About Jan Michaelsen
I am an Executive Management Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. My specialty: the critical interface between corporate strategy and operational reality – particularly where procurement and sales intersect.
In 28 years at Mercedes-Benz, I gained my first leadership experience in development controlling and then took on project roles with international challenges. I held strategic functions in procurement for several decades: from powertrain systems to interiors to chassis. In parallel, I worked as a project lead and strategic controller – a combination that led me to understand both sides of the business: the big goals of the executive board and the operational realities in procurement and sales.
Since 2023, I bring this experience as an independent consultant to new projects.
Today I use all my experience as a consultant: I help companies heal the fault lines between strategy and execution – especially where procurement and sales reach their limits. My role is that of a bridge-builder who speaks and connects both worlds.
Core Competencies
Strategic management of the interface between procurement and sales
Leading complex contract and price negotiations to optimize outcomes
Developing sales strategies and sales excellence
Solution-oriented stakeholder and conflict management in supplier relationships
Realizing cost and efficiency improvements
Leading international projects in Europe, North America and Asia
My Approach
Major challenges rarely arise from one side alone – they lie in the tension between the people involved and the given circumstances. That's exactly where I start.
- Understanding both sides: Through my experience in conflict management and the automotive industry, I develop solutions where others mainly see opposition.
- Execution focus: Concepts are only valuable if they hold up in practice. My focus is on solutions that actually work with the people involved and under the given conditions.
- Reliability: Lasting success is built on trust. I create stable partnerships, ensure clear accountability and develop sustainable solutions.