Interim Manager

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please do not hesitate to call us or send us a message! We are here to help you.

Interim (Latin for temporary): Interim Managers are top-level leaders and experts that accept a temporary assignment from a company to successfully complete a certain project or task. Interim Managers leave the company when the task is completed, or when the problem is solved, and/or when the situation is stabilised and a suitable operating model for the organisation has been identified. An Interim Manager only stays in the company until no longer needed.

What is Interim Management?

Interim Management means temporary management. An experienced and skilled Interim Manager carries out acute business-critical tasks. An Interim Manager is useful when a top specialist is temporarily needed for managing and implementing an important development process or change process.

An Interim Manager is a compelling option when a top professional is needed to fill a sudden senior management vacancy. An Interim Manager is generally hired by a company for a fixed period, usually 6-12 months, or if necessary for a number of years.

Main features of interim management

Temporary
A highly-experienced management professional/expert
Works inside the company
Integrates into the client company in which he or she works
Independent talent – focuses exclusively on achieving results
Authority within defined limits – for instance, with regard to personnel

Are Interim Managers included in a company’s personnel?

This is a very frequent question. The answer is quite clear: No, they do not. An Interim Manager operates on a freelance basis but is usually on the payroll of a service providing organisation. An Interim Manager has a commission agreement that is for a fixed period, or can also work under contract with an unspecified ending date.

What is the difference between an Interim Manager and a business management consultant?

In practice, the boundary is a line drawn in water. However, a business management consultant certainly provides consulting services, performs analytical and conceptual tasks, is often involved in planning and executing strategy and/or in clarifying strategy. An Interim Manager can also do all these things, but is responsible for operations in the sphere of his expertise and for day-to-day management. He or she can have subordinates, and – most importantly – has a budget and is accountable for business results. An Interim Manager is the strongest component of the organisation.

What is the difference between an Interim Manager and a temporary agency employee?

There’s a huge difference. Furthermore, while an agency employee is employed by an employer or by a company offering such services, an Interim Manager is a freelancer (when the service is procured through a service provider). There is also a big difference in the level of competence and skills required. An Interim Manager is generally a project manager or in some other management-level position, whereas a temporary agency employee is usually given auxiliary or other specialised tasks.

Why not ourselves headhunt an Interim Manager, maybe by surfing the internet?

This option can be cheaper, but will certainly not be better. You are looking for a top-level specialist whose mission it is to bring business-critical tasks to a successful conclusion. Quite! So you want to make sure that you actually find a top-level specialist. What you save by headhunting yourself can easily be lost on searching, interviewing, checking references and everything else that we have already done on your behalf. BBI Group can offer a top expert cherry-picked to match your needs within a very short space of time.

What are an Interim Manager’s responsibilities and spheres of authority?

An Interim Manager can carry out many different types of tasks. Most typically they are development manager, department manager, production manager, accounts manager, HR manager or ICT manager. During times of crisis, an Interim Manager is often a CFO, CEO or CRO. We know from experience that it is extremely rare that extensive reorganisations, mergers or restructurings can be successfully handled without external assistance.

Are Interim Managers common in Finland?

No, not in Finland, but the use of Interim Managers is much more widespread elsewhere in Europe and in other Nordic countries. It is good to see, though, that the use of Interim Managers is growing at a really fast pace in Finland now.

BBI Group is one of the pioneers in this field in Finland. Our Interim Managers are experienced professionals who, by means of their seniority, are capable of quickly taking on operational responsibility and executing the actions needed.