Common problem situations

Regardless of the underlying factors, organizations generally benefit from bringing in new, skilled, and high-performing individuals. An interim consultant contributes new knowledge, extensive experience from other organizations, high energy levels, and a strong work ethic. This is an investment that not only solves a temporary need but also creates value that remains after the interim consultant has left the company. Here are some real-life problem situations that were solved by appointing an interim manager:

Key person resigns. – A common scenario where an interim need arises is when there is a gap between an employee leaving the company and their successor taking up the position.

When an individual resigns with, for example, a three-month notice period and is to be replaced by someone who is also likely to have a notice period, there is a gap of several months. Key positions cannot be left vacant, and the situation is further complicated by the loss of knowledge due to the lack of a handover process in an already turbulent work environment.

Interim Search received a call from the CFO of a listed industrial company whose accounting manager had resigned and had a month's notice period. The client realized that it would take two to four months before a permanent replacement could be found. We conducted a search within our existing network and identified two individuals with the right skills. The consultant was on site at the client's premises after just one week and had a two-week handover period before remaining on site until the permanent recruitment was completed.

Key person dismissed. – For various reasons, it is sometimes necessary to replace people in key positions. These situations create increased complexity because the recruitment process must be handled with strict confidentiality before an agreement has been reached with the employee who is to be replaced. In these situations, it is appropriate to hire an interim consultant who is ready to take on the role during this particularly stressful and critical period.

A client called to find a replacement who could step in immediately after they dismissed the manager of the group's Shared Service Center. They wanted to be sure they had a replacement before they began discussions with the underperforming manager.

Promotions – A significant proportion of recruitment is internal recruitment within companies. When key personnel are needed for new tasks, support is sometimes needed when introducing an internal successor.

When the accounting manager at an IT company was needed for another important position in another location in Europe, the customer decided to let their accounting economist take on the role of accounting manager. The accounting economist did not feel entirely comfortable in the role, so the customer hired an interim consultant for extra support for a three-month period.

Increased workload. – To be competitive, organizations must be adapted to the workload, and excess capacity is not desirable. When there is a temporary increase in workload, it is more cost-effective to hire an interim consultant for the assignment.

A media company contacted us because they were having problems with their outsourced accounting. At the same time, the group decided to implement a new financial system and reporting system. Interim Search helped the client find someone who could take charge of the accounting, ensure that the figures were correct, and implement the new systems.

Hiring freeze. – Hiring freezes are common during certain periods. These decisions can prevent recruitment even for business-critical positions, which must then be filled by an interim consultant for a period of time.

Our client in the insurance industry had a hiring freeze at the same time as they wanted to improve their sales and profitability in one of the company's business areas. They hired a Key Account Manager whose job was to improve and develop the company's partnerships with some of its largest customers. The person became a permanent employee when the hiring freeze ended.

Project. – Companies undergoing change, whether in a start-up phase, establishment phase, development phase, or change phase, often need key competencies. The need may be full-time or part-time and is usually contracted for 6-9 months. In these cases, it is more rational and cost-effective to hire a professional interim consultant to carry out the project.

A billion-dollar retail company was planning a strategic change. They needed an experienced Marketing Director to handle analysis, strategy, and project implementation. We conducted an extensive recruitment process that included mapping competitors and companies from related industries. The consultant was in place three weeks after the recruitment process began.

Changes in ownership. Acquisitions, mergers, and closures are some of the biggest changes an organization can undergo. During these periods, extra resources are often needed before, during, and after the change. These processes require expertise that the regular organization does not usually possess.

Our client, an international IT company, was preparing to divest a subsidiary. In connection with this, they needed to hire an HR Specialist who could help build a unique corporate culture and HR processes to make the company saleable.

Parental leave. – Parental leave increases the need for temporary replacements. Since the person will return after 4-12 months, the best option is an interim replacement.

A business controller at an international beverage company was going on maternity leave for 12 months, and the company decided to hire a replacement with significantly more experience. The assignment included developing systems and report packages, while also handling day-to-day tasks.

If you need a temporary solution or would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact us!

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