Interim Management, change management and executive recruitment from BIE Interim Executive
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Guide to Interim Management

What is interim management?

Business woman checking her watch

"Unless the interim provider has a bank of suitable candidates, already well known to them, there is no way that they can provide me with the calibre of candidate that is even worth a first meeting given the timescales we are working to." David Rimmer, Director, Alchemy Partners (Turnaround Professional of the Year (STP Award 2006)

Executive interim management is the short-term assignment of a proven heavyweight executive to manage transition, crisis or change within a company. A permanent role may be unnecessary or there may be insufficient time to make a permanent appointment. Internally, there may not be anybody suitable for, or available to take up, the position. Whatever the reason, this is the type of situation where executive interim management could prove invaluable.

There are several factors that make interim management the powerful resourcing option that it has become today:

  • Speed. Interim managers can be in place within days as opposed to weeks (essential when time constraints are paramount).
  • Experience. Interim managers will be more than qualified for the position they are taking on and will therefore be stepping down in responsibility. They will also have past experience of similar challenges to the ones they are about to face. In addition to enabling them to have an immediate effect and be productive from the outset, this minimises the risk of things going wrong and, more importantly, ensures success.
  • Objectivity. Unencumbered by any previous involvement in company processes or staff relationships, interim managers provide a fresh perspective and are free to concentrate on what's best for the business.
  • Accountability. Rather than taking on a purely advisory role (as a management consultant would), interim managers are responsible and accountable line managers who will implement and manage a business or project in their own right.
  • Effectiveness. Operating at or near board-level gives interim managers the authority to effect significant change or transition within a company — unlike a temp, they're not just there to ‘hold the fort’.
  • Commitment. Interim managers are committed to an interim career. For them, this is never just something they are doing until a suitable permanent position is found. They enjoy the challenge of the different assignments, take great pride in maintaining the highest standards and realise that they are only ever as good as their last job.

There are a number of different business situations that could result in the need for an interim manager. Typically, these could be one or more of the following:

Crisis management
Sudden departure
Managing change or transition
MBOs and IPOs
Mergers and acquisitions
Project management

To discuss your interim management requirements with BIE call +44(0)20 7222 1010
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