We will find the right interim managers for you.

For demanding projects for a limited period of time, we are happy to offer you our experienced industry experts from SDC Executive with several years of experience.

Interim Management

For time-limited, complex projects, we would be happy to offer you our industry experts from SDC with many years of experience.

Our interim managers have years of experience and are tried and tested to solve "hands-on" problems for you. For extensive transformation projects, we can also provide specially coordinated interim teams that are optimally coordinated with one another and integrate seamlessly into your corporate structures.

Complete interim management in the area of ​​transformation and along the entire value chain.

Case Studies

Discover current case studies of interim management CEO assignments.

INDUSTRY
Successful implementation of a tailor-made ERP system in a medium-sized company with 30 branches.

HEADLINE:
Operational modernization of a medium-sized company through the introduction of a tailor-made ERP system.

CORPORATE ACTIVITY: Modernization of operational processes in a medium-sized company with 30 branches by implementing a tailor-made ERP system

€ SALES, number of EMPLOYEES:
170 million. 1700 workers

CONSULTING SERVICES:
The Strategic Development Company (SDC) offers consulting and interim management services for the implementation of tailor-made ERP systems.

INTERIM ACTIVITY:
An interim project manager from SDC successfully led the implementation of the tailor-made ERP system in the medium-sized company.

COACHING ACTIVITY:
SDC supported the company with coaching in ERP system selection, project management leadership and accompanying support during implementation.

RESULT ACHIEVED:
Successful implementation of the customized ERP system, overcoming challenges and smooth handover to internal resources.

Successful implementation of a tailor-made ERP system

Customer background:
A medium-sized company with 30 branches needed operational modernization due to an outdated system.

SDC approach:
An interim project manager from Strategic Development Company (SDC) led the implementation of a customized ERP system.

Essential measures:
ERP software selection: Completed within three months, identifying a solution that meets basic requirements.

Modernizing applications: optimizing processes, improving overall efficiency in early phases.

Overcoming challenges: Successfully overcoming foreseeable and unforeseen challenges during implementation.

Smooth handover: Tasks were gradually transferred to internal resources using interim management principles.

Coaching Aspect:
ERP system selection consulting
Project management leadership

Solution and achievements:
The interim manager successfully implemented a customized ERP system, overcame challenges and ensured a smooth handove

SDC support:
Providing project management, acting as contact person. Additional support through partnerships with SDC was available as needed.

Sustainable customer benefits:
Modernized processes and the ERP system improved efficiency and productivity and promoted ownership within the organization.

INDUSTRY
Successful exit preparation in the pharmaceutical industry by a German private equity company.

HEADLINE:
Efficient exit preparation for a pharmaceutical company by a German private equity company.

CORPORATE ACTIVITY:
German private equity firm manages a pharmaceutical company and is preparing for an exit after more than 5 years.

€ SALES, number of EMPLOYEES:
280 million, 1400 employees

CONSULTING SERVICES:
Strategic Development Company (SDC) offers consulting and interim management services for an organized exit process.

INTERIM ACTIVITY:
An interim project manager from SDC efficiently led the exit preparation, selected an attractive buyer and secured early closing.

COACHING ACTIVITY:
The interim manager ensured information harmonization and smooth communication during the exit process.

RESULT ACHIEVED:
Successful exit with a fair price, timely completion and minimized project disruptions through experienced support and focus on operations.

Successful exit preparation in the pharmaceutical industry

Could:
German private equity firm manages a pharmaceutical company and is preparing for an exit after more than 5 years.

Problems:
Needed smooth preparation for sales, minimizing disruptions in the ERP project.

SDC approach:
Appointed an interim project manager for efficient exit preparation.

Advice:
Goal: Achieve a fair price, include multiple buyers, and minimize project disruptions.

Measures:
Selecting an attractive buyer: Professional preparation attracted an attractive buyer.

Timely transaction: Exit was completed seven weeks early to ensure efficiency.

Coaching:
Information harmonization: Interim manager ensured smooth communication.

Solution:
Experienced manager ensured a smooth exit, involved multiple buyers, provided timely information and minimized disruptions.

SDC network support:
Interim manager acted as a central interface and ensured an organized sales process.

Sustainable benefits:
Successful exit secured a fair price, minimized project disruptions. Experienced support enabled a focus on operations and ensured a successful sale.

INDUSTRY
Healthcare

HEADLINE
Interim managing director successful in transformation

CORPORATE ACTIVITY
Leading clinical center in the region

SALES, EMPLOYEES
€520 million, 2600 employees

CONSULTATION SERVICES
Organic growth through restructuring and strategic sales planning

INTERIM ACTIVITY
Experienced interim manager hired after the departure of the CFO

COACHING ACTIVITY
Mentoring for key personnel for professional development and succession planning

RESULT ACHIEVED
Integration of digital marketing and improved sales plans

Interim Managing Director - Transformation in Healthcare

Customer situation:
A leading clinical center in the region faced the sudden departure of its commercial director, requiring an experienced interim manager to make significant organizational changes.

