SARAH SCHOLZ
Independent Consultant
SARAH SCHOLZ | Independent Consultant
Approach
A clear analysis. Solid recommendations. A plan for implementation. Most performance improvement initiatives get this far. What decides whether it lasts happens earlier: the people running the operation help shape the plan, rather than receiving it once it is finished.
That's why I combine a strong focus on performance improvement with early involvement of the people who run the operation, because that is what makes results lasting, not just achieved.
As an independent consultant, I support corporates, private equity firms and consultancies in improving performance, efficiency and profitability, focusing on manufacturing companies across industries. With a strong operational background and a pragmatic, hands-on approach, I translate improvement opportunities into concrete measures and stay involved through piloting and implementation, working with teams from shop floor to C-level.
Services
I stay involved from analysis through implementation: not handing off after the concept, but seeing it through together with my clients. That includes flexible ways of working: full-time when needed, or a reduced, planned commitment of one or two days per week or month for ongoing support, so clients get exactly the level of involvement they need, at the right pace for the organization.
Based in Munich, I am available across Europe and Australia, with full working rights in the EU and Australia, and remain open to other regions where a project requires it.
01
Performance Improvement & Value Creation
Improving EBITDA, cash and productivity across direct and indirect functions, from focused cost topics to end-to-end optimization. Grounded in operational excellence and lean, with clear priorities and measurable targets.
02
Target Operating Model & Change Management
Designing the target operating model that makes improvements stick: processes, organizational structures, governance, roles and KPIs. Built with the people who will run it and backed by structured change management.
03
Transformation & Project Leadership
Leading transformation programs and critical workstreams, including transformation management, PMO and interim roles, from concept through piloting and rollout across sites, including training and coaching of the people who carry the change.
About
I started in manufacturing engineering, moved into lean and operational excellence, and went on to lead large-scale, cross-functional programs in industry and international management consulting. That path, from operational practice to strategic transformation, shapes how I work: with an eye for what actually happens in the process, not just what is on the slide.
I am driven by getting more out of what already exists, and I care about doing it with people, not around them.
Having worked and lived across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Oceania, I am used to different business cultures.
9+
Years of experience
12
Countries worked in
25+
Projects led or contributed
Experience
Selected projects from prior roles in industry and consulting, anonymized for confidentiality. Industry experience spans automotive, aviation, industrial goods, semiconductors, medical technology, packaging, metal processing and energy technology, including PE-backed companies.
A detailed project overview can be shared on request.
End-to-End Process & Operating Model Transformation
Global end-to-end process transformation, covering the standardized target process and the target operating model with governance, performance management and workforce impact. Supported by change management and communication, including stakeholder, impact and readiness analyses. Piloted in several European plants, with process trainers trained and the rollout started.
Cross-Functional Cost Reduction Program
Cross-functional product cost reduction program, including project management, PMO and stakeholder communication. Measures collected and prioritized with operations, engineering, quality, procurement and HR, backed by business cases against investment and expected cost increases, with implementation kicked off and handed over to the functions.
Lean Transformation & Performance Improvement
End-to-end project management of lean and performance improvement projects across direct and indirect functions, from analysis to implementation. Applies lean methods (e.g., value stream design, flow-oriented layout, performance management) and builds a lean culture through training and change management, typically delivering productivity and efficiency gains of 10–25%.
Value Creation Assessments for Private Equity
Operational, commercial and vendor due diligence for private equity investors, identifying EBITDA improvement potential typically in the range of 10–20% alongside cash opportunities. Includes market analysis, evaluation of acquisition options (individual acquisition, joint venture, full integration) and a strategic procurement assessment for a portfolio company.
Contact
Let's discuss where focused support can make a difference.
Phone: +49 163 7269531
Email: info@sarahscholzadvisory.com
Looking forward to hearing from you.