Interim managers come from many walks of life and have varied successful careers behind them.
Below are some examples of typical interim manager profiles that may help you decide whether you have the requisite skill sets and attitude, and are at the right stage in your career to become an interim manager.
Jim has been a professional interim for the last four years. As a Finance Director, at both divisional and group level, of private companies and PLC’s, his permanent career provided him with the experience of undertaking a number of major change programmes in which he played a significant role in ensuring a successful outcome. In particular, he has integrated several major acquisitions, restructured his organisation and been a key player in two significant turnaround situations. He speaks fluent French and German and has a good understanding of the culture of a number of European countries. His experience covers both service and manufacturing industries and his skills are transferable across a wide variety of situations. To date, he has undertaken six interim assignments, typically lasting six to eight months, and is now well established in his independent career. There is a high demand for his availability, but he chooses to work with one or two top-level interim providers or through his own contacts.
Helen has just left her role as HR Director of a retail operation following the takeover of her company. She is based in London with her partner and feels that this would be a good time to start her own business as a professional interim executive. Having spoken to other interim HR Directors, she feels that market conditions in her field are right and, backed by her financial security, has decided to fully commit to setting herself up as an independent. She is mentally prepared for a period of downtime while marketing herself, unless the right opportunity comes along quickly. Having researched her routes to market well and given a clear message as to her strengths in change management implementation, opportunities are beginning to come through and she has been put forward for two roles, one of which is in Scotland for six to eight months. She is prepared to accept the first offer regardless of location in order to secure that vital first assignment. Also, her experience in public sector transformation programmes will open up further opportunities.
Peter has just completed his first year as an interim managing director with turnaround experience. He decided to take the interim route after his previous company was sold, leaving him financially secure, yet hungry for another challenge. It took him a few months to find the right interim role while he was also exploring MBI opportunities. He is currently in the process of completing the sale of a venture capital-backed, medium-sized manufacturing operation, following a rescue. While still keeping his options open regarding investment opportunities, he is fully committed to looking for his next assignment, after taking a well-earned but brief holiday (which he will book a week or so before he is due to finish). If necessary, this trip will be postponed if he is immediately required to start the next project.
If you have any questions on forging your interim career with BIE, please Contact Us today. If you think your business would benefit from a senior interim expert in a period of change, please visit our For Clients section for more information.
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