Transformation doesn’t wait for recruitment cycles. Leadership gaps can stall projects, risk compliance, and weaken competitiveness. Interim managers step in to solve these challenges. They can be in place within days, bringing senior expertise that not only steadies performance but helps accelerate your business.

Key points of this article

• Why interim managers matter: Rapid leadership continuity during disruption.
• What an interim manager is: An individual distinct from consultants or fixed- term contracts.
• Advantages: Speed, specialised expertise, cost effectiveness, flexibility, and neutrality.
• When to hire interims: Digital transformation, mergers & acquisitions, compliance & regulatory projects & deadlines, sudden exits, restricted budgets.
• Hiring process: Streamlined steps with shortlists in days and quick turnaround for onboarding.
• Strategic advantage: Interim Managers for Strategic Resilience and Market Edge.

What is an interim professional?

An interim manager is a leader hired for a defined period to deliver immediate impact. They step in quickly to solve problems, drive transformation, or bridge leadership gaps. Unlike consultants or freelancers, who advise rather than lead, interim managers take accountability and ensure continuity during change.

Interim managers are typically chosen for their specialist expertise and their ability to deliver fast results. They can start within days, offer high flexibility, and often bring cross-sector or niche experience. Most work on a daily-rate basis, with engagement models that vary depending on IR35 status.

By comparison, a fixed-term contract is used when an organisation needs someone to fulfil a defined role for a set period. Hiring usually takes longer, flexibility is lower due to contract terms, and costs follow a standard salary plus benefits model.

In the UK, interims commonly work through different contracting models: 

• Outside IR35: via a Personal Service Company (PSC)
• Inside IR35: via umbrella companies or fixed-term PAYE contracts

For full details on how IR35 applies, refer to the UK Government’s official guidance.

This flexibility makes interim management ideal for organisations that need senior expertise without long-term commitment.

When is the best time to hire an interim?

Interim talent is most effective in moments of change or pressure. They step in quickly to provide leadership, expertise, and stability when organisations need it most.  

Common scenarios  

• Guiding organisations through mergers, acquisitions or restructuring  
• Ensuring fast response to FCA/PRA or ESG requirements  
• Providing leadership when budgets or headcount are restricted  
• Maintaining continuity during sudden departures or absences  
• Driving digital transformation and implementing new technologies

Key benefits  

Interim managers deliver impact exactly when your business needs it most. Their advantages include:  

1. Speed of hiring: Organisations appoint interim managers within days. Shortlists arrive fast and onboarding is minimal.  
2. Cost effectiveness: Businesses gain senior capability without paying salaries, benefits, or long contracts. Interim solutions deliver immediate impact and help organisations accelerate growth.  
3. Flexibility:  Assignments scale with business needs. Interim management fits the project, tailoring scope and length as required.  
4. Neutrality and focus: Interim professionals are distinct from permanent hires, offering independent expertise with a strong focus on results.  
5. Specialist knowledge: Interims bring deep sector experience and proven track records, ensuring organisations benefit from targeted expertise right when it’s needed.

How do you hire interim professionals?

The interim hiring journey is designed for speed. With Michael Page, the process looks like this:

1. Define the challenge and scope
2. Collaborate with interim specialists from Michael Page  
3. Receive a shortlist within days
4. Interview and select the right fit
5. Set up contracts (IR35 compliant)
6. Onboard and deliver immediate value

This streamlined approach ensures organisations maintain momentum even during periods of disruption.

How long does the recruitment process take?

Interim hiring through Michael Page is designed to be fast and effective. While permanent recruitment can take months, interim managers are typically appointed within days.

• Shortlists are typically delivered within 48–72 hours, giving organisations immediate access to senior talent.
• Interviews and onboarding are usually completed within 1–2 weeks, ensuring minimal disruption.
• Assignments typically last 3–12 months, depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

This speed allows organisations to respond immediately to challenges without sacrificing quality.

Strategic advantage of interim management

Interim assignments have become a strategic lever for UK organisations navigating constant change. Unlike permanent recruitment, interim managers deliver impact within weeks, bringing specialised expertise without long-term commitments.

With Michael Page, businesses benefit from:  

• A global network of senior interim talent across technology, finance, and other critical functions.
• Market insight from our Talent Trends reports, highlighting where skills gaps are widening.
• A proven ability to match organisations with leaders who ensure continuity and drive transformation.

Secure senior expertise within days. Request a call back today to keep your transformation moving forward.