Born in 1959. After his Abitur examinations he started work as a temporary career officer in the air force of the Federal Republic of Germany. As part of his training, from 1979 to 1983 he studied aerospace engineering at the German Armed Forces University in Munich/Neubiberg. Following deployment as Technical Officer and Research Associate in the Institute for Aeronautics and Light Construction of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the German Armed Forces University, in 1990 he received a doctorate in helicopter aerodynamics, and in the same year he embarked on his career in the industry. 

Following various positions of responsibility with MTU Motoren‑ und Turbinen Union in Munich and Friedrichs­hafen, in 1998 Dr Lerch transferred to Voith Turbo in Heidenheim, where he assumed responsibility for the market area Rails, as a member of Voith Turbo GmbH Co. KG's management in 2001.

As of May 1st 2010,  Dr. Manfred Lerch was appointed  Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH .