In our opinion, you just can’t beat interim management in Transport.
Senior interim management is all about transformation and change. But in the Transport sector, you witness that transformation and change unfold on an unparalleled scale right before your eyes. And that’s precisely why we – and our many candidates – love it.
Whether that’s new stock rolling fresh out of the shed, an alternative-fuel fleet embarking on its maiden voyage, or a nationwide campaign to get the public exploring by rail, Transport interim leaders deliver significant change project.
Sounds exciting, right? It may be something you’d like to explore as your next career move. Check out this guide to help you decide if (and when!) senior interim leadership is right for you.
Is Senior Interim Management Right for You?
When Is the Best Time To Move Into Interim Management?
Is Senior Interim Management Right for You?
For many senior professionals, interim management is the most rewarding career path imaginable. That said, the nature of contract work isn’t for everyone. In our experience as a Transport recruiter, thriving interim leaders often share the following values, mindsets and personal circumstances:
Your mindset
Generally, senior interim leaders are motivated by immediate results. They’re high performers who desire the freedom to work, by and large, free from internal company politics. That said, interim leaders are interested in leaving a legacy and as a result, are often amongst the best at building relationships. In fact, what drives many to make that immediate impact is being able to reflect on making a success of an acute challenge.
However, it’s important to note that some interim management roles are for Business As Usual support. These leaders don’t necessarily deliver that big-bang change, but they’ll still be driven by variety, dynamism and a working in a new environment.
Your risk appetite
Senior interim management roles are typically more financially rewarding than their permanent counterparts. However, that incentive comes with a cost of its own – risk. Interim leaders don’t have the same package benefits – holiday, sickness absence – as payrolled employees and are required to look after their taxes. The inevitable ebb and flow of interim work may also not suit those who crave stability and certainty.
Your evaluation of success
A senior interim leader’s evaluation of success may be narrower than that of permanent executives. This is because even highly specialised permanent positions (like Chief Transformation Officer) must still collaborate on broader business interests, like team building, talent pipelining, budgeting and operations. An interim manager has a license to put everything in targeted, focused transformation and change.
Your added value
Interim management executives usually have a niche and always have a stellar reputation in their field of expertise. From success and long experience, they’ll have complete confidence in their worth and be able to prove and articulate their immense value. As a result, interim leaders are usually more advanced in their careers with a wealth of knowledge to offer organisations going through significant change.
We’d like to take this opportunity to address a common misconception about interim leadership experience. Interim leaders can and very often do move around sectors. Our candidate network here at Intuitive is bursting with incredible senior interim talent keen to get involved with the fantastic Transport sector. To join the network or ask about our live assignments, drop us a line here.
When Is the Best Time To Move Into Interim Management?
Does the person we describe above sound like you? If yes, fantastic! You certainly have the potential for a superb interim career, but when is the best time to move into interim?
Well, there’s no right or wrong time. However, as with any career advancement step, interim leadership should always be a strategic choice that benefits your big goals and delivers maximum client benefit.
Other considerations are whether you need to work on your personal brand, refresh your LinkedIn strategy and engage in deeper learning about Transport’s current strategic priorities.
Ready To Become Transport’s Next Interim Leader?
In summary, interim managers are renowned for their experience, talent and effectiveness. We love seeing the change they make and the legacy they leave.
Are you ready to try Transport for your next interim position or in search of your latest sector assignment? We’d love to hear from you. Please do send us a message here.
Or do you have a contract to fill and need a diverse senior talent pool to choose from? Intuitive can help with that too. Please speak to us here for more information.
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