skills effectively and gain a better understanding of local business operations.

Joining the workforce as a Dual Student at IBM, I was able to seamlessly blend academia with real-world experience.• While pursuing my Bachelor’s degree, the program included multiple 3 month on the job trainings in sales and consulting• Later while pursuing my masters degree I as was already working as a consultant in the Project management office (PMO) of a major client SAP implementation project at a german hidden champion of the electronics industryI experienced a rapid learning curve, uncovering a passion for systematic and creative problem-solving in an IT project environement. Beyond skills, I've forged invaluable connections with all kinds of smart minds, evolving into mentors for my future endeavors.

Master’S Degree, Business And Process Management

Bachelor’S Degree, Business Informatics, Sales And Consulting