Interim management
Interim management (temporary management) is a cooperation model where a company temporarily entrusts the management of its entire organisation, a part of it, or a specific project, to an experienced external manager – an interim manager. The aim is to quickly accomplish a specific task: implementing change, restructuring, launching, or filling a key vacancy during a transitional period.
Who is an interim manager?
An interim manager is typically a high-level manager with extensive, practical experience, who joins an organisation for a predefined period (usually from a few months to about two years). Unlike a traditional employee, they are primarily focused on results and are assessed based on achieving a specific goal, rather than simply their presence in the company.
When does a company need an interim manager?
- Sudden vacancy in a key position – when continuity of management needs to be ensured quickly, e.g., after a director's departure.
- Restructuring or change management – requiring the experience and objective perspective of an outsider.
- Project requiring niche expertise – e.g., implementing a new system, entering a new market, or preparing a company for sale.
- Rapid growth and scaling – when an organisation outgrows its existing management structures.
- Competency gap – which cannot be quickly filled through standard recruitment.
Interim management vs. traditional employment
Several characteristics distinguish an interim manager from a permanent manager:
- Duration – cooperation is by definition temporary and has a clearly defined timeframe.
- Form of cooperation – most often a B2B contract, not an employment contract.
- Goal and accountability – emphasis on measurable results and task completion, not on retaining a position.
- Cost and commitment – a higher rate, but no long-term obligations and full availability for the duration of the project.