I am Susanne Kumli, a Certified Translator in Technical Studies with a degree in Business Administration. I have held senior positions in the machinery and plant engineering industry, leading technical documentation, software development, project management, quality assurance, and language services. I am a hands-on professional who thrives on building and leading international teams and delivering results in dynamic environments. My expertise covers the entire process chain of technical communication—from information architectures for documentation applications (such as SCHEMA ST4) to terminology and translation management, quality assurance, and audits. As Lead Technical Documentation, Lead Language Services, and Subject Matter Expert, I implemented and developed modern content management systems, created advanced software documentation, trained staff, and managed cross-functional teams. I excel in process optimization, project management, and master data management, and I bring a collaborative, solution-oriented approach with a focus on trust, competence, and personal responsibility.

Susanne Kumli

I am Susanne Kumli, a Certified Translator in Technical Studies with a degree in Business Administration. I have held senior positions in the machinery and plant engineering industry, leading technical documentation, software development, project management, quality assurance, and language services. I am a hands-on professional who thrives on building and leading international teams and delivering results in dynamic environments. My expertise covers the entire process chain of technical communication—from information architectures for documentation applications (such as SCHEMA ST4) to terminology and translation management, quality assurance, and audits. As Lead Technical Documentation, Lead Language Services, and Subject Matter Expert, I implemented and developed modern content management systems, created advanced software documentation, trained staff, and managed cross-functional teams. I excel in process optimization, project management, and master data management, and I bring a collaborative, solution-oriented approach with a focus on trust, competence, and personal responsibility.

Available to hire

I am Susanne Kumli, a Certified Translator in Technical Studies with a degree in Business Administration. I have held senior positions in the machinery and plant engineering industry, leading technical documentation, software development, project management, quality assurance, and language services. I am a hands-on professional who thrives on building and leading international teams and delivering results in dynamic environments.

My expertise covers the entire process chain of technical communication—from information architectures for documentation applications (such as SCHEMA ST4) to terminology and translation management, quality assurance, and audits. As Lead Technical Documentation, Lead Language Services, and Subject Matter Expert, I implemented and developed modern content management systems, created advanced software documentation, trained staff, and managed cross-functional teams. I excel in process optimization, project management, and master data management, and I bring a collaborative, solution-oriented approach with a focus on trust, competence, and personal responsibility.

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Language

German
Fluent
English
Fluent
French
Advanced
Italian
Intermediate
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner

Work Experience

Projektleiterin (befristet) at Pfister Küchenstudios
September 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Aufbau eines Küchen Competence Centers, Strukturierung der Unternehmensprozesse. Defintion von Arbeitsabläufen und Durchführung von Mitarbeiterschulungen.
Subject Matter Expert - Technical Documentation at Rieter Maschinenfabrik
February 1, 2020 - August 31, 2023
Verantwortung für die technische Dokumentation und Fachinhalte.
Lead Technical Documentation PD AS EMEA at dormakaba Schweiz AG
September 1, 2015 - April 30, 2019
Aufbau eines virtuellen Dokumentationsteams in DACH, Verantwortung für Erstellung und Management technischer Dokumentation.
Technischer Redakteur at Envitec Biogas AG
January 1, 2012 - April 30, 2013
Aufbau einer technischen Dokumentation für Biogasanlagen, Durchführung von Audits, Terminologie- und Übersetzungsmanagement.
Project Manager (Fixed Term) at Pfister Küchenstudios
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
Established a Kitchen Competence Center (KCC), including process structuring, workflow definition, and employee training.
Subject Matter Expert at Rieter Maschinenfabrik
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023
Responsible for building the information architecture and business ownership of SCHEMA ST4. Process Owner for Technical Documentation (Operation Manual). Interim management of Language Services and professional support of the Technical Documentation department.
Head of Technical Documentation PD AEMEA at dormakaba AG
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2019
Built a virtual documentation team in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Business Owner for SCHEMA ST4. Responsible for the conceptual design of technical documentation, digitalization, terminology, and translation management. Contributed to the Master Data Management project.
Project Manager Technical Documentation (Fixed Term) at Hays AG
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014
Set up technical documentation for biogas plants, including supplier documentation review, risk analysis coaching, CE compliance assurance, translation management, and development of a standards framework for biogas plants.
Technical Writer / QM Representative at Envitec Biogas AG
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Developed technical documentation for biogas plants, designed editorial tool usage, conducted internal and external audits in Germany, Czech Republic, and Italy.
Project and Product Manager – Communication & Translation
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2011
Managed projects in communication and translation, delivering marketing, sales, translation, and project management services.
Freelance Translator at Susanne Arni
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2011
Translations in mechanical engineering, automotive, and IT.
Jato Dynamics – Automotive Researcher at Jato Dynamics
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008
Coding of automotive data for an English-language database.
Translation Coordinator / Technical Documentation at Rieter AG
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2011
Project leader Documentation & Translation in small quality assurance.
Sales Assistant at Maag Gear AG
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2006
Responsible for technical documentation, translation, and terminology management; SAP database cleanup project.
Project Manager Translation at STAR AG
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2004
Managed translation projects for major clients with budget responsibility.
Owner at CET Susanne Arni
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2002
Managed a sole proprietorship focusing on marketing, sales, translation, and project management.
Product Management Lead at EURO PAY (CH) SA
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998
Leading product management.
Marketing Assistant at American Express
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997
Marketing activities and office tasks in Zürich.
English Instructor (Part-Time) at Volkshochschule
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991
English language instruction.

Education

Dipl. Übersetzerin TECHNIK at Fachhochschule Köln
August 1, 1986 - May 1, 1992
Betriebswirtschaftslehre at Fernuniversität Hagen
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1996
Abitur at Johannes Kepler Gymnasium
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 1985
High School Diploma (Abitur) at Johannes Kepler Gymnasium
January 1, 1985 - December 31, 1985
Certified Translator in Technical Studies at Fachhochschule Köln
January 1, 1986 - December 31, 1992
Business Administration Studies at FernUniversität Hagen
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1996

Qualifications

Certified Translator in Technical Studies
January 1, 1986 - December 31, 1992

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Manufacturing, Education, Software & Internet, Media & Entertainment