Career Control: Making the Transition to Interim

Through the complexities of the commercial and regulatory landscape, transitions and transformations are an inherent part of business life. They can take many forms, from fundamental organisational changes to the implementation for new regulatory guidance such as Sox or IFRS standards, to driving digital change and utilising AI tools.

Projects of this nature take significant resource from experienced professionals, and it should therefore be no surprise that the transition from permanent roles to interim positions has regained momentum. While the traditional job setup offers stability and a range of benefits, the allure of interim roles lies in their flexibility, variety, and the potential for impactful contributions. Making the move to an interim career might seem daunting initially, but when done thoughtfully, it can be immensely liberating and rewarding.

Interim services stand as a strategic solution, connecting experienced professionals with businesses during pivotal periods of change. These professionals possess specialised skill sets that cater to the needs of businesses requiring dedicated expertise for specific assignments. Their role as interim leaders is multifaceted, serving as a bridge for companies seeking immediate, adaptive, and impactful leadership in times of flux.

Aspects of Interim Management

Leadership Transitions: Interim executives step in seamlessly during the departure of key leaders, ensuring stability and continuity in uncertain times.

Crisis Management: They offer swift and strategic leadership during moments of crisis, navigating through challenges such as financial downturns or operational setbacks.

Change and Transformation: Specialised skills assist companies in significant shifts, mergers, or cultural transformations, providing stability and guidance.

Project Management: Interim executives are engaged for their expertise to drive and ensure the successful completion of projects.

The Appeal of Interim Roles

Interim managers, highly sought-after professionals, possess niche skills and experience. They can quickly integrate into specific business scenarios and make a substantial impact. Flexibility is a key advantage, allowing for extended breaks between contracts, compensating for the lack of traditional benefits.

Key Skills for Success

Adaptability and Flexibility: Essential qualities to rapidly adapt to new roles and organisational methodologies.

Performing Under Pressure: The ability to deliver tangible results within short timeframes, often in high-pressure situations.

Effective Communication: Crucial for guiding processes and instructions with clarity and flexibility.

Hand-over Proficiency: The capability to efficiently hand over initiated processes to ensure a smooth transition upon departure.

Embracing the interim career path requires a mindset open to change, a commitment to delivering quick and tangible results, and a passion for making a significant impact within a dynamic environment. While it may not suit everyone, for those inclined towards variety, challenge, and a wealth of experiences, the interim career path could be exceptionally rewarding.

“Whether during a period of transition or transformation, supporting growth and building out a new function, or supporting projects/teams while the SLT decide on long term plans, this is something we are seeing more of. The ability to bring someone in that is adaptable to a new business and environment and can be pragmatic and proactive in their approach is valued more than ever. This is partly due to a shift in attitudes to interim work and the short-term costs vs the value added, and rightly so.

Those considering the move into Interim, whether through redundancy, a change in personal circumstance or simply because you have the flexibility to take the leap, there is no reason for now not to be the time. And if you are concerned it will affect your ability to move back into a perm career don’t be. Gone are the days of clients taking a dim view on candidates who have worked within the interim space if they do look to move back to perm. If anything, they are more open to it given the proven track record of hitting the ground running, building relationships and adapting to new systems, processes and ways of working.” Richard Nourse, Associate Director – Interim & Contract at HedgerWay Senior Financial Recruitment