Interim Recruitment Advice

Ever thought of becoming an Interim Manager? Now could be the time!

Interim Management

Introduced in the UK during the 1980s interim management is the temporary appointment of a senior independent executive or manager by an organisation for a defined period, either to undertake a specific programme or project, or to take on a specified role. An interim management placement is a flexible resource used for a limited time and often arranged at short notice.

At times when the demands of a business are specialised it is often not surprising that organisations find it increasingly difficult to have the right level of resource, therefore the solution can often be the deployment of an interim manager.

Ensuring a business or organisation has executives of the right calibre, with skills and experience to develop the product or service, while at the same time managing the company, can be a difficult if not an impossible task these days. As a result, many forward-thinking organisations are now turning towards interim management as the perfect solution to the problem.  As the CEO of one leading FM provider in the UK says:

“Tough economic conditions mean organisations are looking for flexible ways to meet their targets and build up their workforce. A typical interim has adapted to this uncertain climate and driven by a desire for independence and a more varied career, they come into organisations and aim to deliver from day one. “

Why use an interim manager?

Using interim managers gives organisations the flexibility to handle unforeseen and exceptional circumstances, something which is occurring more frequently in today’s business environment. Interims can add value through the broad range of experience they bring to the business having worked for a variety of organisations and market sectors.

Organisations need to provide interims with a clear business purpose and what the intended contribution of the interim manager will bring to the organisation. The interim’s role may only be a ‘stop-gap’ to help the business short term to provide continuity, strategic development to help the business achieve a defined aim.

For some parachuting in an interim manager can be expensive solution, but getting a person with the right skills will mean the cost is repaid – usually many times over. Many employers might gasp at spending £200,000 on an interim director for 15 months. But if it results in cost savings, then the investment starts to look like a wise one. Whilst not every interim can deliver impressive savings, the right one can add real value to a business.

Typical scenarios whereby an interim manager maybe required:

·         Long-term sickness of an employee

·         Maternity Cover

·         Cover while permanent employment is sought

·         Temporary to permanent option in organisation of senior positions

·         Specific project or peak work load

·         Strategic change within the organisation

·         Restructuring

A good interim manager?

For many people seeking work as interim managers they are looking for a new career challenge or a better work-life balance. With organisations now offering increased flexibility and opportunities, working as an interim has many benefits.

Candidates should have first class communication skills in order to build relationships with key clients and colleagues. Adapting your personal style if often necessary in different situations and environments – many places are differ.

Successful interim managers should be able to demonstrate the following skills.

·         Executing change

·         Achieving results

·         Flexible – contract may be extended

·         Exceptional interpersonal skills, motivated, organised and good skill set

·         Ability to work under pressure & to deadlines

·         Management of processes & staff

·         Working under pressure

·         Able to focus on target set

·         Cope with being thrown in the ‘deep end’

·         Expertise in significant area – finance, HR, IT, Sales, Marketing etc.

·         Enthusiasm for role – want to learn, get involved, hit targets

·         Experience in similar positions – answering to board directors, working in similar scenarios.

Can interim work for you?

“Working as an interim manager has its benefits like other jobs however it may not always provide you with the safety net permanent positions offer with guaranteed long term earnings.” said Robert Smith, Chairman of interim recruitment specialists, MRG, who went on to add. “Interims always need to consider the next option – what will the next project entail? How long will the next project run for? Where will it be based? Forward planning is vital and interims should consider how to market themselves in order to secure the next position.”

At times interim work can be lonely with unpredictable therefore it is important for candidates to be flexible, self confident and strong to work in such environments and circumstances.

Interim projects bring a variety to work, with regular change and movements into new environments and the opportunity for you to explore and bring fresh ideas to help solve a business problem. Knowledge is important within the field you choose to interim in – the more experience within the specific sector will help when applying relevant knowledge and expertise to the problem at hand.

What benefits will the Interim bring?

Interim management roles are on the increase, with businesses using a short term option to help with short to medium term issues. For most it is a cost-effective business solution which many organisations are now following across a wide spectrum of industries.

A variety of benefits come with interim positions for example:

·         Variety of work, increasing skill set, experience, working styles and knowledge

·         Meeting new people, working in new environment

·         Flexibility – short term contract, opportunity for change, hours of work

·         Increased earning potential – good salaries and limited company offering

Will working as an Interim provide a good salary?

Most interim roles are paid on a day rate and vary in expenses and other supplementary payments. It is essential you state your expectations clearly at the start of any application.  If you work as a self-employed limited company, it is advisable to obtain professional advice from a qualified accountant regarding insurances and other statutory regulations. If you run your own limited company, a certificate of incorporation and business bank details will be required.

Interim managers are not ‘temporary’ workers or ‘contractors’; however Interim management assignments are for finite periods and driven by the short-to-medium-term demands of client organisations. The unique differentiator in this respect is that Interim managers operate as independent businesses under their own company structures and therefore carry total responsibility for tax, insurance and other statutory or regulatory requirements.

And Finally….. It is all too easy to be lulled into a sense of security by promises of a nice pension, employee benefits and the key to a company car. However all too often downsizing means that you could well be pushed into career decisions to which you are unsuited by the pure fact that you are unexpectedly made redundant. By becoming an Interim Manager you are in control of your own destiny, and have an enviable degree of independence. It does not suit everyone but in today’s demanding corporate world it is appealing to an increasing number of talented FM professionals.