3 Reasons Why You Should Hire Interim Managers for Your Business

Interim professionals are often perceived as too expensive – a common misconception across many organisations. Dr. Josef Becker, who has worked for years as an interim CFO, shares insights into his work and explains why hiring freelance experts can deliver significant value.

Interim vs Permanent Hiring: Why Companies Choose Freelancers

1. Address Capacity Gaps Quickly

Interim managers are an effective solution when businesses face short-term capacity challenges. Whether due to employee absence (e.g. illness or parental leave) or unfilled roles, freelance professionals provide immediate support.

Compared to permanent hiring, onboarding an interim manager is significantly faster. Permanent candidates are often tied to notice periods, whereas interim professionals are typically available at short notice and can start delivering value right away.

Dr. Josef Becker shares an example:
“When the managing director of a subsidiary unexpectedly left, I stepped in to take over sales and finance responsibilities. Initially planned for just a few weeks, the assignment extended over several months. During that time, revenue and margins increased, reporting improved, and overall productivity went up. Eventually, the company decided not to hire a replacement.”

2. Access to Specialised Expertise & Crisis Management

As Dr. Josef Becker puts it:
“My guiding principle is: structure, systemise, standardise – and ultimately simplify.”

Freelancers are particularly valuable when organisations lack specific expertise. This often applies to system implementations, transformation programmes, or restructuring initiatives.

They are especially effective in troubleshooting scenarios. Thanks to their extensive experience across multiple projects and industries, interim professionals can quickly identify issues and implement targeted solutions.

Dr. Josef Becker adds:
“Success does not come from adding complexity. It comes from simplifying processes.”

3. Neutral Perspective for Team Building and Restructuring

Freelance professionals bring an unbiased, external perspective. This makes them highly effective in team restructuring or organisational change initiatives.

As independent experts, they are not influenced by internal politics. This enables them to resolve conflicts objectively and implement necessary changes more efficiently.

They can also take on sensitive or unpopular tasks. Difficult organisational changes can be initiated by an interim manager, allowing permanent leadership to focus on long-term integration without being directly associated with disruptive decisions.

Common Concerns – and the Reality

Many organisations assume that interim professionals are more expensive than permanent employees. However, a closer look at the total cost reveals a different picture:

• No costs for sick leave, holiday entitlement, or benefits
• Payment is based solely on actual work delivered (daily or hourly rates)
• Immediate availability reduces business disruption
• Access to highly experienced professionals with a proven track record

Another concern is onboarding time, particularly in complex organisations. In reality, interim professionals are highly adaptable and experienced in navigating new environments quickly. They can understand organisational structures fast and become productive almost immediately.

According to Dr. Josef Becker:
“I’m not always the first to start running, but I often reach the finish line first – because I take the time to understand the direction before I begin.”

How to Find the Right Interim Manager

To ensure the best match, organisations should first assess their current situation:

• How large and complex is your organisation?
• What type of structure do you operate in (corporate, SME, private equity, start-up)?
• What is your company culture?
• Are you facing a crisis or looking to add specific expertise?

Clearly defining your requirements and priorities will help you identify the ideal candidate profile.

Since interim needs are often urgent, working with a specialised Recruitment partner can significantly accelerate the process. Established networks enable faster access to high-quality freelance talent.

Dr. Josef Becker notes:
“Working with Robert Walters has always been highly professional and efficient. The ability to quickly provide suitable profiles was particularly valuable when additional resources were needed during ongoing projects.”

Looking for an Experienced Interim Manager?

Our specialised consultants in Interim Management help you find the right leadership talent quickly and efficiently. Get in touch to discuss your requirements or learn more about our services.

You can also explore the latest trends, daily rates, and in-demand roles through our European Interim Management Report.