Interim & IT Project Management – Ensuring Seamless Execution in Complex Environments
Schey Consulting GmbH
I specialize in IT project management and interim leadership, driving seamless execution, process optimization, and digital transformation. With deep expertise in Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid methodologies, I effectively bridge the gap between business and technology to deliver strategic, high-impact results.
Challenges I Help My Clients Overcome:
Below is an overview of the key challenges I help my clients navigate. If your specific challenge is not listed, feel free to reach out. I offer comprehensive support across all aspects of IT project management and interim leadership.
Digital Transformation and Integration - Industry 4.0
The rapid evolution of e-commerce requires robust IT infrastructures to ensure seamless system integration. Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies must unify online and offline data to deliver consistent, omnichannel customer experiences. Industry 4.0 accelerates digital transformation by enabling real-time data access, automation, and AI-driven smart factories, leveraging IoT and advanced analytics for greater efficiency and innovation.
Data Management and Analytics

In an increasingly data-driven landscape, effectively managing and analyzing consumer data is critical for success. Key challenges include ensuring data accuracy, integrating diverse data sources, and transforming raw information into actionable insights that drive informed business strategies. Robust data governance and advanced analytics play a vital role in optimizing decision-making and maintaining a competitive edge.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration
AI unlocks powerful opportunities in demand forecasting, personalized marketing, and operational efficiency. However, successful integration requires substantial investment in technology and talent, along with a strategic approach to data governance and privacy compliance. Organizations must navigate these challenges to fully harness AI’s potential for business growth and innovation.
Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance
With growing consumer and regulatory demands for sustainable products and eco-friendly production processes, CPG companies must adapt swiftly. Implementing robust IT systems is crucial for tracking environmental impact, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and transparently reporting sustainability metrics. Leveraging digital solutions enables businesses to drive sustainability initiatives while maintaining operational efficiency and regulatory adherence.
Cybersecurity Threats
As digital transformation accelerates, organizations face increasing exposure to cyber threats. Safeguarding sensitive consumer data and securing digital infrastructures require proactive, multi-layered cybersecurity strategies. Continuous threat monitoring, robust encryption, and compliance with evolving security regulations are essential to mitigating risks and ensuring business resilience.
Supply Chain Resilience
Economic pressures and global disruptions have exposed critical vulnerabilities in supply chains. Strengthening resilience requires advanced IT solutions for real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and agile response mechanisms. By leveraging digital technologies, organizations can enhance supply chain visibility, mitigate risks, and ensure operational continuity in an unpredictable market.
Challenging the Status Quo: Strategic Problem-Solving & Process Optimization
I do more than manage IT projects—I challenge processes, uncover root causes, and optimize solutions for maximum efficiency. My approach extends beyond technology, ensuring that each challenge is met with a strategic, results-driven solution rather than just an IT-focused fix. By critically analyzing workflows and defining the “why” behind decisions, I help businesses streamline operations, drive meaningful change, and achieve long-term success.
Service Portfolio: Strategic IT Project & Interim Leadership for Industry & Logistics
Below is an overview of my service portfolio. If your specific requirements are not listed, feel free to reach out. I provide customized solutions tailored to your unique needs.
IT Project Management
I ensure the successful delivery of IT projects—on time, within budget, and with maximum efficiency. By bridging the gap between business and technology, I facilitate seamless collaboration between executives, developers, and cross-functional teams.
With expertise in Agile (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe), Waterfall, and Hybrid methodologies, I tailor the project management approach to fit each initiative’s unique requirements, driving optimal outcomes and sustainable success.
Project Leadership & Strategy
With deep expertise in risk management, budget control, and project scheduling, I ensure projects stay on track and deliver measurable results. I leverage industry-leading tools such as JIRA, Confluence, MS Project, and Trello to monitor progress, enhance collaboration, and keep teams aligned.
Specializing in change management, I drive seamless adaptation to evolving project scopes while optimizing workflows through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, ensuring efficiency and long-term success.
IT & Business Integration
With extensive expertise in process industries, discrete manufacturing, and supply chain management, I help businesses seamlessly integrate IT solutions to drive digital transformation, automation, and real-time data access.
My deep understanding of cloud computing (AWS, Azure), DevOps (CI/CD, version control), cybersecurity, and enterprise IT architecture enables me to design scalable, secure, and future-proof solutions that align technology with business strategy.
