FAQs

Interim management stands for the temporary transfer of management responsibility to experienced managers for clearly defined tasks and projects. These “temporary managers” are characterized by their extensive professional experience and project management skills. With excellent communication skills, you can quickly gain the trust of management and the workforce.

This basis of trust is essential to overcome demanding and often complex challenges. After they have completed their assignment — usually after around 6 - 18 months — interim managers leave the company, whether after the successful completion of the project or when a permanent manager takes on the role.

Challenging projects: When special skills are restructured for one-off projects, such as the introduction of SAP S/4HANA or a business unit, an experienced interim manager with the right knowledge can take on this task, for example as a program or project manager, without the company having to provide this expertise on a permanent basis.

Bridging vacancies: Interim managers hold their position while the search for the ideal permanent appointment is ongoing or the designated position holder is not yet available. Even in cases where managers have to be released at short notice due to misconduct, for example, interim managers can alleviate the situation. In addition, necessary but unpopular decisions can be made at such a time.

Parental leave and replacement of illness: Interim Management offers a solution to avoid disrupting the hierarchy when a manager takes a break or fails due to illness. The existing structures and the expectation of a return remain untouched.

Unclear requirements: If the future profile of a position has not yet been determined, such as when there is uncertainty about the future of a subsidiary, an interim manager provides the necessary flexibility.

Companies gain speed, stability and decision-making power. Interim managers ensure business continuity, professionalize structures, reduce risks, empower teams and ensure that transformations do not get stuck. They are a highly effective lever — particularly in complex situations.

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Through short decision-making processes, regular steering meetings, clear reports and transparent status reports. Interim managers work in a structured way and expect the same clarity from all parties involved. During a project, ACHIEFERS is in regular contact with both the appointed interim manager and the customer in order to guarantee project success.

Top interim managers are success-based transformation leaders with a proven track record. They not only deliver solutions, but also ensure their sustainable implementation.

Their main distinguishing features:

• Leadership instead of administration: They lead people — not just projects.
• Sovereign stability: They bring peace and orientation to chaotic or complex phases.
• Decisive power: They solve blockages and make the necessary decisions quickly and consistently.
• Political intelligence: You understand internal dynamics and attract stakeholders to make the necessary changes.
• Proven history: They look back on a number of successfully completed mandates.

There is an orderly, documented handover, including a process manual, KPI status, open points and recommendations for action.
If necessary, we will also support the transition phase in a light support model.

Typically between 3 and 12 months.
Complex programs or transformations often require 9-18 months, depending on the size and level of maturity of the organization.

It happens, but it is rare.
Interim managers deliberately work in a project-oriented manner — yet a takeover can make sense if both sides want it; interim is regarded as a “trial period”, especially in the PE environment.

According to an agreed daily rate, billed on the basis of the actual working days worked. Full cost transparency, no hidden fees.

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Yes Reputable interim managers have financial loss and professional liability insurance.
As a result, companies have a high level of security.

Because they need to increase value in short time frames.
Interim managers accelerate carve-outs, PMI, ERP introductions, transformations, restructurings and turnarounds — without internal policies or lengthy training.
And PEs love speed. It is not uncommon for a previously successfully tested interim manager to be asked about a permanent position in the portfolio company, for example to accompany the exit.

This must be assessed according to customer requirements. The interim manager often takes over controlling role in the interests of the company:
Prioritize, sharpen requirements, make decisions, identify risks and secure results.
The implementation partner delivers capacity. The interim manager ensures that the project stays on track.

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Yes Interim managers often take the lead in difficult team situations, set clear roles, restore orientation and improve performance, collaboration and culture. They are particularly valuable in phases when internal managers are overwhelmed or unavailable. Interim managers can also be put together as a team. Concentrated implementation power. Try it out.

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Yes Many work across Europe or globally — hybrid, on-site or in mixed models.
PE portfolios, supply chain projects and global IT programs in particular benefit from international profiles.

Several years of management experience, operational project successes, industry knowledge, change expertise and the ability to quickly stabilize complex situations. Interim managers are personalities with a high degree of sovereignty — they calm down difficult phases. In addition, you have no history in companies and can therefore also bring up unpleasant things.

