They are highly experienced and specialized executives who can support an organization in filling an executive position quickly and on a temporary basis. In most cases, they work as freelancers for companies for a defined period of time, usually from 3 to 18 months.

Depending on the situation, it may be worthwhile for a company to hire an Interim Manager. Interim management may be a good fit in the following cases:

Filling the gaps

The process of identifying and recruiting the right person for a management position can be long and difficult. The reason may be a growing shortage of qualified personnel or the need for very specific skills and specialist knowledge that are hard to find. Freelance interim managers are the best solution in such situations, as they can fill the gap until an ideal permanent candidate is found or can start work. They can also temporarily cover for a manager's leave of absence, creating a seamless transition until he or she is up and running.

Delivering value quickly

Interim managers can immerse themselves quickly in new business contexts, delivering value and lightening the workload soon after they are hired. They also possess a wealth of knowledge and skills that enable them to build a solid foundation for future permanent candidates. What's more, hiring a temp is a more flexible and less risky option than opening a permanent position.

Dynamic situations

An interim manager may also be required in situations where the future is uncertain, or where transformation projects are likely to alter the organizational structure. In many cases, outside help can support the successful implementation of planned changes and provide clarity where needed. In addition, interim managers offer a fresh, external perspective from which to tackle challenges and propose solutions.

Professionalizing processes in young companies

Interim managers can also be a good option for young companies in a high-growth phase. The founders may have led the company to growth, but at some point they need to professionalize their processes and organization. Interim managers can therefore provide solid, temporary support to founders, passing on their knowledge to teams and taking on specific tasks as required.

Project management

Sometimes, a company's in-house staff may not be able to provide the know-how needed to carry out certain projects or manage specific phases such as mergers, acquisitions or the like. In most cases, however, the company has no long-term need for this expertise. It therefore makes sense to hire externally and on a temporary basis.

There are many benefits to working with temporary external managers. They provide temporary support in times of staff shortages or temporary bottlenecks. Further, in addition to their industry-specific expertise, They offer fresh perspectives and their own established networks. Also, they can provide temporary support in times of staff shortages or temporary bottlenecks. Lastly, their contracts are simple and flexible, and their cost is predictable since they are only employed for a short period of time.

Interim management is an attractive option for freelance consultants. They have the opportunity to work with many stakeholders, and thus widen their network. Additionally, they will manage a variety of projects and problems, which will allow them to gain a great deal of transferable experience quickly. As an added benefit, Interim Manager salaries usually exceed the salaries of permanent counterparts, resulting in a financial benefit for freelancers. Consequently, interim roles require a specific skill set. A successful Interim Manager must be open-minded and able to quickly adapt to new situations and people. As a result, it's crucial to be able to communicate clearly and competently with new team members, as well as to quickly adapt to a new environment.