Interim IT Management
I provide strategic leadership in IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and governance (ITIL, COBIT, ISO 27001), guiding organizations through transitions, restructurings, and crisis situations with confidence and stability.
With expertise in stakeholder management, vendor negotiations, and cost optimization, I ensure that IT investments align with business objectives, drive efficiency, and maximize ROI.
Global Team Management
With extensive experience in leading international and remote teams, I specialize in cross-functional collaboration, conflict resolution, and coaching. I prioritize effective communication using platforms such as Teams, Slack, and SharePoint, ensuring that teams remain aligned, motivated, and productive.
My background in managing large-scale multinational projects has equipped me with the ability to oversee complex global implementations, working across diverse regions and cultures. I am adept at navigating the challenges of coordinating efforts across different time zones, ensuring seamless collaboration and timely delivery.
Driving IT Success Across Industries
Below is a selection of industries where I have successfully led and implemented a significant number of IT projects in recent years.
If your industry is not listed, feel free to reach out—I would be happy to make it the next addition to my portfolio.
Food & Beverage
My expertise spans the food and beverage sector, including soft drinks & juices, alcoholic beverages, dairy, and meat & poultry.
Tobacco & Vaping
Specialisation within Manufacturing, Product Development & Logistics with special knowledge regarding product traceability regarding FCTC.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Strong operational understanding of end-to-end personal care & cosmetics production, from raw materials to finished goods.
Chemical
Proficient in process safety, quality control, and plant operations in the chemical sector.
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology
Strong background in lab equipment handling, assay development, and sample management.
Automotive
Deep knowledge of discrete manufacturing, process optimization, and production planning in the automotive sector.
Electronics & Semiconductor
Proven expertise in high-precision manufacturing, production planning, and process improvement in the electronics and semiconductor industry
Project References:
These project profiles highlight my expertise in designing and implementing complex IT systems, particularly in the manufacturing and food & beverage industries. With a focus on process optimization, system integration, and regulatory compliance, I have successfully managed cross-functional teams and delivered high-impact solutions across multiple global locations.
Product Authentication and Track & Trace Solution for Multi-National Tobacco Manufacturer
In response to new regulatory requirements such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the EU Tobacco Product Directive (TPD), tobacco manufacturers were mandated to implement solutions for tracking products from production to point of sale to combat smuggling and tax evasion.
Given the limited software solutions available at the time, a custom end-to-end solution was developed, incorporating components for printing and reading unique codes on tobacco packaging, creating hierarchical data structures, and sending the tracking data to both internal and external repositories required by government authorities.
I led this multi-year project, which included the development of a line system capable of printing unique codes on tobacco packs and managing hierarchical data for tracking purposes. I was also responsible for integrating the solution with government systems across 28 EU member states, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for product traceability. This project required a deep understanding of both the technical aspects of the system and the regulatory landscape.
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Solution for a Leading Global Beverage Bottler and Producer
As the company expanded over the years, the need to standardize and streamline the management of raw material specifications and beverage development became increasingly evident. The goal was to establish a unified, central database for all ingredients and recipes, enabling production sites across Europe to access this data and operate in a coordinated and efficient manner.
To achieve this, a Siemens product was selected as the foundation for the PLM solution, enabling comprehensive management of ingredients and recipes. The solution was seamlessly integrated with the existing SAP R/3 system, which was later migrated to SAP S/4 HANA. Additionally, an optimization module was incorporated to enhance recipe formulations based on predefined constraints. As part of the solution, a Vendor Portal was integrated to facilitate the quality assessment of vendors and their supplied ingredients, ensuring consistency and compliance across the supply chain.
I was contracted to manage the project from the customer’s side, overseeing the design, implementation, and operational deployment of the solution. Additionally, I managed the transfer of the solution to a new data center during the project’s lifecycle, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing operations.
Design & Implementation of IP-Based Network Infrastructure for International Porcelain Manufacturer
As part of the implementation of a new SAP R/3 ERP system, a robust IP-based network infrastructure was essential to connect multiple production sites to a central data center. At the time, high-speed internet was not available, and therefore, the wide-area network (WAN) was built using ISDN infrastructure, supported by software-based routers.
To ensure seamless connectivity across various subsidiaries, including manufacturing plants and branch offices, a comprehensive local-area network (LAN) was developed, enabling client access to the central SAP system. Additionally, a Remote Access Service was established to provide sales representatives with remote access to the SAP system, even while traveling.
