Young talents enter the Interim market in Berlin

The world of interim management is currently experiencing an exciting development: an increasing number of young interim managers are entering the market, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for companies. Fabian Menzel, Interim Management Manager at Robert Walters in Berlin, shares his insights on this emerging trend and offers practical advice for companies seeking the right interim expert.

The New Trend: Young Interim Managers

“We are currently observing a trend where more and more young interim managers are entering the market,” says Fabian. These young talents not only bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches but also often possess an impressive level of technical expertise and flexibility, which are essential in today’s fast-paced business environment.

“Traditionally, interim managers tend to be more experienced, as they bring extensive professional experience and specialized knowledge that allow them to quickly and efficiently handle various business situations,” Fabian explains. This experience is often crucial to achieving set goals and implementing sustainable improvements.

As a result, this trend also means that companies need to be particularly diligent in ensuring the quality standards of an interim manager. “It is more important than ever to conduct personal interviews, obtain references for interim managers, and ideally rely on a relevant regional network,” emphasizes Fabian. “The personal fit plays a central role and can determine the success or failure of the collaboration.”

Ensuring Quality for Guaranteed Success

“In light of current financial constraints, profitability issues, and economic uncertainty, many companies are facing significant challenges. It is therefore crucial to strike the right balance when hiring an interim manager: on the one hand, the expertise of an experienced professional is becoming increasingly indispensable for leading critical projects and bringing in specialized knowledge. On the other hand, this must be done at an acceptable cost,” Fabian explains. “Younger interim managers can be a valuable resource in this regard, as they are often more flexible and cost-effective, provided they possess the necessary expertise.”

Case Study: Improving Cash Flow

Fabian shares from his experience: “One of my clients recently faced the challenge of harmonizing their financial processes and minimizing the backlog in accounts receivable management to improve cash flow. I connected them with a young interim manager. By implementing a new software solution for payment cycles, transparency and traceability of receivables were improved, leading to faster collections and increased cash flow. Simultaneously, the backlog was systematically reduced.”

Fabian adds, “Investing in an interim manager is not always cheap. So how can a company ensure that the daily rate, often ranging from €800 to €1,500, truly adds value? The answer lies in careful selection, thorough interviews, and a detailed assessment of the interim manager.”

Here are some practical steps Fabian recommends for selecting the right interim manager:

1. Define Clear and Measurable Goals

Create a list of clear goals and outcomes that the interim manager should achieve. For example, “We need someone to restructure the IT department within three months and increase efficiency by 20%.” This helps both parties assess the success of the collaboration and ensure that all expectations are met.

2. Ensure Cultural Fit

Ask yourself, “Does this candidate align with our company values and working methods?” A good personal relationship and a deep understanding of the company culture can be crucial for leading your company to success with interim professionals. For example, a manager who prefers a highly hierarchical environment might struggle in a start-up with flat structures.

3. Emphasize the Importance of Flexibility and Adaptability

An interim manager must be able to quickly adapt to new situations and requirements. During the interview, ask for concrete examples of how the candidate has handled unexpected challenges. For instance, “Tell us about a situation where you had to change strategy suddenly—how did you handle it?”

Support in Finding the Perfect Interim Manager

If you need assistance in finding the ideal interim manager, we are here to help. With our extensive experience and wide network of interim managers, we can help you find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you are looking for a young, dynamic manager or an experienced expert, we offer the right contacts to help you successfully tackle your challenges.

Contact our consultants or submit your interim mandate, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.