If you have experience at a senior level and enjoy the challenge of working on new tasks in new locations, interim management could be just what you’re looking for. Just be prepared to hit the ground running, says Rachel Youngman, an interim manager and chair of InterimWomen.com.

Rachel Youngman, Chair of InterimWomen.com

What is interim management?

It’s where an organisation uses people who have senior experience, often at board level, for a particular need it has and for a specific period of time, often between three months and a year. This could be where there is a gap in skills, where expertise is needed for a particular project or where there is a crisis and something unexpected has happened.

How did you become an interim manager?

I had been employed for 20 years earning a great deal of project management experience and decided to go self-employed. I wanted to work in the charity sector, so I built up my contacts by volunteering. I then began the process to find out what options I had and came across interim management. I began doing a mix of consultancy and interim work.

Is interim management quite similar to consultancy work, then?

The difference is that consultancy is more of an advisory role, while interim management is more active – you have to roll your sleeves up and get on with the job straight away.

What sort of roles have you had?

I’ve been an interim for five years now and my roles have ranged from being interim Chief Executive of the British Youth Council, to my current role as interim Head of Social Enterprise for the National Youth Charity. I’ve also undertaken project work and am currently chair of support group, InterimWomen.com.

What type of person does interim management suit?

It will suit someone who can run their own business. Interims operate through their own company, so you need to be able to do things associated with running a business, including networking to get new business. You also need to be flexible – often you can get assignments at very short notice and might need to travel outside your immediate location at the drop of a hat.

What do you enjoy about interim management?

I love the flexibility – going into different organisations and adapting, having to use all my skills and experience. No two jobs are ever the same, because not only do you have different jobs to do, you work in different companies too. You really test yourself – it’s demanding but really stimulating.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to become an interim manager?

First of all, adapt your CV. An interim CV will look different to a standard CV and needs to be carefully tailored for each assignment, highlighting the key experience and skills that are relevant. Then network – if you’re leaving employment to become an interim make sure you retain as many contacts as possible with former colleagues and clients; go to events where your potential clients will be and join industry networking groups. Get as much advice as possible from experienced interims through groups such as InterimWomen.com and get to know the Interim Management Providers that specialise in your area.

For more information on interim management, visit www.InterimWomen.com. Search through a live selection of interim management jobs at Jobsite now.

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