What are the key ingredients for hiring an effective Interim Chief Marketing Officer?
Interim Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) roles are becoming increasingly popular, partly due to the extraordinary changes experienced by companies in recent years. There are several reasons why a company might choose an interim CMO over a permanent hire, so what are the key ingredients for hiring an effective one?
Here at Suzie Walker Executive Search, we regularly recruit interim CMOs, on behalf of our clients, for FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. We also support candidates to develop into these roles through further learning and role opportunities. We hope the following key ingredients provide food for thought.
Firstly, what is an interim CMO?
An interim CMO steps in to the role, generally, for one of the following reasons: they’re a strategic expert and will help the company to develop the strategy before recruiting a permanent CMO to then take it forwards; they’re a safe pair of hands to keep the ship sailing when parental or illness cover is needed; or they’re the perfect person to overhaul systems and processes so that a permanent CMO can walk in and simply focus on the strategy.
Strategic skills
As mentioned, companies may be looking to have a strategy in place for a permanent CMO to then take it forward. In which case, they will be looking for an interim CMO who has significant strategic experience at the same level. Strategy will be their main focus while the permanent CMO is recruited, using data and insights to identify and understand customer needs, and to map a way forwards that will creatively disrupt the market.
Interim experience
For companies looking to hire an interim manager for the short-term, perhaps to cover parental leave or illness, they will be looking for an interim CMO with stacks of interim experience – a steady pair of hands to keep the ship on course. They want to ensure that the marketing department runs as smoothly and effectively as it always has when taking the strategy forwards, until their permanent CMO returns.
Innovative thinker
Some companies will be seeking an interim CMO who can completely overhaul systems and processes – a specialism in itself – so that while they’re recruiting for a permanent CMO, significant improvements are taking place behind the scenes. The aim is for the permanent CMO to walk into a fully functioning and effective marketing environment so that they can focus on the strategy.
Qualifications
Organisations’ requirements vary. Some will require a relevant bachelor’s degree or higher national diploma, some will require a master’s degree, and some will value qualifications through professional bodies, such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Institute of Public Relations, or the Institute of Data & Marketing. Most importantly, it is about being a true professional with a passion for strategy, customers and organisational growth – always learning, always innovating.
Salary
Salary really depends on factors like experience, location and, most importantly, the right person. At Suzie Walker Executive Search, our team invests time at the beginning of a search to really understand what a client needs in terms of candidate profile and organisational culture. We also consider the ‘wild card candidate’ - being bold and brave while ensuring knowledge and expertise.
If you’re looking to hire an interim or permanent CMO, or if you’re looking to make your next career move, get in touch to see how we can help you or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
With warmest regards,
the Suzie Walker Executive Search team
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for marketing, data, digital and tech roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
