Mark Ratjen

Global Innovation Lead | Head of Digital DACH-CZ

Bremen, Bremen, Germany

About

I’m interested in how emerging technologies can remove friction from work. My focus areas right now: AI, low-code, automation, innovation frameworks and how startups challenge established ways of thinking. I enjoy exploring practical use cases, running small experiments and turning insights from PoCs into real improvements. Lean principles guide most of my work: fast feedback, simple solutions, measurable impact. What motivates me is connecting people, ideas and technology to solve day-to-day problems in a smarter way. Not by adding complexity, but by reducing it.

Experience

  • Brunel (14 yrs 10 mos)
    • Global Innovation Lead
      Sep 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

      - Proof-of-Concept Development and Execution: Spearheaded multiple Proof-of-Concept (PoC) projects, leveraging cutting-edge technology to validate innovative solutions and ensure alignment with business goals. - Strategic Partnerships Management: primary liaison for Brunel's strategic partnership with Plug & Play Silicon Valley, fostering collaboration and integrating innovations into global operations. - Technology and Startup Scouting: Proactively conducted global research to identify and evaluate emerging technologies and promising startups, ensuring alignment with Brunel’s innovation objectives and selecting high-potential solutions for PoC. - AI Application Testing and Evaluation: evaluation, testing, and implementation of AI applications tailored to Brunel's needs, ensuring their effectiveness in driving efficiency, enhancing decision-making, and delivering tangible business value. - Change Management Expertise: effectively communicating the value of digital innovations and fostering stakeholder alignment across diverse cultural contexts.

    • Head of Digital DACH-CZ Region
      Jan 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 7 mos

      - Digital Strategy Leadership: Defined and executed the regional digital strategy across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, aligning with global goals and strategy. - Candidate Journey Enhancements: Analyzed and optimized candidate journeys by identifying critical touchpoints and implementing targeted digital tools. Deliverables included e.g. auto. communication, chatbots, auto. matching, short application flow, employee app. - LEAN projects and steering committee in the DACH region, with a focus on continuous improvement and cost savings. - Developed and executed the digital transformation of contract management, including the adoption of DMS and digital signatures - Digital transformation of HR processes, including the creation of a new digital personal file. - Technology Scouting and Integration: Identified, evaluated, and integrated emerging technologies and digital solutions to enhance the organization's competitive positioning and drive innovation. - Team Leadership and Development: Leader of a high-performing, cross-functional team with direct responsibility for employee development, performance management, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. - Budget Management: Oversee the digital department's budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and alignment with strategic priorities to maximize ROI.

    • Marketing Executive
      Jan 2018 - Dec 2018 · 1 yr

      - Served as a key advisor to senior management by delivering actionable insights through detailed market and competitor analyses. - Led the digital transformation of the marketing, introducing innovative tools and processes to enhance operational efficiency. Incl. the launch of an online Talent Community to improve candidate engagement. - Managed regional marketing for Germany, ensuring strategic alignment and resource efficiency. - Acted as a liaison between internal IT teams and external service providers to ensure seamless integration of marketing tools. - Global Marketing Coordinator for DACH

  • Produktionsassistent Werder.TV at SV Werder Bremen GmbH & Co KG aA
    Sep 2010 - May 2012 · 1 yr 9 mos

    - Betreuung der Videowände im Weserstadion während des Spiels bei Heimspielen des SV Werder Bremen - Unterstützung der Stadionregie vor und nach dem Spiel bei diversen Aufgaben - Koordination zwischen der Geschäftsstelle und der Regie an Spieltagen