Alex Ka

ALEXANDER KNODEL FRACTIONAL CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER PROJECT MANAGER (IPMA) SCRUM MASTER & DATA SCIENTIST BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING Dubai, United Arab Emirates • - •- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A seasoned Chief Operating Officer (COO), Project Manager, and Scrum Master with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, I bring a robust blend of expertise in operational leadership, project management, and technology (mechanics, electronics, and software) across international markets. Currently serving as the COO at zehnplus GmbH, I oversee cross-functional teams, optimize workflows, and drive the successful delivery of innovative AI software solutions. Known for a pragmatic approach and precise execution, I excel in aligning company operations with strategic goals, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction. Leveraging my expertise in agile methodologies (Scrum.org – Professional Scrum Master), I foster collaboration and innovation within diverse teams, improving processes and outcomes. Additionally, my certification in Data Science (IBM Data Science Professional Certification) enables me to integrate data-driven decision-making into operational strategies and product development. In my current role, I manage the complete project lifecycle, from business development and client negotiations to execution and delivery, ensuring excellence in resource planning, personnel management, and stakeholder communication. I also champion a hands-on mentality within the organization, driving continuous improvement and innovation to meet ambitious project goals within budget and timeline constraints. With a proven track record of transforming challenges into opportunities, I pride myself on being a strategic sparring partner for teams, promoting collaboration, and navigating complex project landscapes with confidence and success. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE zehnplus GmbH, Switzerland • Fractional COO since - 2024 Leading operational strategy and driving process improvements to enhance efficiency and scalability. Responsible for implementing agile methodologies, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring seamless collaboration across teams to deliver innovative B2B software solutions. GroVia LLC, UAE • Managing Director since - 2022 Overseeing strategic growth and operational excellence, driving successful marketing and IT consulting projects across diverse industries. Expertise includes business development, team leadership, process optimization, and ensuring client satisfaction. AVL ETS GmbH, Germany • Project manager, international / national 2015 - 2022 Successful management of over 50 international / nationwide projects in classic waterfall phase model. Experience includes contract law & negotiation, project management according to IPMA / GPM methodology, PLM strategies, budget management, and adherence to cost targets. SAP controlled production, effective resource allocation, Project team leadership (Matrix Organization), ensuring quality standards, integrating new technologies as well continuous development for industry relevance. AVL ETS GmbH, Germany • Team Leader Commissioning (IBN) 2012 - 2015 Efficiently coordinated of the team to ensure smooth commissioning processes; provided comprehensive training for customer; compliance with all safety regulations; continuously optimized procedures / processes; closely collaborate with technical support and regularly reporting to higher management and customers. Building long-term customer relationships through excellent customer service and technical support. Updating and documentation of installation and commissioning procedures in accordance with the latest industry standards and guidelines, as well as the ongoing training of employees as part of the responsibility. University of Applied Sciences, Dortmund, Germany • Emission Engineer 2008 - 2012 Certification and classification of Diesel – Engines according to regulation (97/68/EC). Project management for emission projects to ensure legal compliance. Development and implementation of emissions strategies and corresponding measures. Continuous adaptation to regulatory requirements, close collaboration with partners for environmentally friendly technologies and conducting active research to reduce emissions. University of Applied Sciences, Dortmund, Germany • University student Bachelor of Engineering Study focus: Mechanical Engineering, Environmental and Energy Technology 2004 - 2008 SELECTED PROJECTS (personal Highlights / Details) Operational Excellence and Strategic Growth • COO / zehnplus GmbH 01/2024 – Present Initial Situation:# zehnplus GmbH, an innovative IT and software development company, is undergoing organizational and structural transformation. The focus is on optimizing internal processes, enhancing team collaboration, and driving business growth through efficient use of resources and targeted market strategies. Measures / Work Packages • • • • • • • • Organizational Restructuring: Led the reorganization of internal departments, implementing clear reporting lines and roles to increase operational efficiency. Process Optimization: Developed and standardized workflows across teams to improve project execution, aligning with Agile and Scrum methodologies. Strategic Leadership: Spearheaded business strategy, aligning product development with market