What are the benefits of interim roles
We have seen an extraordinary increase in interim roles, as clients and candidates see the mutual benefit of interim for both business and professional growth. They also suit the economic times we are in, and the rate of growth in marketing technologies, where low-risk but high-impact opportunities are sought.
As we have mentioned before, the quality of these roles has reached a level we have never seen before, as clients seek senior leaders to offer strategic insights and to deliver tangible results. Alongside or often in place of consultancy, interim roles offer numerous benefits:
For clients
You can find a specialist for current business needs:
What businesses need now is not always what they need in six months’/a year’s/18 months’ time. By looking for a specialist interim senior leader, you can be sure that whatever the given timescale, they will achieve the desired impact. It could be someone with proven strategic insight with the ability to disrupt in their sector, or a candidate with substantial experience in digital transformation, or it could be a steady pair of hands to lead the team during parental leave or illness. The beauty of interim is finding the right person for right now.
You can take your time when finding a permanent hire:
While your interim senior leader is in situ, there is ample time to identify and attract the perfect-fit candidate for permanent hire. The right senior leader for the long-term can take a while to find, to interview and to assess thoroughly. A permanent role hire is a huge investment, so it has to be right. Suzie Walker Executive Search offer an integrated approach whereby consultants who understand both the culture of your business and the commercial objectives, place the interim hire while concurrently sourcing the permanent hire.
There is less risk for your business:
With a short-term contract, it can provide peace of mind in these turbulent and changing times. Interim roles offer a smaller financial commitment for the business - the emphasis is very much on delivery and return on investment can easily be measured. By outlining clear objectives and through regular progress reports, you will know that money is being spent wisely.
For candidates
You can build a diverse portfolio:
Senior interim leaders benefit from the opportunity to work with a variety of businesses to build a robust and diverse portfolio, enabling you to secure some exciting future roles. It also provides you with an opportunity to expand your network and to build relationships within your specialist sector, or other sectors, to really broaden the scope of your work in the future. Through interim roles, you will often find yourself gaining access to some appealing opportunities and fantastic references.
You can make your mark:
Most often, businesses give interim candidates clear objectives but plenty of autonomy to move plans forward and to create a legacy in a short amount of time. They know that a specialist will hit the ground running and provide regular progress reports. This enables you to really make your mark and to move on at the end of your contract knowing exactly what has been achieved, taking that forward into your future roles.
You will have greater flexibility:
No longer will you be tied down to the same role for years. You can shape your career and choose opportunities that fit your vision and purpose as it develops over time. You can also find a role that fits the needs of your family and circumstances. Also, while time in the office is often required, and certainly recommended to ensure a collaborative approach for your project, you will also have the autonomy to work in your own unique way.
If you’re looking to make your next career move or if you’re looking to hire for a senior interim role, 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 and digital roles in consumer-facing FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.