Challenges:
Skills shortage and strategic leadership required for sustainable growth. Interim manager wanted should inspire trust, create strategic sales plans, lead remote teams and drive growth.

SDC approach:
Hired an experienced interim manager with a strong commercial background. Emphasis on an independent leader who can work entrepreneurially and unite the existing team.

Goal:
Drive sustainable growth and implement mechanisms for change in the organization.

Achievements:

Organic Growth: Restructuring and strategic sales planning led to significant growth.

International integration: Successful integration of an acquired international company.

Digital Transformation: Improved digital marketing and CRM for better customer retention and growth.

Coaching initiatives:
The interim executive director provided mentoring to key personnel to promote professional development and succession planning.

Implemented solution:
By leveraging expertise, sustainable growth and change mechanisms were implemented through restructuring, international integration and digital transformation.

SDC support:
Quick integration of an experienced interim manager via an SDC network partner who ensured immediate contributions to organizational goals.

Sustainable benefits:
Prepared for long-term success with improved sales plans, a strong team, effective digital marketing and integrated international operations. Prepared to improve patient outcomes and provide advanced care.

What is interim management?

Interim management refers to the temporary employment of a freelance external manager or project manager in a company. This is done to take on temporary management or specialist tasks at the first or second management level.

This assignment extends across various areas of responsibility, including restructuring and turnaround, digital transformation, business transformation and operational functions along the value chain.

Why SDC Interim Management?

The SDC not only offers temporary interim managers for limited time and projects, but also well-rehearsed teams along the entire value chain for complex change projects thanks to our unique selling points (USP).

Our interim law firm supports industrial companies with the specialist knowledge, know-how and many years of practical experience of our partners. Our possible applications include analyzing your business areas, developing and implementing concepts and bridging vacant positions.

The core competencies of SDC Interim Management

Thanks to our extensive experience in project management and the application of modern leadership approaches, we solve the assigned tasks specifically through the use of our interim managers. One of our outstanding strengths is the unique selling point of an interim management firm.

As part of one of the most renowned German expert associations, our interim managers receive professional support and continuous further training, both in terms of content and methodology. The resulting advantages for the customer are flexible solutions through well-coordinated partner teams.

The goals of SDC Interim Management

By using suitable interim managers from SDC Executive, we pursue the goal of supporting our customers flexibly in the implementation of complex projects within a clearly defined time frame.

With our outstanding strengths, we are able to meet all business challenges and solve our customers' tasks reliably, quickly and in a goal-oriented manner.

In 48 hours, we will present suitable candidates.

Fill out project request form

Share your project and desired expert requirements with us. For complex tasks, we are your first point of contact for experienced teams.

Connect with the ideal expert.

We will present pre-selected profiles matching your project requirements within 48 hours.

Select your candidates.

The onboarding process begins with a video call with your selected expert. If you're not convinced yet, we are happy to assist in finding the right professional.

Industries We Serve

Consumer Goods Industry, FMCG, Consumer Electronics

Food Industry

Paper industry, packaging industry

Retail & Trade: Drugstores, Electronics, Fashion, DIY

Private Equity, Investment Companies

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Automotive Supplier Industry

Mechanical Engineering & Plant Construction, Metal Processing

Energy Industry, Solar Industry

FAQ

Do you still have unanswered questions about interim management and the possible uses of interim managers? Then you will definitely find the right answers in our FAQ section.

Interim managers are self-employed professionals who work on temporary projects for various companies. With their many years of operational experience at the first and second management levels as well as extensive specialist knowledge, they can immediately provide operational and temporary support to companies without a long training period.

An interim manager makes sense for companies when exceptional situations arise, such as the short-term absence of a manager, the temporary need for specialized knowledge or bottlenecks in important projects. In such moments, the use of an external expert makes it possible to overcome the challenges quickly and sustainably.

In contrast to management consulting, the interim manager takes on operational and/or administrative responsibility in a company. His job is to implement and complete operational measures and tasks. In the area of ​​consulting, however, suggestions, concepts and methods are developed that the client must implement independently. In both cases, broad, industry-specific and external knowledge is required to help companies solve problems. F&P specializes in both areas, consulting and interim management.

The increasing flexibility of the world of work due to advancing digitalization and scarce resources means that companies cannot have unlimited internal management capacities and know-how. In this context, interim managers are increasingly taking on the implementation of mandates, especially when project capacities are limited and special know-how is required. Interim managers are usually available quickly and deliver measurable results and actionable solutions from day 1.

