When I explain to people that I am an ‘interim manager’, I often get glazed eyes as a response. Either that or “Oh, yeah! I’m thinking of doing that”! I thought I’d explain some of the advantages and disadvantages from my own experience.
As an interim, I am self employed through my own Limited Company and contract for ’services’ (work) either through an interim provider (an agency) or direct with a client. It operates rather like freelancing – I get paid a ‘day rate’ for the work I do. I am also registered to pay VAT. Setting up a Limited Company was pretty straightforward, quick and not expensive either. The most difficult part was thinking of a name for the company. (I didnt have that much imagination and went for my middle and last names: Mackintosh Oliver Ltd). I was also recommended a good accountant: David Lyon at Calders.
There are many interim providers to register with. I’d recommend checking out those with the Interim Management Association.
Some specialise in sectors – for example Veredus focus on the public sector whereas BIE and Impact tend to have more of a private sector predominance. Others specialise in HR, finance, IT and communications (e.g. VMA).
Like so many jobs, it can be frustrating to get into interim management as most providers want soemone with a track record. Getting the first assignment can therfore be a bit tricky! Providers most certainly dont want someone who is interested in “doing a bit of interim between jobs” as they do not want someone to leave their client in the lurch half way through a contract. The providers want ‘happy clients’ who will keep coming back to them for more interims. The providers can charge around 30% on top of the day rate - it varies.
I have enjoyed working across so many sectors. I’ve worked at a County Council, a couple of regulators, membership organisations, B2B, central government and Non-Departmental Public Bodies responsible for the built environment and museums and libraries. Great experience.
I’ve brought my portfolio of corporate communications experience and ‘transferable skills’ and developed tham to meet the needs of the different organisations. Every role has a different communications focus – media relations, public affiars, managing teams, internal comms etc.
To be in work pretty continuously, I find that I have to be pretty flexible. I take part-time contracts occasionally (although I prefer working full-time) and will work away from home. As I have just finished a contract, I am about to find out how much the Credit Crunch has affected rates!
The assumption from the client is that you will be able to ‘hit the ground running’. It can mean working a couple of levels ‘beneath’ the role that you may have had in a permanent environment. Some people can find that difficult – especially if you are used to a large support team and suddenly find that the buck stops with you!
Hope this short ‘taster’ helps. Happy to take questions!
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