Insights
Interim management is a temporary leadership solution where an experienced executive steps in to solve a specific, business-critical task. We see it used in change, crisis, growth, or when capabilities are missing internally. Interim management is also called temporary management or temporary leadership — particularly by organisations that do not use the international industry term day to day.
What is interim management?
Interim management is neither consultancy nor permanent employment. It is an operational leadership role with responsibility for delivering concrete results within a defined period.
An interim executive enters the organisation with a mandate to act — not only to analyse. The role is tied to a specific task: stabilisation, transformation or scaling.
When does interim management make sense?
Interim management is used when there is a clear need for progress, and the organisation lacks capacity, capability or time.
- A sudden leadership vacuum
- Turnaround or crisis
- Major transformations
- Growth or scaling
- Implementation of new processes or systems
Read also: When does interim management make sense?
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Fast start
- No long-term commitment
- Execution based on experience
- Focus on results
Disadvantages
- Higher day rate than a permanent hire
- Requires a clear mandate
- Not a permanent solution
Interim vs alternatives
Interim management is often confused with consultancy or permanent hires. The differences are substantial.
The difference lies in responsibility and role: the interim executive carries operational responsibility and sits in the management team.
Typical interim roles
Interim management is used across leadership levels:
- CEO — overall leadership and turnaround
- CFO — financial control and capital structure
- COO — operations and optimisation
- Programme director — major transformations
How it works in practice
An interim assignment follows a fixed structure:
- Clarifying the need and the mandate
- Matching the profile
- Start within a few days
- Execution with ongoing follow-up
- Handover and exit
Read more: From enquiry to onboarding
What does interim management cost?
The price depends on role, complexity and duration. Interim management is invoiced as a day rate.
The real economics must be weighed against the value of fast execution and reduced risk.
All articles on interim management
- Guide to interim management — what it is, when it works and how it runs.
- What does interim management cost? — typical price bands and what drives the fee.
- Advantages and disadvantages of interim management — when is it the right solution?
- Common mistakes when using interim executives — and what they cost the business.
- Interim management in the public sector — when it works and what is different.
- Process optimisation — with an interim executive and an operational mandate.
- Interim vs consultant — the essential differences in responsibility and role.
- Interim vs permanent employment — when do you choose which?
- Temporary management — what it is and when it is used.
- ESG and sustainable leadership — implementation, governance and reporting.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can an interim executive start?
Typically within a few days to a few weeks.
How long does an interim assignment last?
Often between 3 and 12 months.
Is interim management only for crises?
No. It is also used for growth, transformation and temporary needs.
Do you need an interim executive — or do you want to clarify whether it is the right solution?