My role involved overseeing the design and implementation of this network solution, including managing multiple solution providers and ensuring the setup of a 24/7 network health monitoring system to guarantee optimal performance and reliability across the organization.
MES / MOM Solution for Multi-National Tobacco Manufacturer
During the redevelopment of the Primary Processing Area within one of the largest tobacco production facilities, a critical upgrade to the automation system was required. This included the integration of a SCADA system and a Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solution, fully connected to the global SAP R/3 system.
The MOM solution was designed to facilitate the seamless flow of master data and production orders from SAP, manage production sequencing, and communicate with the SCADA system to execute fully automated production. Additionally, real-time production data was used to update consumption bookings, material movements, and order confirmations in SAP, while also supporting production reporting.
In this project, I was responsible for the solution design, process optimization, and the successful go-live of the system with minimal production downtime. Following implementation, the solution was handed over to the internal IT support team for ongoing 24/7 maintenance and optimization.
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) & Warehouse Solution for Flexible Cigarette Production
To improve flexibility in small-volume cigarette production, a separation of the manufacturing and packing equipment was designed, with cigarettes stored in an automated warehouse between the making and packing processes. The transport of cigarettes between the maker, warehouse, and packer was fully automated using an AGV system.
The IT infrastructure needed to support this process required seamless data exchange between the SAP system, the MOM solution, the Warehouse Management System (WMS), and the AGV control system. Integration with existing production systems was crucial to enable a highly flexible and efficient production environment.
I led the project management of this complex IT solution, coordinating the integration of four different systems (MOM, AGV control, WMS, and Handling Station Software) to enable a fully automated and flexible cigarette production process. A key challenge was integrating the systems with SAP, ensuring that the entire operation was optimized for continuous production, even as packing formats and brand changes occurred more frequently.
MES / MOM Solution for Greenfield Tobacco Factory in China
While building a greenfield tobacco production facility in China, the project required the implementation of a Siemens MOM solution to manage the entire primary and secondary production process. The challenge was the lack of local expertise in both the tobacco industry and manufacturing software, necessitating comprehensive consulting and guidance.
I collaborated closely with the Chinese customer and local solution providers to design and implement a tailored IT solution based on the Siemens MOM framework. The project was managed from Germany, with close coordination and training provided to the Chinese development team. The solution was successfully tested and implemented during the startup of the new factory, ensuring smooth operations from day one.
In this role, I acted as the “Tobacco Expert from Europe,” managing a cross-cultural team and ensuring the solution met both local and international standards, while facilitating knowledge transfer and training for the local team.
Product Authentication and Track & Trace Solution for Multi-National Tobacco Manufacturer
In response to new regulatory requirements such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the EU Tobacco Product Directive (TPD), tobacco manufacturers were mandated to implement solutions for tracking products from production to point of sale to combat smuggling and tax evasion.
Given the limited software solutions available at the time, a custom end-to-end solution was developed, incorporating components for printing and reading unique codes on tobacco packaging, creating hierarchical data structures, and sending the tracking data to both internal and external repositories required by government authorities.
I led this multi-year project, which included the development of a line system capable of printing unique codes on tobacco packs and managing hierarchical data for tracking purposes. I was also responsible for integrating the solution with government systems across 28 EU member states, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for product traceability. This project required a deep understanding of both the technical aspects of the system and the regulatory landscape.
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Solution for a Leading Global Beverage Bottler and Producer
As the company expanded over the years, the need to standardize and streamline the management of raw material specifications and beverage development became increasingly evident. The goal was to establish a unified, central database for all ingredients and recipes, enabling production sites across Europe to access this data and operate in a coordinated and efficient manner.
To achieve this, a Siemens product was selected as the foundation for the PLM solution, enabling comprehensive management of ingredients and recipes. The solution was seamlessly integrated with the existing SAP R/3 system, which was later migrated to SAP S/4 HANA. Additionally, an optimization module was incorporated to enhance recipe formulations based on predefined constraints. As part of the solution, a Vendor Portal was integrated to facilitate the quality assessment of vendors and their supplied ingredients, ensuring consistency and compliance across the supply chain.
I was contracted to manage the project from the customer’s side, overseeing the design, implementation, and operational deployment of the solution. Additionally, I managed the transfer of the solution to a new data center during the project’s lifecycle, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing operations.
