How it worked for me

Rod Perks
Operations Director focussing on BPR, Change Management, Restructuring & Mergers within Engineering, Manufacturing & Utility sectors
Interim manager since 1999

What prompted your move into interim management?

"I had been an Operations Director and Managing Director for over 15 years and at the age of 45 decided that I wanted the opportunity to manage my own business, control my own destiny and use my skills, knowledge and experience in assisting other companies who were seeking to implement a period of change. I researched the Interim Management (IM) sector to establish the potential benefits, implications, target audience, market size etc and how best to initially ‘introduce’ myself to the main players. After careful consideration, I decided that the nature of IM perfectly suited my requirements and more importantly my experience suited the market."

So, after a few years, how has it worked out?

"Since becoming an Interim Manager, I have been constantly employed on a number of exciting and challenging assignments, which have taken me all over the UK and into a variety of industry sectors. This has allowed me the opportunity to establish an excellent network of clients and like-minded colleagues. In hindsight, the decision to enter the IM market was the right choice."

Is it right for everyone?

"In a word – No. IM will not suit everyone. You certainly need to be a ‘self-starter’, have the ability to quickly adapt to varying circumstances and ‘hit-the ground running’. An Interim Manager has to rapidly understand the client’s requirements, produce tangible, measurable results and (in the majority of assignments) ensure a successful project closure."

In what ways have you helped clients?

"The assignments that I have worked on over the past few years include operating as a ‘lone’ Project Manager with a specific brief operating outside of the Company’s day-to-day operations; operating as a Project Manager leading and supporting an in-house team on specific restructuring / BPR tasks and also operating as a ‘Gap’ Manager whereby I was employed as UK Operations Manager."

How long do your assignments last?

"This will always depend upon client’s requirements and timeframes for successful closure. My assignments have ranged from 3 months, 9 months to 15 months."

Do you still get the chance to work as part of a team?

"Most assignments will require the client’s own workforce to be involved at some stage within the project and it is fair to say that an Interim Manager must be able to work within and/or lead a new team at very short notice.

There are times however that an Interim Manager will not have the comfort of having a ‘corporate’ support function to call upon, thus the ability to think and work as an individual is a key requirement."
 
Have you travelled much?

"My assignments have taken me all over the UK including Aberdeen, Cardiff, Liverpool, Southampton, Manchester and Coventry to name but a few."

How have you managed your own professional development?

"I recognise and understand that potential future assignments may require additional skills, thus managing my own development is equally important. With this in mind, I ensure that I identify and attend specific training courses in between assignments."

How do you find the admin side?

"Establishing a limited company is relatively simple and there are numerous organisations that can provide assistance with this and other requirements i.e. VAT registration and Professional Indemnity Insurance etc. Once established, all other ‘on-going’ admin is equally as simple."

Suzanne Ingman
Senior HR specialist focused on the IT sector
Interim manager since 1994

What prompted your move into interim management?

“When I took redundancy in 1993, I went travelling for a year with the family. When we got back, I decided I didn’t want to return to the five-day week of corporate life. I wanted the challenge of a new career and new environments as well as more flexibility and control over how and when I worked. For me, the variety and opportunity that interim management offers made it the obvious choice.”

So, after nine years, how has it worked out?

“It’s much easier now than when I started. Back in its infancy, interim management tended to be seen more as maternity cover. There were fewer assignments then and clients didn’t really know how to get the best out of you, but there’s been a huge growth in the past few years and it’s very satisfying. And of course it also gets easier over time - you’re more confident in your role.”

You clearly thrive on it, but is it right for everyone?

“You have to be able to absorb the culture very quickly. There’s no honeymoon period. You’re not like a new employee: clients expect you to make a contribution right from day one.”

As an HR specialist, how have you helped clients?

“I do a lot of work facilitating change and working strategically, but you need to be flexible. Sometimes I’ve gone in to deal with one particular part of the HR process and found that the whole HR organisation needs improving. Sometimes I feel a bit of a jack of all trades, but I relish that. I’d get bored otherwise.”

How long do your assignments last?

“Usually around three to six months. After about six months I feel I’m starting to get too close. It’s important to retain your independence.”

Do you still get the chance to work as part of a team?

“I’ve developed strong links with quite a number of other interim managers because I often find there’s a need to bring in people with other skill sets, for example people who can deliver sales training.”

Have you travelled much?

“Not excessively, but you do need be flexible enough to travel when necessary. Usually it’s for about a week at a time. I’ve worked across Europe mainly, but also in the former Soviet Union and South Africa.”

How have you managed your own professional development?

“It’s very important to allow some non-fee earning time for this. I keep my knowledge of legislation up-to-date by going to seminars and other events and I schedule in other skills activities twice a year.”

How do you find the admin side?

“Well, as a limited company, you do need to set aside time to work on the business, though it’s much easier once you’re set up, especially if you’ve got a good accountant. Penna Interim Executive are excellent on all the job admin though. They’re really responsive and handle all the issues with the client, which just allows me to get on with the job in hand.”