demands, including AI-driven solutions like FAQ systems and Knowledge Management tools (Wisdom). Financial Oversight: Introduced new budget management and financial monitoring systems, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. Sales Enablement: Launched a scalable sales strategy targeting industries such as insurance, legal, and government, leveraging targeted lead generation and outreach methods. Team Development: Established training programs to upskill employees, including hybrid roles combining sales and project management expertise, fostering cross-functional collaboration. Market Expansion: Implemented go-to-market strategies for AI solutions, combining cutting-edge AI tools with industry-specific consultation packages. Customer Success: Strengthened client relations by introducing customer feedback loops, delivering tailored solutions, and ensuring high customer satisfaction through efficient problem resolution. Results: • • • • Increased overall operational efficiency by 15% through process standardization and optimized workflows. Achieved a 20% reduction in project lead times by integrating Agile principles and improving cross-departmental collaboration. Boosted revenue by launching a new AI consultation and integration model, generating an additional 1.2M CHF in the first year. Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention by implementing structured career development paths and fostering an inclusive company culture. Keywords: Process Optimization, Organizational Development, AI Solutions, Agile Methodologies, Strategic Leadership, Sales Strategy, Business Growth, Team Development, Customer Success Process Optimization and Development • Project Manager / OEM Automotive 01/2023 - 08/2023 Initial Situation: The company, a leading provider in the commercial vehicle sector, particularly in the Trucks & Buses segment, is undergoing a transformational process. The goal is to create a consistent and efficient process environment across all organizational units (OUs) in the area of development. Measures / Work Packages • • • • • • Lead process management for modelling and standardization of business process - development across all OUs. Strategically reduction of process complexity by focusing on relevant subprocesses and activities to increase speed and efficiency. Implementation of a harmonized 100% process through targeted analysis and categorization of similar processes and activities. Comprehensive verification of the 100% process with subsequent additions and corrections for the highest process depth and quality. Successful rollout of the optimized process across all OUs to ensure a consistent and harmonized working methods. Conduct detailed evaluations to measure the success of harmonization, identifying similarities and differences, and continuously search for further optimization potential in the process. Results: The process optimization resulted in an impressive development lead time efficiency of about 6%. The implemented 100% process enabled a uniform and efficient way of working across all OUs away. Strategically reducing process complexity increased speed and efficiency and further optimization potential through a detailed evaluation of harmonized success be identified and demonstrated. Keywords: Process optimization, Value stream mapping, Process modelling tools, Change Management tools, Business intelligence Software, Balanced Scorecards, Feedback Systems Development of a B2B Software Solution • Scrum Master, Project Manager & Consultant 04/2022 - 12/2022 Initial Situation: The company, a player from Switzerland in the software development sector, faces the challenge of creating an innovation software solution. The goal is to implement a working method that is both flexible and efficient and follows the principles of agility. For the team, a transformation is required, in which the integration of agile methods is considered an essential part of the strategic orientation. Measures / Work Packages • • • • • Leading a software development team through key sprints that must be completed on time and with highest quality according to the “Definition of Done”. Promoting an agile culture that results in a productivity increase of the team through improved application of Scrum principles. Proactive organization and moderation of Scrum meetings (Daily Scrum, Sprint Planning, Sprint Review / Retrospective) to optimize team efficiency and implementation, as well as ensuring a continuous feedback culture. Implementation of a transparent communication framework to strengthen team and stakeholder collaboration and to early detect and manage risks. Management of team-related challenges and provision of necessary resources to promote an optimal working environment, which as a result should enable the delivery of functional software increments in each sprint. Results: The agile development within the software development team was successful and simultaneously increased the quality of the delivered software results. An efficiency increase of approximately 20% was achieved. The implementation of a more agile culture contributed significantly to the productivity increase of the team, while transparent communication and proactive risk management led to effective collaboration among all participants in the project. Keywords: Agile Transformation, Continues Deployment, Stakeholder Management, Software Architecture, ObjectOriented Programming, Data Structure, Cloud Computing, GitHub