Design & Implementation of IP-Based Network Infrastructure for International Porcelain Manufacturer
As part of the implementation of a new SAP R/3 ERP system, a robust IP-based network infrastructure was essential to connect multiple production sites to a central data center. At the time, high-speed internet was not available, and therefore, the wide-area network (WAN) was built using ISDN infrastructure, supported by software-based routers.
To ensure seamless connectivity across various subsidiaries, including manufacturing plants and branch offices, a comprehensive local-area network (LAN) was developed, enabling client access to the central SAP system. Additionally, a Remote Access Service was established to provide sales representatives with remote access to the SAP system, even while traveling.
My role involved overseeing the design and implementation of this network solution, including managing multiple solution providers and ensuring the setup of a 24/7 network health monitoring system to guarantee optimal performance and reliability across the organization.
MES / MOM Solution for Multi-National Tobacco Manufacturer
During the redevelopment of the Primary Processing Area within one of the largest tobacco production facilities, a critical upgrade to the automation system was required. This included the integration of a SCADA system and a Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solution, fully connected to the global SAP R/3 system.
The MOM solution was designed to facilitate the seamless flow of master data and production orders from SAP, manage production sequencing, and communicate with the SCADA system to execute fully automated production. Additionally, real-time production data was used to update consumption bookings, material movements, and order confirmations in SAP, while also supporting production reporting.
In this project, I was responsible for the solution design, process optimization, and the successful go-live of the system with minimal production downtime. Following implementation, the solution was handed over to the internal IT support team for ongoing 24/7 maintenance and optimization.
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Uwe Schey - MD of Schey Consulting GmbH
About Me:
With a diploma in Information Technology and over 30 years of experience in IT project management, consulting, and solution architecture, I’ve had the opportunity to work across various industries and roles. My passion lies in designing and delivering complex IT solutions that not only meet technical requirements but also drive business value through process optimization and innovation.
Over the years, I’ve led numerous multinational projects and implementations, focusing on areas such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Track & Trace solutions. My industry experience spans manufacturing, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and supply chain management, with a strong track record of integrating systems like SAP and Siemens solutions into global operations.
On a more personal note, I’m fortunate to share life with my wife, who holds a leadership role in the pharmaceutical industry. Together, we’re incredibly proud of our son, who is currently pursuing a PhD in the exciting field of quantum computing.
When I’m not working, you’ll most likely find me outdoors. In winter, I’m an avid downhill skier and ski tourer. During the warmer months, I enjoy long hikes in the mountains and cycling adventures—whether on a racing bike or a mountain bike. And when the weather keeps me inside, I love working on my model railway, fine-tuning the electronic controls or adding new scenery, or tinkering with my 3D printer on creative projects.


FAQ – IT Project Management & Interim Leadership
1. What Does an IT Project Manager Do?
An IT Project Manager is responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of IT projects by overseeing all phases from initiation to completion. This includes project planning, resource allocation, risk management, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. The role requires effective communication with stakeholders, ensuring their needs are met and expectations are managed throughout the project lifecycle.
IT Project Managers utilize a variety of methodologies, such as Agile (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe) and Waterfall, to drive project execution. They also lead change management efforts to adapt to evolving requirements, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to shifting project scopes. Ultimately, an IT Project Manager ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the desired business outcomes.
2. Why is IT project management important for businesses?
Effective IT project management is crucial for businesses as it optimizes processes, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures seamless technology integration. By implementing structured methodologies, it minimizes risks, streamlines workflows, and improves team collaboration. Additionally, IT project management plays a vital role in driving digital transformation initiatives, ensuring they align with corporate objectives and deliver measurable business value.
3. In which industries do you have expertise?
I have extensive experience in both process and discrete industries, with a strong focus on the Food & Beverage sector, including Soft Drinks and Juices, Alcoholic Beverages, Dairy, and Meat & Poultry, as well as in Manufacturing and Supply Chain operations. My expertise in these industries enables me to deliver tailored IT solutions that drive efficiency, ensure compliance, and promote operational excellence.
4. What Is Agile Project Management, and When Should It Be Used?
Agile project management is a dynamic and flexible methodology that emphasizes iterative development, continuous feedback, and adaptability. It promotes collaboration, responsiveness to change, and incremental improvements, ensuring projects align with evolving business needs.
