Interview on the One-Stop Service for Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management
Why is KLOEPFEL’s One-Stop Service so unique?
Patrick Esselborn: Our One-Stop Service supports companies of all industries and sizes—from medium-sized mechanical engineering firms to global pharmaceutical corporations—in tackling the skills shortage in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management. Instead of offering isolated individual services, we combine Executive Search, Interim Management, and Outsourcing. This allows us to provide tailor-made 360° solutions, perfectly aligned with the specific challenges of each company. Whether dealing with sudden large orders, crisis situations, outsourcing procurement processes, setting up new factories, filling permanent positions, or managing interim roles – we deliver personnel solutions. This approach is truly one of a kind.
Sven Schützek: Additionally, our fast response times and exclusive network of thousands of highly qualified experts set us apart. Thanks to these networks, we ensure that we only place candidates who thoroughly understand the specific industry and departmental requirements and are an excellent fit for the company.
Can you briefly introduce the three areas of KLOEPFEL’s One-Stop Service and their key aspects?
Andreas Miltzner: Our Recruiting Service maintains a database of approximately 10,000 procurement, logistics, and supply chain professionals, continuously built by KLOEPFEL Consulting since 2007. This enables us to present candidates within four to six weeks, even for highly specialized roles. Our direct outreach response rate is around 50%, and we offer a free and non-binding Pre-Search to assess the feasibility of filling a position. Additionally, we provide a success guarantee: if the employment relationship ends within the first six months, we continue the search to ensure a replacement.
Sven Schützek: In Interim Management, we can introduce qualified procurement executives and CPOs within just 48 hours, thanks to our network of over 1,000 interim managers. These professionals not only deliver strong results but also leave behind a sustainably optimized procurement structure. Our interim managers have access to knowledge databases, supplier networks, and the collective expertise from over 1,000 successful procurement projects across the entire KLOEPFEL Group.
Patrick Esselborn: As an outsourcing provider, KLOEPFEL Services has a team of over 250 highly skilled buyers and engineers with extensive international experience. These professionals are based in Eastern European countries, allowing our clients to benefit from lower wage costs while maintaining EU legal security. Clients outsource operational procurement processes to us, freeing up their internal teams for more strategic tasks such as digital transformation. We also support companies during sick leaves, large orders, or complex projects like factory setups.
Andreas, what sets KLOEPFEL Recruiting apart from other providers?
Andreas Miltzner: KLOEPFEL Executive Search specializes in precisely filling key positions in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management. Thanks to our network and the strong reputation of the KLOEPFEL Group, our Executive Search experts present suitable candidates within 4 to 6 weeks after defining the search profile. Through Xing, LinkedIn, events, and personal networking, we stay informed about candidates’ career developments, reflected in our above-average response rate of over 50% in direct outreach.
You are also the only service provider offering a free Pre-Search and a success guarantee.
Andreas Miltzner: Correct. Our free and non-binding Pre-Search gives clients a realistic assessment of the feasibility of filling a position within a short period. After reviewing the Pre-Search results, the client can decide whether to proceed with us.
KLOEPFEL Recruiting also offers a success guarantee: If the employment relationship ends within the first six months, we continue the search to ensure a replacement.
What additional advantages does KLOEPFEL Executive Search offer?
Andreas Miltzner: With our expertise, network, and tools, we save clients valuable time, relieve their HR teams, and find the right candidates efficiently. Our process ensures candidates receive a realistic picture of their future workplace from the start. Transparent communication prevents misunderstandings and fosters long-term working relationships.
Can you share examples of your recruiting successes?
Andreas Miltzner: For an automotive supplier in Bavaria, we identified 156 potential candidates for the role of Global Head of Purchasing, conducted 18 interviews, and presented four candidates, leading to a successful hire within 4.5 months.
In Baden-Württemberg, we helped a mid-sized mechanical engineering company find a Head of Procurement and Logistics. From 135 identified candidates, we conducted 15 interviews, presented seven suitable applicants, and filled the position within 3.5 months.
What personally motivates you in your work?
Andreas Miltzner: I am motivated by continuously deepening my understanding of our clients’ challenges and work environments, identifying what drives candidates, and creating genuine win-win-win situations for all parties involved—the candidate, the client, and us.
Sven, what differentiates KLOEPFEL Interim Management from other providers?
