How to build a meaningful path as an experienced business professional that combines strategic expertise and concrete change management. Explore the growing trend of interim management.
Why is Interim Management a Growing Trend?
The transformation of working life and organizations’ increasing need for change have made interim management an increasingly attractive career alternative for experienced leaders. Digitalization is reshaping business models, sustainability issues require strategic changes, and rapid industry transformations demand agility. In this environment, an interim manager’s experience and ability to quickly produce results are particularly valuable.
Who is Interim Management Suitable For?
Rental management is a natural option for you if:
- Your strength is implementing challenging change initiatives
- You want to choose the content and timing of your projects yourself
- You enjoy solving new business challenges
- You can quickly bring added value to different organizations
Interim management is a strategic career choice for experienced professionals that gives the freedom to implement ambitious change projects.
What is an Interim Manager’s Work Like in Practice?
Interim assignments typically fall into three categories:
Strategic change projects:
- Digital transformation
- Internationalization programs
- Significant organizational reforms
Temporary Management Positions:
- Substituting for an executive team member
- Replacing a key person during a transition
- Building bridges before permanent recruitment
Leading Special Situations:
- Post-merger integrations
- Profit improvement programs
- Scaling a growing business
As an interim manager, you uniquely combine strategic vision with the ability to implement changes in practice. You’re not just an advisor but also a doer who takes responsibility for results.
How to Build a Successful Interim Career
Building a successful entrepreneurial path begins with careful preparation. First, consider what your strongest areas of expertise are and in what change situations you bring the greatest added value. Important first steps include:
Defining Your Area of Specialization:
- Identifying industry expertise
- Clarifying strengths in change management
- Determining the type and size of target projects
Practical preparations
- Establishing a company
- Acquiring necessary insurances
- Designing operational models
Cherry Can Be a Partner on Your Journey
- We sell and market your skills
- We help with profiling and specialization
- We support you with practical arrangements
- We offer networking opportunities
Why is the Demand for Interim Managers Growing?
The transformation of working life and organizations’ accelerating need for change create growing demand for experienced interim managers. Three key trends stand out in particular:
- Digital transformation is reshaping business models
- Sustainability and ESG requirements necessitate strategic changes
- Industry disruptions require agile change management
These changes require experienced professionals who can quickly bring both vision and implementation power to demanding situations.
Profile of a Successful Interim Manager
To succeed as an interim manager, you need diverse business skills in addition to strong substance expertise. The key is the ability to quickly grasp the big picture and determinedly implement demanding change projects. Particularly important is the desire to advance matters in rapidly changing circumstances and communicate clearly with different stakeholders.
Interpersonal skills are emphasized in all activities: The foundational pillars of success are convincing communication and the ability to operate in different organizational cultures. Strong networking ability helps build trust quickly in new environments.
At best, an interim manager combines strategic thinking and practical implementation ability in a way that quickly produces concrete results.
Start Your Journey as an Interim Manager
The path to becoming an interim manager begins with careful preparation. Cherry can support you from the beginning of your journey in three phases:
Cherry’s support along the way
Together, we map your areas of specialization and strengths, based on which you may receive an invitation to our talent pool. As a Cherry pool member, we help you profile yourself and, above all, actively market and sell your expertise for the right kinds of assignments. We support you with practical arrangements and offer professional networking opportunities.
