Interim Management :
An Operational Lever for Strategic Projects and Critical Situations
Definition and key challenges of interim management
Interim management is an agile leadership solution that involves temporarily entrusting the management of a function or the delivery of a strategic project to a highly qualified external executive.
Unlike traditional recruitment, which can take several months, an interim manager is immediately operational and able to deliver impact from the very first weeks.
Why use interim management ?
In France, the interim management market now exceeds €400 million and is growing at an average annual rate of 8 to 12%. Companies of all sizes turn to interim management in a wide range of situations, including:
- Crisis management (social, financial or operational)
- Business transformation (digital, organisational or cultural)
- Vacancy in a key position following an unexpected departure
- Delivery of a complex project requiring highly specialised expertise
Assignments typically last between 6 and 18 months, but may also be much shorter (a few weeks) for targeted interventions, or longer when the transformation requires it.
An effective lever to drive change
Interim management stands out as an operational response when an organization must move fast, with high standards and full control. It comes into play when every decision matters and execution continuity must be ensured.
Most common intervention contexts
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Mobilise
decisive expertise -
Ensure continuity
in a key role -
Manage a
crisis situation -
Lead a strategic
transformation -
Orchestrate
complex projects
Bring experienced leadership at a critical moment to clarify the vision, connect strategic challenges and generate commitment around a priority project.
Address a sudden departure or prolonged vacancy in an executive position without compromising performance or governance.
Restore stability in the face of a product recall, site closure, social conflict or operational disruption, while protecting assets and reputation.
Drive mergers and acquisitions, brand repositioning or the launch of a new offering, ensuring alignment, pace and results.
Structure and lead high-intensity initiatives such as the rollout of a multi-site network, the implementation of an integrated supply chain, the launch of an international digital platform or the redesign of a global operating model.
Profiles of interim managers
Interim managers are senior executives with 20 to 30 years of experience, working closely with executive committees. Their role goes far beyond day-to-day management: they structure, make decisions, turn situations around and accelerate performance.
General management & strategy
Large-scale transformation leadership, business model reinvention, multi-country expansion, crisis governance.
Finance & performance
Cash stabilisation, P&L restructuring, cost control, margin recovery and free cash flow improvement.
Human resources & organisation
Management of social conflicts, redesign of managerial cultures, alignment of talent with growth trajectories.
Operations & industrialisation
Turnaround of critical units, supply chain optimisation, securing high-intensity launches and deployments.
Natural Authority and Immediate Impact
They inspire trust within days, with no onboarding phase.
Rapid Reading of Internal Dynamics
A sharp understanding of stakeholder dynamics, codes, and resistance.
Decisiveness and Clarity in Uncertainty
The ability to act with rigor, even in urgency or ambiguity.
Resilience and Composure
Strong under pressure, with a clear results-driven mindset.
Typical assignment structure
Immediate entry at the heart of the organisation. Rapid analysis of dynamics, identification of performance breakdowns and clarification of critical issues.
Design of a clear, prioritised and quantified action plan. Validation with top management, including result commitments and decision milestones.
Assumption of leadership over teams and key projects. Activation of operational levers, real-time decision-making and safeguarding execution pace.
Regular progress reviews with the Executive Committee. Impact measurement, resource reallocation where necessary, and course correction to stay on track.
Stabilisation of new practices. Transfer of responsibility to internal teams, skills transfer and implementation of sustainability mechanisms.
Benefits for the organisation
Responsiveness
Rapid assumption of responsibilities, sometimes in less than a week.
Targeted expertise
A profile precisely matched to the specific need.
Neutrality
No internal history, providing an objective and unbiased perspective.
Results-driven approach
KPIs defined and monitored throughout the assignment.
Examples of potential areas of intervention
Restructuring & performance turnaround
Stabilise a business under pressure, restore profitability, secure cash flow and realign the organisation around critical priorities.
Structural transformations & business model change
Lead deep transformations: reorganisation, digitalisation, post-merger integration or value chain redesign.
Brand launch, repositioning or revival
(Re)define market positioning, strengthen brand equity, structure the offering and accelerate customer acquisition with a clear value proposition.
International expansion & scalability
Prepare and execute entry into new markets: deployment strategy, channel selection, operational adaptation and governance at scale.
Areas of expertise
Leadership & transformation in luxury and international retail
Ensuring impact: risks to manage from the outset
Key pitfalls to avoid:
Launching the assignment without clear priority objectives or shared success criteria.
Isolating the interim manager from internal teams, creating resistance or inertia.
Neglecting the sustainability phase, putting continuity at risk after their departure.
Preparing the arrival of an interim manager – conditions for impact
To maximise impact from the very first weeks:
Clarify the strategic challenges, scope and expected mandate.
Provide access to key data, performance indicators and stakeholders.
Align internal teams by clearly defining the interim manager’s role, level of authority and expected results.
Success indicators – Measuring impact, securing what comes next
A successful assignment is measured by:
Achievement of critical objectives within the defined timeframe.
Tangible performance improvements (P&L, execution speed, quality).