Agile is best suited for software development, IT transformation projects, and complex environments where requirements may shift frequently. It is particularly effective in industries that demand rapid innovation, cross-functional teamwork, and the ability to adapt to market changes.
5. How Do You Manage IT Projects Across Different Countries?
I specialize in multinational rollout projects, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment among global teams through cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management, facilitating effective communication and cooperation across diverse teams and time zones. I utilize project tracking and management tools such as JIRA, Trello, and MS Project to monitor progress, track deliverables, and maintain project transparency.
Clear and consistent communication is a priority, leveraging platforms like Teams, Slack, and Confluence to ensure alignment and real-time collaboration. In addition, I focus on risk management and budget control by conducting thorough risk assessments and maintaining financial oversight to manage the complexities of international projects. By integrating these strategies, I ensure IT projects are executed efficiently, on schedule, and in alignment with business objectives across multiple regions.
6. What Is IT Interim Management, and When Is It Needed?
IT interim management involves providing temporary leadership for IT departments, digital transformation initiatives, or crisis situations. An interim IT manager ensures business continuity, strategic direction, and operational stability during periods of transition or change. IT interim management is essential in scenarios such as mergers and acquisitions, where it is crucial to manage IT integration, system consolidation, and cybersecurity alignment; during leadership transitions, by filling critical IT leadership roles while organizations search for a permanent replacement; and in cases of IT restructuring and transformation, by overseeing cloud migrations, cybersecurity initiatives, or major system upgrades to ensure smooth execution.
By leveraging IT interim management, businesses can maintain momentum, mitigate risks, and successfully navigate complex IT challenges.
7. How Do You Ensure Compliance with IT Governance Frameworks?
I ensure compliance with IT governance frameworks by implementing industry best practices and structured methodologies, including ITIL, COBIT, and ISO 27001, to establish robust risk management, compliance, and IT service management processes. I promote data-driven decision-making by utilizing KPIs, business intelligence (BI) tools, and financial forecasting to drive informed governance strategies. In addition, I ensure compliance and security across AWS, Azure, and hybrid infrastructures by applying established cloud security frameworks and best practices.
By integrating these frameworks, I help organizations maintain regulatory compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and mitigate IT risks.
8. How Do You Optimize IT Operations and Processes?
I leverage Lean, Six Sigma, and DevOps methodologies to drive efficiency, automation, and continuous improvement in IT operations. My approach includes streamlining workflows and eliminating inefficiencies by identifying bottlenecks and optimizing IT processes for improved productivity. I focus on automation and cloud integration by implementing CI/CD pipelines and leveraging cloud technologies to enhance scalability and agility.
Additionally, I enhance IT service management (ITSM) by utilizing platforms like ServiceNow and JIRA to improve service delivery, incident management, and operational transparency. By combining these methodologies and tools, I help organizations achieve higher efficiency, reduced costs, and improved IT performance.
9. How Do You Manage IT Budgets and Cost Optimization?
I ensure IT investments align with business objectives by leveraging strategic financial management techniques, including financial forecasting and ROI analysis to evaluate costs and projected returns and prioritize high-value IT initiatives. I also focus on vendor negotiations and contract management, optimizing third-party SaaS agreements to reduce expenses, enhance service value, and optimize cloud infrastructure costs.
Through these approaches, I help organizations maximize IT efficiency, control expenditures, and achieve sustainable cost savings.
10. How Can I Hire You for IT Project Management or Interim Leadership?
I utilize a range of industry-standard tools to ensure efficient IT project management, collaboration, and governance, including project management platforms such as JIRA, Trello, Monday.com, MS Project, and Smartsheet. For collaboration and documentation, I work with tools like Teams, Slack, Confluence, and SharePoint. In the area of IT service management (ITSM) and governance, I rely on ServiceNow, Panaya, and ITIL frameworks.
Additionally, I leverage cloud and infrastructure solutions through AWS, Azure, and apply cybersecurity best practices to create secure and scalable IT environments. By leveraging these tools, I enhance project visibility, streamline workflows, and ensure seamless communication across global teams.
11. How can I hire you for IT project management or interim leadership?
If your business requires experienced IT project leadership or an interim IT manager, I am available to discuss your specific needs. I provide tailored solutions to optimize IT operations, manage complex projects, and drive digital transformation.
Feel free to reach out to explore how my expertise can support your organization’s goals.