Service · Interim Management
Interim Management: executives on assignment for industry, defence and technology
When a managing director leaves unexpectedly, a site has to be ramped up or a programme needs a leader now, a permanent search takes too long. We place experienced interim managers who take operational responsibility quickly — and, where it makes sense, run the search for the permanent successor in parallel.
When it applies
When is an interim manager the right answer?
Interim management bridges a gap that a permanent hire cannot close in time. These are typical situations.
Sudden departure
A managing director, CFO or plant manager leaves at short notice, and operations, banks and employees need someone in charge now.
Succession gap
The successor in a family business is not ready yet, or the search for a permanent managing director will take months.
Ramp-up and growth
A new site, production line or programme needs an experienced leader to build structures before the permanent team is in place.
Turnaround and restructuring
A business under pressure needs a leader who can make unpopular decisions without being part of the old structures.
Growth in defence and security
Order books in the defence industry are growing faster than leadership teams. Interim managers add capacity in programme management, technical leadership, sales and export control while the permanent search runs.
Integration and transition
After an acquisition or a change of ownership, an interim leader secures continuity and prepares the handover.
Positions
Positions we fill on an interim basis
Interim Managing Director
Interim CFO and Head of Finance
Interim COO, Plant and Site Manager
Interim Technical Director, Head of Defence Engineering
Interim Programme Director, Defence Industry
Interim Head of Sales, Head of Export Control
Process
How an interim assignment works
Briefing
In a confidential conversation we clarify the situation, the mandate and the expected result.
Profile and shortlist
We define the profile and present interim managers from our network who fit the situation and the industry.
Assignment
Scope, duration and remuneration are agreed in writing before the interim manager starts.
Handover
Where the role continues, we run the retained search for the permanent successor in parallel, so that the handover is prepared from the first day.
Why an executive search firm for interim management
As a retained executive search firm we know the leadership market in industry, defence and technology from the inside. That is the basis for finding interim managers who do not only fill a gap but fit the organisation — and for deciding with you whether an interim solution or a permanent hire is the better answer.
Contacts
Your contacts for interim management
Interim mandates are handled personally by Anna-Lena Mennell and Ewald Kager.
Anna-Lena Mennell
Managing Director, Germany · Düsseldorf
Frequently asked questions
What is an interim manager?
An interim manager is an experienced executive who takes over a leadership role for a limited time — as managing director, CFO, plant manager or head of function — with real decision-making responsibility, not as an adviser.
How long does an interim assignment last?
Typically between three and twelve months, depending on the situation. The duration is agreed in advance and can be extended if the task requires it.
How is an interim manager paid?
Usually by day rate or monthly fee, agreed in writing before the assignment starts. The level depends on the role, the industry and the scope of the task; we discuss it in the first conversation.
Can an interim manager become the permanent leader?
That is possible, but it should not be the plan. We recommend running the search for the permanent role in parallel and keeping the option open if the interim manager and the company both want it.
Do you place interim managers in the defence industry?
Yes. Defence and security are one of our core sectors. Interim managers are used there especially in programme management, technical leadership, sales and export control while permanent positions are being filled.
When is an interim manager better than a permanent hire?
When time is short, when the task has a clear end, or when the permanent solution is still open. If the role will exist for years, the permanent search should start at the same time.
Related pages
Confidential first conversation