Harald Barth
Charleston, 670 Marina Drive
Summary
Innovation Manager with 27 years in the automotive industry, specializing in leading cross-functional teams to drive transformative initiatives. Expertise in strategic planning, project management, and market research, resulting in successful product launches and improved operational efficiency. Proven leadership and problem-solving skills foster significant organizational change. Open to relocation to Germany after contract and L1 Visa expiration in December 2026.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Innovation Manager/Business Development Manager
stoba US corp.
Charleston
08.2022 - Current
- Managed projects from conception to launch, ensuring deadlines were met on time.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Reviewed project milestones regularly to ensure objectives are being met according to timeline.
- Developed and implemented innovative strategies to increase efficiency in the RFQ and PM workflow process.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Evaluated existing processes and developed solutions to improve effectiveness.
- Conducted market research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges within the industry.
- Supported senior management in developing business plans for new products and services.
- Researched current technologies available for use in product development cycles.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance market presence and expand client base.
- Prepared proposals and presentations for potential clients to secure business deals.
- Analyzed competitor activities to adjust strategies and maintain competitive advantage.
- Developed short-term and long-term vision and strategy to achieve targeted sales objectives.
Application & Maintenance Manager
stoba US corp
Charleston
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Assigned duties to workers according to their skillsets.
- Monitored the performance of all equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Supervised preventive maintenance projects, employee tasks and performance and adherence to safety standards.
- Organized work orders, assigned tasks to staff members and tracked progress of repairs and maintenance projects.
- Supervised installation, repair and upkeep of machinery and mechanical equipment.
- Provided technical support in case of system malfunctions or breakdowns.
- Developed preventive maintenance procedures for all machines used in production.
Process Developer
stoba Präzisionstechnik
Backnang
01.2018 - 12.2021
- Investigated root causes of problems identified in existing processes.
- Assisted in the design of experiments used to test the effectiveness of proposed solutions.
- Calculated, reviewed, and implement cost projects to increase effectiveness
- Conducted research into new technology solutions which could improve operational processes.
- Created process documentation including flowcharts, SOPs, job aids and work instructions.
- Development and implementation of processing procedures to improve efficiency.
- Developed specialized machining software and systems effectively.
- Identified and suggested solutions to recurring processing bottlenecks.
- Tracked process implementation, facilitated communication between stakeholders and documented progress.
- Adapted existing processes to accommodate changing customer demands.
- Assisted with the development of new products by creating process designs that meet customer requirements.
Machining Manager
stoba Präzisionstechnik
Backnang
01.2015 - 12.2017
- Contributed to new plant startup and implementation of processes for manufacturing, shipping and receiving and inventory management.
- Researched and selected new cutting tools to increase speed and accuracy of machined parts.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for machine parts and supplies at competitive prices.
- Established effective working relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of components.
Application Engineer
stoba Präzisionstechnik
Backnang
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Resolved complex technical problems related to new products
- Actively participated in design meetings with stakeholders to understand project objectives.
- Configured, maintained, and troubleshot CNC machines and Automations
- Developed, programmed, and tested internal machining applications for in-house use
- Identified, debugged, and fixed production bottlenecks and problems.
- Identified and implemented areas where automation could improve business processes or reduce costs.
- Engaged in continuous learning to stay updated with new technologies and programming techniques.
- Optimized machining processes for maximum speed and scalability by using several programming languages for CNC machines and 6-Axis Stäubli Robots incl. VAL-3 Programming
- Monitored performance of applications to ensure optimal performance levels are met.
Assistant Department Manager
stoba Präzisionstechnik
Backnang
08.2007 - 12.2010
- Coordinated daily operations within the department.
- Assisted in the development of departmental goals and objectives.
- Developed policies and procedures for the department.
- Implemented training programs for new hires and existing staff members.
- Developed and enforced safety protocols, significantly reducing workplace accidents.
- Supervised a team of employees by providing feedback on their work performance and setting expectations for them to follow.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Monitored departmental progress against established goals and objectives.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
CNC Setter
stoba Präzisionstechnik
Backnang
09.2001 - 08.2005
- Set-up and operated CNC lathes, mills, grinders and automations to produce High Volume Injector parts
- Kept records of daily production activities including number of units produced per hour, shift, day .
- Carried out preventive maintenance checks on the CNC equipment regularly.
- Verified dimensions of machined parts with calipers, micrometers, gauges and other measuring instruments.
- Programmed CNC machines using G code programming language.
- Kept parts within close tolerances of design standards to maintain optimal quality.
- Adjusted machine feed rates, speeds and depths of cut to optimize machining operations.
- Performed routine maintenance on machines and monitored usage to reduce parts breakdown.
Education
State Aproved Certificate of Technical Studies - Industrial Design
Backnang Technical College
Backnang07-2007
Associate in Engineering Technology - CNC Multispindle Lathes
Stoba Aprenticeship Programm
Backnang07-2001
Skills
- Scenario planning and strategic thinking
- Customer empathy and industry trends
- Operational efficiency management
- Market entry strategies
- Business model innovation
- Cost analysis
- Product development
Accomplishments
- Manufacturing Process Patent for actual Fuel Injector parts
Languages
English
Full Professional
German
Native/ Bilingual
Romanian
Native/ Bilingual
Hungarian
Native/ Bilingual
Italian
Limited
Timeline
Technical Innovation Manager/Business Development Manager
stoba US corp.
08.2022 - Current
Application & Maintenance Manager
stoba US corp
01.2022 - 08.2022
Process Developer
stoba Präzisionstechnik
01.2018 - 12.2021
Machining Manager
stoba Präzisionstechnik
01.2015 - 12.2017
Application Engineer
stoba Präzisionstechnik
01.2011 - 12.2014
Assistant Department Manager
stoba Präzisionstechnik
08.2007 - 12.2010
CNC Setter
stoba Präzisionstechnik
09.2001 - 08.2005
State Aproved Certificate of Technical Studies - Industrial Design
Backnang Technical College
Associate in Engineering Technology - CNC Multispindle Lathes
Stoba Aprenticeship Programm