What is Interim Management?
Interim management is the use of highly skilled, experienced professionals on a temporary basis, typically from middle management through to executive board level, to provide additional support or expertise during times of change or challenge.
Key roles include Directors and Assistant Directors, Heads of Service or Department, Operations Managers, Project and Programme Managers and specialist consultants.
Interim assignments vary greatly in their scope and content but typically, include the delivery of key projects, help with restructuring or change programmes and the provision of highly desired skills. Interims are also often called in to provide additional support when recruitment gaps or unplanned departures put additional strain on organisations.
Why become an Interim Manager?
Interim Management is about actively removing yourself from the permanent job market in favour of seeking interim assignments of your choice. A career in Interim Management offers challenge, reward and a flexible way of working, without some of the more traditional constraints of permanent employment. As the focus is more about delivery and outcome, rather than the need to be present at work every day, this often allows you to plan your workload around your lifestyle – rather than the other way round. Typical assignments last an average of 3 to 9 months with an opportunity to build in lengthy breaks between assignments, if desired.
Interims thrive on being faced with complex organisational challenges and the chance to make excellent use of the skills and experience that they have gained during their permanent career. They also have the advantage of not being pulled into company politics or having to always follow traditional ways of working – leaving them free to make a positive and lasting impact on organisations.
Interim management is rapidly becoming the choice of enterprising professionals who are in need of a new and exciting challenge, and who are in a position to give up the security of a guaranteed monthly pay cheque in favour of some of the greater rewards of a career in Interim Management.
What makes a good Interim Manager?
Flexibility is key when considering a career in Interim Management, and the most successful Interim Managers are often the ones that are not restricted by rate or location. You must also be able to quickly fit in with a diverse range of cultures and working environments; whilst maintaining an open minded approach to organisational needs.
First class people skills are essential too – you must be able to influence and command respect, but in a way that doesn’t alienate existing employees. Your ability to grasp situations quickly, engage staff and make an immediate impact will stand you in extremely good stead.
Critically, you also need to be clear about the specific expertise that you can offer. A generalist Interim often finds it more difficult to find work than someone who is a proven specialist in their particular field, as organisations will usually expect Interim Managers to be able to demonstrate success in a similar role. The interim market is extremely competitive in areas, and you need to ensure that you are maximising your chances of gaining the most rewarding assignments.
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