Benjamin Dittmar

• Defense Strategy & Entity Setup: Project lead for sales and business strategy, alongside key project contribution to founding a dedicated defense legal entity, conceptualizing high-security industrialization architectures, and deploying dual-use footprint strategies within strict quality, schedule, and cost commitments in the defense sector; spearheaded acquisition activities to unlock new business and market potential.
• Product Roadmap: Direct ownership of the vision, strategic roadmap, and execution of next-generation Air Defense and UAV programs, as well as UGV and systems across land and air domains (electric propulsion, miniature gas turbines, sub-system and system integration); led cross-functional teams to drive targeted business expansion within the defense sector.
• Stakeholder Relations: Managed stakeholder relations across complex interfaces with international defense procurement agencies to secure long-term strategic partnerships and advance multinational NATO procurement initiatives while proactively mitigating program risks; established a robust network with international CEOs, founders, high-level business executives, and government officials; led cross-functional engineering project teams and coordinated business divisions to execute projects under budget and within strict deadlines.
• Executive Advisory & Boardroom Governance: Served as a trusted strategic advisor to the Executive Board; authored weekly high-stakes briefings, decision papers, and presented strategic reviews in Steering Committees (SteerCos) based on disciplined, multi-disciplinary reporting.

• Global Project Operations: Directed complex electrification and automation projects within special machinery and plant engineering, including the implementation of software control systems; accountable for economic success through rigorous adherence to budgets, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Risk & Claim Management: Oversaw project risks to secure margins through strategic change-request and warranty management; demonstrated a solution-oriented approach to resolving complex technical and contractual issues; held direct account responsibility for the Southern German client base.
• Team & Vendor Management: Managed cross-functional project teams and coordinated contractor activities to execute projects under budget and within strict deadlines; built strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to optimize cost savings and ensure timely pre-construction phase completion.
• Interface & Stakeholder Management: Collaborated with Bid Management to develop technical and commercial proposals for automotive, mining, and defense key accounts; acted as a service-oriented liaison to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

Selected Project Highlights:

• Airbus Modernization Programs: Led multiple modernization projects for test benches as Senior/Lead Project Manager (including the X-Lab in Munich).
• Shell ACDC Energy Buffer & System Simulation: Directed the construction of a specialized charging station test bench.
• MTU Aerospace Engineering Hub: Managed the modernization of an engineering development facility for MTU in Friedrichshafen.

• Systems & Technology Development: Managed system development for high-performance electric drive systems, including the successful market launch of the eDucato BEV.
• Subsystem Integration: Orchestrated the integration of gearbox and electric motor subsystems, as well as the software control functions; coordinated technical interfaces with e-mobility transmission suppliers.
• Procurement & Process Support: Monitored motor component procurement through the serial phase and provided process support for automotive project management; negotiated with suppliers and implemented contracts to secure cost-efficiency and maximize resource utilization.
• Technical Operations: Built international project and engineering teams to design electric powertrain systems; acted as production manager for events arranged by local organizations within the theater sector, overseeing technical equipment, and electrical systems.

Key Project Highlight:

• Integrated Electric Drive System (€14.5M): Led the product development of an integrated electric drive system, including a PSM electric motor, inverter, and control software.

• Strategic Leadership: Managed end-to-end lifecycle responsibility for complex system integrations, supporting global key accounts such as VW, BMW, Volvo, Geely, and Toyota.
• Global Leadership & Strategy: Functionally led a global project team focusing on electric drives, technology development, and industrialization; contributed to the development of product roadmaps for electrified drive systems.
• Business Development: Established strong connections with key business contacts and leveraged strategic relationships to drive the achievement of financial and operational goals.
• Key Project Highlight:
  Comprehensive Electric Drive System (€42M): Led the product development of a comprehensive electric drive system, integrating the e-motor, gearbox, inverter, and control software.

• Management & System Design: Managed complex powertrain projects from RFI/RFQ through to series production; defined comprehensive system requirements for innovative e-mobility applications while collaborating closely with customers and stakeholders to align technical goals.
• Strategic Acquisitions & Growth: Led the acquisition phase for high-volume electric drive projects, contributing to a total order intake of €1.5 billion; successfully secured the 'Volvo (Geely) EMA 2-in-1 eAxle system' series nomination, delivering a €500 million order intake.
• Technical Team Leadership: Led and coordinated multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the entire project lifecycle to ensure seamless industrialization and the delivery of advanced technical system solutions.

• Strategic Project Leadership: Served as Technical Project Manager for Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) applications; monitored and controlled end-to-end operational workflows to optimize performance, ensure target achievement, and drive cross-functional development initiatives.
• Interface & Digital Mock-Up (DMU) Management: Led targeted client coordination meetings, regular project reviews, and advanced DMU sessions to align technical specifications, streamline interfaces, and ensure seamless system integration.
• Root Cause Analysis & Reporting: Investigated critical issues impacting organizational operations and service delivery; conducted rigorous root-cause analyses, authored detailed engineering reports, and implemented decisive corrective actions.
• Crisis & Critical Problem Resolution: Proven track record of managing highly complex tasks under extreme deadlines; actively contributed to the high-stakes 'Audi e-tron' gearbox task force to resolve critical technical bottlenecks.

• Bachelor Thesis: High-dynamic testing of fiber-reinforced composites (Ballistic resistance and impact analysis).

• EOD: Qualified Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Instructor for ISAF Forces.
• Operational Deployment (08/2010 – 03/2011): Served as EOD Spotter during the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.

• Fabricated metal parts to meet precise technical specifications and tolerances.