The organisation’s ability to sustain, and even amplify, results after the assignment ends.
Interim management offers companies a flexible and effective solution to address strategic challenges. In the fashion, jewellery, hospitality and luxury sectors, it ensures agile leadership, immediately deployable expertise and measurable results.
Why entrust us with your interim management assignment?
The founding partner personally leads the teams on all projects and remains an active point of contact throughout the entire assignment.
At CMPO Consulting, we leverage a carefully selected network of top-tier interim managers, capable of intervening with precision in the most demanding contexts: restructuring, acceleration, market entry or large-scale transformation.
Our strengths:
Understanding your challenges in depth, beyond the initial brief
Identifying the most relevant profile, aligned with your culture and objectives
Supporting the success of the assignment, from initial scoping through to knowledge transfer and handover
Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion.
Together, we will identify the leader best suited to meet your challenges and secure lasting results.
Expert Quotes :
Transformation Through the Eyes of Practitioners
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about interim management
What Is an Interim Manager and What Is Their Role?
An interim manager is an experienced executive temporarily appointed to take charge of a strategic function or a complex project. Their role is to intervene quickly in specific contexts—crisis situations, transformations, or leadership gaps—to drive change and achieve clearly defined objectives. For example, in a jewelry house, they may oversee production to ensure the timely delivery of a collection for an international trade show.
What Is the Average Duration of an Interim Management Assignment?
The average assignment typically lasts between 6 and 18 months. It depends on the complexity of the project, the size of the organization, and the expected outcomes. Some interventions, such as managing the launch of a luxury boutique, may last only three months, while a full organizational transformation may require over a year.
What Is the Cost of an Interim Manager and How Is It Calculated?
The cost is usually calculated on a daily or monthly flat rate. It depends on several factors: the manager’s experience, the complexity of the assignment, and the duration of the intervention. For a strategic project in a five-star hotel environment, fees may be higher than for a simple temporary replacement, due to higher stakes and expertise requirements.
What Is the Difference Between Interim Management and Executive Temporary Staffing?
They differ in both objectives and approach. Executive temporary staffing focuses on ensuring role continuity, while interim management is aimed at driving strategic change or resolving complex issues. For example, a temporary executive may simply occupy a marketing director position, whereas an interim manager will redefine the entire marketing strategy to reposition a luxury brand internationally.
Can an Interim Manager Work in the Luxury Sector?
Yes. Interim management is particularly well suited to the luxury sector, where responsiveness, confidentiality, and operational excellence are essential. In a haute couture house, an interim manager may orchestrate the market launch of a capsule collection; in jewelry, they may manage a production scale-up during peak demand periods.
Are There Examples of Interventions in Hospitality and Food Service?
Yes. An interim manager may be appointed to oversee the opening of a five-star hotel, implement service standards, or restructure an establishment following a leadership change. In a fine-dining restaurant, they may optimize team management and improve profitability while maintaining culinary excellence.
How Can the Return on Investment of an Interim Management Assignment Be Measured?
ROI is measured by comparing key indicators before, during, and after the assignment: revenue, margins, production lead times, customer satisfaction. For example, following an interim manager’s intervention in a hotel chain, one may observe higher occupancy rates and increased average spend per guest.
Which Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Should Be Used?
KPIs vary depending on objectives: average production lead time, customer satisfaction rate, gross margin, revenue, market share. In fashion, adherence to collection schedules may be monitored; in hospitality, occupancy rates and average review scores are key metrics.
Is Interim Management Suitable for SMEs and Very Small Businesses?
Yes. Interim management is not reserved for large corporations. SMEs and small businesses use it to accelerate strategic projects or resolve urgent issues, such as opening a new retail location or digitizing internal processes. The scope and terms of intervention are adjusted to the company’s size and budget.
Is It Necessary to Use a Specialized Firm to Find an Interim Manager?
Working with a specialized firm provides rapid access to a pool of experienced, vetted executives. The firm preselects profiles based on sector, challenges, and company culture, reducing risk and accelerating the start of the assignment.
How Can the Failure of an Interim Management Assignment Be Avoided?
To avoid failure, it is essential to define clear objectives, involve top management, and maintain regular follow-up. Transparent communication with internal teams is also crucial to ensure buy-in, whether in a jewelry workshop or a luxury hotel.
Which Skills Should Be Sought in an Interim Manager?
Sector-specific technical expertise must be complemented by strong managerial skills: leadership, pressure management, adaptability, and diplomacy. In high-end dining, for example, the manager must understand both operational challenges and customer experience management.
How Long Does It Take to Start an Assignment?
The average timeframe is 5 to 10 days between validation of the need and onboarding. This includes profile selection, contracting, and preparation. In urgent cases, this timeframe can be reduced to 48 hours.
Can an Interim Manager Manage Multiple Sites Simultaneously?
Yes, provided the assignment is structured accordingly. For example, within a luxury brand operating boutiques in multiple capitals, an interim manager may coordinate operations remotely and schedule regular on-site visits.
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