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Usually with ACHIEFERS 48-72 hours, sometimes a few more days for very special roles, when we're looking for a needle in a haystack or when many of our well-known interim managers are not available right now. Speed is one of the biggest advantages of professional interim providers.

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ACHIEFERS analyses the challenge, assesses the necessary competency profile, identifies suitable candidates from the network and addresses them directly.
Within 48—72 hours, customers receive a qualified shortlist — not blindly generated database profiles, but candidates that we have personally met and reviewed.

The biggest risk is incorrect staffing — which is why professional matching is crucial. Operational risks are low because interim managers can be replaced quickly, have clearly defined contracts and have their own insurance policies.

Through clear mandates, prioritized objectives, regular reviews and close support from ACHIEFERS. Top interim managers work in a very structured way and deliver visible effects right from the start.

The focus is on results:
Achieving project goals, stabilizing, reducing costs, increasing efficiency, speed of implementation, management success.
Interim managers consciously work in a KPI-oriented manner and provide transparent progress reports.

Short, structured and with clear prioritization.
Interim managers rarely need more than a few days to fully work. Their experience enables them to quickly identify patterns, sort operational issues and make sustainable decisions.

Daily rates are usually between 1,200 and 2,800 euros, depending on role, responsibility and project complexity.
However, interim managers are often cheaper as permanent employees, because there are no additional costs, bonuses, social contributions or severance payments — and because their results have a faster effect.
And very important. Interim managers generate value for the company that is usually a multiple of their daily rate. So it is an investment.

Interim management is established across industries — particularly in:
Retail, consumer goods, PE portfolios, industry, mechanical engineering, automotive, IT & digitization, energy, pharmaceuticals and logistics.
Wherever transformation and speed are required, demand is increasing, especially in the current market situation.

In particular, leadership and key roles such as:
CFO, CEO, CRO, CIO, CTO, COO, CHRO, CPO, Finance Director, Plant Manager, Supply Chain Lead, Program Manager, Transformation Lead, HR Director.
In short: all positions in which experience, decisiveness and leadership are decisive.

Interim management is temporary, highly flexible and has an immediate effect.
No long notice periods, no fixed personnel costs, no cultural onboarding — but targeted expertise and immediate impact. Companies only get an experienced manager for as long as they really need them.

Consultants analyse and develop concepts — interim managers Put to, make decisions, manage projects and take real responsibility for the outcome. Both roles complement each other but serve completely different purposes.

Interim managers are prepared for short-term assignments. Many start within 2-3 weeks, in urgent cases, sometimes even within 48 hours. This enables companies to address critical issues without wasting time — a decisive advantage over permanent positions and consulting projects.

Write to us Please contact us, preferably directly with your detailed CV attached. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Practical implementation: ACHIEFERS offer power implementation instead of PowerPoint

Commitment to your success: ACHIEFERS operate independently of internal company policies or sales goals, with the primary focus on the success of your project.

Exclusive network of experts: ACHIEFERS bring 'partner level experience' paired with practical implementation skills to best meet your requirements.

Specializing in change: ACHIEFERS provide targeted support during transformation and restructuring and moves on as soon as the goals have been achieved.

Perfect synergy: Implementation consulting and interim management require teamwork. The best possible implementation of your projects is often achieved through the cooperation of internal sponsors and project managers, supported by an interim manager as an independent expert and sparring partner, as well as the responsible project management of the implementation partner.

1. Initial contact and needs analysis‍

Focus on your needs: Together, we analyse the required competency profile for your project.

2. Selection process for interim managers

Targeted network search: We identify and contact qualified ACHIEFERS who best meet your requirements.

3. Presentation of candidate profiles

Personal presentation: Get to know our selected interim managers in a video call or in person — just as you wish.

4. Customer decision

Your choice, our commitment: Choose the ideal interim manager and we will work together to conclude a legally secure contract.

5. Project support

Accompanied success: Both the manager and our team are at your side throughout the project to ensure your success.