Repository CO2-neutral Testing Centre for IC Engines • Onsite Manager 06/2021 - 04/2022 Initial Situation: The project, for a California agency responsible for monitoring and regulating air pollution, requires timely and high-quality onsite project management services. The goal is to establish the world´s first carbon-neutral testing centre for internal combustion engines within the anticipated time frame during the Covid pandemic. The focus is on the installation and time-critical completion of an innovative building complex, as well as the implementation of state-of-the-art measurement devices for combustion process of motorcycles, cars, and commercial vehicles. Measures / Work Packages • • • • • • • Team Coordination: Leading international teams, agile task assignment, continuous progress monitoring Risk Management: Early detection of pandemic-related and non-pandemic risks, strategy development against supply chain bottlenecks, alternative procurement routes, increasing flexibility through measures such as digital platforms. Resource Management: Efficient coordination of human resources, equipment, and materials. Customer Communication: Continuous exchange on project status, joint creation of testing instructions, transparent project progress presentation, regular meetings for result verification. Time and Budget Management: Strict adherence to schedule and budget, goal -> timely completion in April 2022 despite the Covid pandemic. Quality Control: Compliance with all relevant standards and specifications to ensure project outcome quality. Documentation: Regular detailed reporting for transparent presentation of project progress to internal and external stakeholders Results: The successful commissioning of the world´s first carbon-neutral testing centre for internal combustion engines marks a a significant milestone in the project. Strategic risk management and efficient resource management contributed to the successful implementation of the project. Despite the challenging conditions of the Covid pandemic, both the schedule and budget were largely adhered to. Keywords: Contract Management, Procurement Management, Stakeholder Management, Team Leadership, Change Management, Quality Control, Resource Allocation, Closure and Evaluation Product Development • Project Manager / Automotive 03/2020 - 06/2021 Initial Situation: The project, in collaboration with a Californian organization responsible for the monitoring and regulation of air pollution, encompasses product development and requires detailed project planning. This planning should consider all critical phases, milestones, and resource needs to provide the project with clear guidance and structure. Furthermore, the project is characterized by extensive new developments in plant construction and measuring instruments and a contractually time-critical implementation of specifications for the products. The project is marked by high attention from internal top stakeholders. Measures / Work Packages • • • • • • Project planning: Creation of detailed project plan as a guideline for all participants. Risk Management: Continuous risk analysis focusing on pandemic and non-pandemic impacts, development of flexible strategies against supply shortages, and adjustment of production processes. Team coordination: Effective leadership of development teams in Germany and the USA for seamless collaboration in requirement management and technical implementation. Stakeholder and Supplier Management: Intensive communication with internal stakeholders and suppliers to mitigate pandemic effects on supply chains and schedules, including the search for alternative sources and negotiation of flexible delivery terms. Production Preparation: Carefully preparation of production processes following the development and engineering phase to ensure high-quality manufacturing of products. Project Monitoring and Control: Constant monitoring of progress, budget, and schedules to guarantee goal achievement. Results: Despite the pandemic, all project objectives were achieved. Careful planning and regular short-term adjustments enabled timely implementation, while flexible risk strategies successfully addressed supply chain restrictions. Significant efforts in stakeholder management both internally and externally created a solid foundation for successful customer relationships. Keywords: Contract Law & Negotiations, Requirements & Specifications, SAP Project Management, Product Lifecycle Management, Financial Planning, Scope Management, Stakeholder Management, User-Centred Design, Change Control, Risk & Claim Management, Quality Assurance, Performance Metrics, Post-Launch Analysis EDUCATION IBM Data Science Professional Certificate 2023 – 2024 Data Science and Machine Learning with Python Prompt Engineering generative AI (LLM) 2023 – 2024 Professional Scrum Master 2021 – 2022 Process Management 2019 – 2020 ADAS & SDV 2019 – 2020 ASPICE / ISO-26262 2018 – 2019 Project Management 2015 – 2016 Methodology IPMA/GPM Bachelor of Engineering • University of Dortmund, Germany 2004 – 2008 Study focus: Engineering, Energy and Environmental Technology SKILLS MS Office extensive knowledge MS Project extensive knowledge Python / SQL extensive knowledge SAP ERP / S4 HANA solid knowledge Atlassian (Jira / Confluence) solid knowledge Productboard expanded basic knowledge CATIA V5 expanded basic knowledge LANGUAGES German Native language (C2) English Fluent (C1) Russian Fluent (C1) Arabic Basic knowledge (A2)