When Should You Use Interim Management?
What Is Interim Management?
Interim Management involves entrusting a senior executive (the Interim Manager) with a high-stakes temporary mission. This manager mainly steps in to lead a strategic project, ensure leadership continuity or resolve a crisis.
The Role of an Interim Manager
- Provide immediate, hands-on expertise
- Lead teams for a defined period
- Deliver measurable impact quickly
- Transfer skills to internal teams
In Belgium, Interim Management is also attracting more executives as a new, flexible career path.
The State of the Interim Management Market in Belgium
The use of Interim Management in Belgium is experiencing strong growth:
- Most assignments are in finance, HR, and industry.
- Average duration: between 12 and 24 months on average.
A key trend: rising demand for profiles combining digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and ESG expertise.
The Benefits of Interim Management for Belgian Companies
Speed
Quick implementation: most Interim Managers start within 15 days.
Flexibility
A targeted, time-limited mission adapted to your challenges, without a long-term commitment.
Strategic Expertise
Highly experienced profiles, often former executives, with the ability to make decisions fast.
Neutrality and Objectivity
With no political baggage or emotional ties, Interim Managers operate with clarity and independence.
Knowledge Transfer
They help upskill internal teams through hands-on collaboration.
Common use cases for Interim Management
Restructuring or Internal Reorganization
During mergers, site closures, team reshuffles, or governance changes, an Interim Manager can:
- Redefine processes
- Manage employee relations
- Support teams through change
Launching or Implementing Strategic Projects
Implementing new financial regulations? Redefining your commercial strategy? Transforming your accounting function?
An Interim Manager can:
- Lead the project from start to finish
- Structure the roadmap
- Align all stakeholders
Urgent Recruitment or Critical Absence
Sudden executive departure? Extended CFO absence?
Interim Management bridges the gap to secure operations until the right permanent replacement is found.
Crisis Management
In the event of a financial, operational, HR, or reputational crisis:
- Rapid diagnosis
- Prioritized action plan
- Recovery and stabilization
Supporting Rapid Growth
Scaling rapidly (fundraising, new markets)?
An Interim Manager can structure key functions (finance, HR, supply chain) to sustain growth.
Also read: What Interim Managers bring to Belgian Financial Institutions
Case Study: Belgian Bank Navigating Regulatory Change
Following the implementation of the DORA regulation, a Belgian bank appointed an Interim Risk Manager to:
- Map IT risks
- Review internal procedures
- Train teams on new compliance requirements
Result: audit passed with no reservations and smooth handover to a newly recruited permanent director.
Why Belgium is a Strong Market for Interim Management
Belgium offers a particularly fertile environment for Interim Management thanks to its dense and multicultural business ecosystem. As the home of numerous European institutions and many multinational headquarters, the country attracts a constant flow of transformation projects and organizational changes. At the same time, Belgium has a high concentration of small and medium-sized enterprises in transition, as well as fast-growing family-owned businesses that regularly require temporary senior expertise to navigate key phases.
This favorable landscape is supported by a clear and established legal framework. The independent status is fully recognized and compatible with Interim Management assignments, providing flexibility for both companies and executives. In addition, many specialized Interim Management firms operate in Belgium, offering the legal structuring and support necessary to ensure smooth, compliant missions for all parties involved.
Practical Guide: How to Ensure a Successful Interim Management Assignment
Before the Assignment
- Define a clear brief with deliverables, objectives, and KPIs
- Prepare access to tools, teams, and documentation
During the Assignment
- Appoint an internal sponsor
- Plan regular check-ins (30/60/90 days)
- Involve relevant teams
At the End
- Organize a structured handover
- Capitalize on deliverables, recommendations, and feedback
Interim Management offers Belgian companies the ability to secure projects, navigate critical phases, and adapt to unexpected changes.
More and more businesses are turning to this solution to overcome challenges and prepare for the future.
Considering Interim Management for your organization?
At Morgan Philips Interim Management, one of the world leaders in the field, we help Belgian companies quickly and effectively select top-level interim executives to meet their strategic needs.