Responsibilities and Daily Rate of an Interim Transformation Manager

An increasing number of companies are turning to interim managers to take temporary charge of one or several internal transformation projects. But what exactly does a Transformation Manager do? What skills are required to successfully lead change – and what kind of daily rate should companies expect to pay? Thomas Krentscher, Principal for Interim Management at Robert Walters, regularly places interim managers in transformation roles and shares his insights.

What does a Transformation Manager do?

“Many companies aim to optimise key business areas – and that process starts with targeted transformation,” explains Krentscher. “Transformation Managers coordinate and oversee this change process. These are typically complex projects where interim professionals are involved over an extended period. Ultimately, they hold overall responsibility for implementation and ensure the right people are carrying out the right tasks as efficiently as possible.”

What types of transformations are involved?

“These might include transitions to a shared service centre or matrix organisation – but also carve-outs, the setup of a new business unit, or the implementation of a new corporate strategy. In addition, there are technology-driven changes such as the necessary migration to S/4HANA, as support for legacy SAP systems will end in 2027. ESG has also become increasingly relevant. These structural and strategic shifts are driving strong demand for experienced interim transformation managers.”

What makes a good Transformation Manager?

“A strong Transformation Manager not only brings in-depth technical expertise, but also excellent soft skills,” says Krentscher. “They know how to engage both junior and senior colleagues in the change journey. It’s also important to note that transformation projects are no longer just managed on-site – hybrid working models have become the norm. Planning, budget control and operational delivery are all essential skills. Transformation Managers don’t just steer the process – they actively roll up their sleeves and get involved.”

What is the average daily rate for a Transformation Interim Manager?

“Currently, the daily rate typically exceeds €1,250 – depending on the individual’s experience and level of technical expertise,” Krentscher notes. “Given rising demand, this level is likely to continue trending upwards. The role is demanding and complex, and the pool of experienced professionals is limited. As a result, it’s not unusual for day rates to be in line with those of Finance Directors – or even CFOs. Many of these professionals also operate at C-level as Chief Restructuring Officers (CROs), taking full responsibility for a company’s realignment. That said, this shouldn’t be discouraging: investing in a change manager tends to pay off over time – as the value of a successfully implemented transformation is long-lasting.”

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