Sven Schützek: KLOEPFEL Interim Management provides tailored solutions through experienced interim managers, ready to step in at short notice. With a network of over 1,000 procurement experts, we present qualified candidates within 48 hours. These professionals bring more than just expertise—they also have access to comprehensive knowledge databases, supplier networks, and the collective know-how from over 1,000 procurement projects. Our interim managers don’t just deliver numbers; they leave behind a structurally strengthened procurement department.
How does the placement process work?
Sven Schützek: The placement process follows clearly defined steps: from needs analysis and defining the job requirements to presenting suitable candidates, conducting personal interviews, and providing ongoing project support.
Can you share some success stories from your work?
Sven Schützek: At Grundig Business Systems, we placed an interim manager who took over procurement and materials management for six months. He optimized supplier performance, improved the availability of electronic components, and conducted a comprehensive SWOT analysis. (Case Study: Grundig Business Systems)
For our client NOE-Schaltechnik, an interim manager restructured the procurement department, optimized processes, and achieved sustainable improvements in the supply chain. (Case Study: NOE-Schaltechnik)
What personally motivates you in your role?
Sven Schützek: The dynamic nature of interim assignments and the ability to deliver quick solutions drive me. I particularly enjoy interacting with managers and engaging with a diverse range of interesting personalities.
Patrick, what advantages does KLOEPFEL Outsourcing offer its customers?
Patrick Esselborn: Especially in these uncertain times, workforce planning can be difficult in the long term. It is often hard to predict whether new employees will still be needed in a few months. Many HR managers and executives must therefore navigate cautiously and are hesitant to make new hires. This is precisely where KLOEPFEL Services offers companies the flexibility to scale their procurement up or down as needed—overnight or for long-term reinforcement. Whether it’s due to illness, a crisis, or an unexpected large order, our services provide the right solution. Many of our clients also outsource their operational procurement processes to us on a long-term basis.
What makes you unique?
Patrick Esselborn: First and foremost, our team of 250 experienced buyers with extensive international expertise in both operational and strategic procurement. Our highly qualified experts are also based in Eastern European countries such as Slovakia. With this nearshoring model, our customers benefit from lower labor costs while maintaining EU legal security. Additionally, our experts bring specialized category knowledge, ensuring smooth processes. Of course, they speak German and English fluently and have deep ERP expertise, which significantly reduces onboarding time. Thanks to fast onboarding, projects are launched quickly, and our “just-in-time” capacity allows for flexible resource adjustments, even during ongoing projects. Data security is also a top priority for us—our security standards match those of our clients since we work directly on their hardware and software.
Moreover, the success of our collaboration is measured using individually developed KPIs, covering aspects such as cost reduction, process optimization, and improved supplier reliability.
What services do you offer beyond operational procurement processes?
Patrick Esselborn: In addition to operational procurement tasks, KLOEPFEL Services supports protocol verification, invoice booking, and reporting, as well as integrating modern tools such as AI assistants. As a service provider, we can implement these tools much faster and more efficiently, as we distribute costs across multiple projects and incorporate our practical experience into their further development.
Another valuable service we offer is personal “tracking & tracing.” In times of global uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, proactive deadline tracking and follow-ups are crucial for securing competitive advantages. That’s why we personally oversee all orders and delivery schedules for our clients.
Can you share some success stories from KLOEPFEL Services?
Patrick Esselborn: One example is Cleanfix AG, a manufacturer of cleaning machines, which we supported in establishing a production facility in India by setting up their procurement organization and supplier network on-site.
Another case is Mehler Protection, a European market leader in protective and carrying systems for police and military forces. We supported them with a large-scale order by managing their entire operational procurement process, including protocol verification, tracking & tracing, and reporting. Through this close collaboration, Mehler Protection was able to improve efficiency, optimize processes, and secure long-term competitive advantages while successfully executing the large order.
What personally motivates you in your job?
Patrick Esselborn: I’m motivated by our fantastic team, which continuously evolves and strives for improvements every day. This shared energy is contagious and drives me forward.
We provide Executive Search, Interim Management, and Outsourcing—all from a single source. Whether dealing with large orders, crises, or staffing shortages, we offer flexible solutions to help you navigate every challenge efficiently.
Learn more about our solutions here!
Contact:
Kloepfel Group
Damir Berberovic
+49 211 941 984 33 | rendite@kloepfel-consulting.com