As a company, you not only benefit from experts with industry-specific expertise who are available to you at short notice, but you also have the opportunity to save personnel costs. During the project, your company will not incur any additional costs for wages, sick leave or vacation.

Interim managers take on responsibility in various areas of the company, including manager positions such as department or division management. They are also often deployed as management or board members in crisis management situations, during restructuring phases and in reorganizing companies in financial difficulties.

In general, it can be stated that the use of an interim manager is not exclusively limited to large corporations. The use of an interim manager can also prove to be worthwhile for medium-sized companies.

Interim management is becoming increasingly popular in Germany, probably due to its versatility, as temporary managers can be employed in all industries. Whether in mechanical and plant engineering, in the automotive industry or the consumer goods industry - use is possible in almost all areas.

The duration of an interim management assignment depends entirely on the type of assignment. It usually starts with a term of 3 months, but can last up to 18 months. It can therefore be said that the average duration of use is 7 to 12 months.

Many consulting firms, especially in the IT sector, are used to working remotely with their clients, unlike interim managers. The increasing digitalization and the hype surrounding video conferences via platforms such as Microsoft Teams and ZOOM have shown that even interim managers can no longer necessarily work on site in various projects, but can work remotely. This trend is expected to continue and provide a significant growth boost in the medium to long term. The advantage for temporary managers is that they no longer have to work 4-5 days away from their families. The acceptance of interim management and digital project management is expected to increase.

To successfully complete an interim management mandate, it is helpful to first precisely define clear goals. It is also important to know the risks and to involve employees in the project through comprehensive communication. The neutrality and experience of the experienced interim manager are just as crucial to success as his excellent management and communication skills.

To start looking for the right interim manager, it is often helpful to search through your own network. When choosing, make sure that you have enough experience. It is also always useful to check interim managers' reference projects before making a decision. Alternatively, it is advisable to commission specialized interim management providers to search for suitable experts. Platforms for the acquisition of interim managers are also becoming increasingly important. These offer cost advantages, but also involve risks, as intermediaries accompany the process before, during and after the mandate and offer the customer legal certainty. This can significantly increase efficiency.

The cost of an interim manager varies depending on various factors, including the duration of the assignment and the type of task. The guideline for the daily rate of an interim manager is often around 1% of the annual gross salary of a permanent employee in a comparable position.

To be successful in interim management, you ideally need at least 20 years of professional experience. In addition, an interim manager should have a well-established network, demonstrate flexibility and be willing to take risks.

An interim manager takes on temporary project and/or management tasks in companies. It is important to ensure that any appearance of bogus self-employment is refuted by clear and verifiable facts. The temporary manager acts independently and is not integrated into the customer's organization from a disciplinary perspective. As a specialist, he works on a project-by-project basis and completes special tasks quickly, comprehensively and sustainably. His project tasks often include the conception and implementation of new processes and procedures, which are later continued by the organization and permanent employees. Interim managers often act as crisis managers who avert crises, avoid bankruptcies, restructure companies or manage transformation and growth projects. The interim manager comes to go, a cliché that is true in many cases.

Interim management providers are sales specialists who focus on acquiring mandates and managing the “perfect match” between the client and the temporary manager or expert employed. You accompany both stakeholders throughout the entire mandate and ensure that the management performance is of first-class quality over time. In contrast, interim law firms are associations of interim managers and industry experts, all of whom have many years of experience. The difference is that interim law firms do not act as commercial agents for third parties, but rather act as agents themselves.

Interim management law firms are characterized by the fact that they can provide complete teams of experts, similar to consulting firms. The difference is that law firms not only create concepts, but also intervene operationally in their implementation. In contrast to interim management providers, interim management firms further qualify the experts they employ in their own academy. The experts learn uniform tools and methods to successfully manage complex customer projects. Interim management firms guarantee the highest manager and therefore project quality.

Not at all. Strategic partnerships are increasingly emerging between interim management providers and interim management law firms. This is done particularly in order to be able to assert ourselves better as a team in pitches to consulting companies. F&P AG has concluded numerous cooperation agreements with well-known providers and emphasizes the advantages that both sides can derive from this special form of cooperation.

Interim managers are freelancers, and this characteristic distinguishes them significantly from permanent managers. As an entrepreneur, you must protect yourself against all risks and establish your own company on the market very professionally. Alternatively, you can also openly market yourself to the outside world under the umbrella of a professional interim management provider. This market power characterizes mergers of managers to form a strong community in the form of an interim management partnership.

Our contact persons for interim management.

Stephan Cohnen

Managing Partner

Felix Borts

Associate Partner

Lee Porst

Associate Partner

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The SDC Executive is an association of freelance managers as a consulting and interim management community. We provide experienced expert teams for various client projects.

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