Interim Management

Interim management is a management tool which brings an interim manager into an organisation or company who:

• has the skills and experience needed by the client
• is highly qualified
• will achieve the objectives set within the given timeframe
• will implement any agreed changes

Interim management involves such management techniques as transition, change, mobile and temporary management.

1. 1.DIAGNOSIS

   DIAGNOSIS

   
   We meet with the client and let them tell us what they problem is that needs solving. We make it clear to ourselves what the context is and assess the situation. We set out our approach, experience and results to date. It normally takes one or two meetings for both sides to gain a proper understanding of what needs to be done, the objective in doing it and how we can go about it. At the same time, if we have had success with a similar case in the past, we can be commissioned to step in straight away.

2. 2.SOLUTION

   SOLUTION

   
   We present potential approaches to solving the problem and explain why we favour them. We look for a suitable interim manager and work with the client to determine what their duties will be.

3. 3.AGREEMENT

   AGREEMENT

   We present a detailed offer to the client that includes a profile of the interim manager, the agreed objectives, a schedule and the principles behind our pricing. This offer forms the basis of us entering into a cooperation agreement.

   How you pay is flexible. Clients tend to use a combination of methods:

   • a monthly fee, the basis of which is the parties’ shared understanding of the volume and complexity of the work
   • an hourly rate, which is determined rather like the monthly fee but allows us to keep account of things according to specific periods of time and which may vary from one aspect of the work to another
   • a performance bonus for achieving agreed, measurable objectives which, generally speaking, constitutes a share of the growth in net profit or of the amount by which losses have been reduced
   • a holding in the company. If none of these options is possible or they fail to motivate both parties, an alternative agreement can be reached.

   If it’s important to the client that we start as soon as possible and hit the ground running, as a rule we can complete all of the above mentioned stages and enter into a contract within 10 days.

4. 4.IMPLEMENTATION

   IMPLEMENTATION

   The interim manager starts work in accordance with their contract. They manage the implementation of changes and give clients regular feedback. They focus on completing the agreed task within the time given. During this phase the interim manager proves their worth by demonstrating their competence, efficiency and sense of duty. An interim manager can lead teams and projects, resolve crisis situations and help implement changes or simply hold the fort until their longer-term replacement arrives.

5. 5.EXIT

   EXIT

   The interim manager is responsible for achieving the set objectives and meeting the client’s expectations. In this stage they may provide training and pass on their knowledge, appoint others to carry on where they will be leaving off in the company’s everyday operations and share the lessons they have learned throughout the process. The experience they brought with them and have subsequently gained and passed on to permanent staff in the company represents significant added value.

   The interim manager focuses on successfully completing their task, not just serving their time, ensuring that the exit stage is performed professionally. Often this marks the end of the working relationship between the manager and the client.

   They can further their cooperation if new objectives with new deadlines are agreed upon. After their initial work is done, a VVT interim manager can also remain with the client in a supervisory role (again, upon agreement) to make sure that the long-term objectives of the company are met.

How does a successful partnership work?

In order for a project to be carried out, the client has to agree that an interim manager needs to be brought in to the organisation to manage the changes in question.

We look for a suitable candidate among our partners or network of contacts – leading figures, senior managers and specialists in the fields of general management, finance, marketing, sales, logistics, IT, production, purchasing and human resources. As a rule, we find the right person rather quickly.

We can find an interim manager for your company who:

• has relevant skills and experience
• will start organising your company’s work so that you achieve your business goals.

“Finding a suitable interim manager is significantly faster and more flexible than carrying out a executive search.”

• REPLACING A MANAGER. When a manager unexpectedly parts company with an organisation or needs to be replaced for a certain period (e.g. maternity leave, illness or military service).
• GROWTH. When an organisation experiences a rapid growth spurt, expands on its domestic market or moves into foreign markets.
• NEW PROJECTS. When launching and managing major projects.
• STUCK FOR IDEAS. When an organisation can’t continue in the same vein but can’t think how else to go about things.
• INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT. When you create and implement strategies, plans, systems and processes.
• BIG CHANGES. When you’re faced with mergers, takeovers or a new ownership status.

• The labour market is small, the pool of highly qualified workers even smaller and people’s work habits have changed.
• We can find you the best expertise in your field.
• Long-term management experience and outstanding results are a guarantee of success.
• Interim managers come up with solutions and take responsibility for implementing them within a specified period.
• What needs to be done to achieve a goal is evaluated objectively and ongoing feedback is given.
• You save on costs, since the interim manager operates with specific goals and results in mind over a fixed period.
• As a rule, the results are reflected in your profit margin.
• You have the flexibility of hiring an interim manager on an as-needed basis.

How long you hire an interim manager for depends on your company’s goals and volume of work: from as little as a couple of weeks to as much as a year-and-a-half. Statistics from the UK show that the average mission of an interim manager lasts for 8-9 months.

What characterises an interim manager?

• Speed. An interim manager can be drafted in at short notice and will stay with you for as long as you need.
• Experience. Generally, interim managers have held senior positions in companies for years and are highly trained.
• Independence & objectivity. Interim managers are not linked to the history, founders or traditions of an organisation. They look at your set-up from a new angle and focus on the areas that show the most potential.
• Results, responsibility & dedication. Interim managers are responsible for achieving results. Getting paid depends on it – as do good references.

Interim manager vs consultant

Based on their competence, a consultant advises a company and comes up with the best solution for it. With that, their job is done. An interim manager offers a solution, works with the organisation to implement it and takes responsibility for the work they have agreed to. The job of a management consultant forms part of the interim management service, but an interim manager’s job doesn’t normally form part of a consultant’s work.

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