Services
Interim management.
When a leadership position has to be filled at short notice or change is ahead, we take on responsibility for a limited time – as plant manager, technical director or managing director. Neutral, with no career interests in the company, and with the goal of making ourselves redundant once the result is secured.
When an interim manager helps
- Plant or general management drops out at short notice or has not yet been filled.
- A turnaround or realignment needs speed and experience.
- After an acquisition, a modern leadership structure has to be established.
- Management needs a sparring partner who takes over projects completely.
What we take on
- 01
Interim plant management
Operational responsibility for production, quality and engineering – until handover to a permanent appointment.
- 02
Interim general management
Leading the company or a foreign subsidiary through critical phases.
- 03
Turnaround and realignment
Reviving companies in financial difficulty and strategically realigning the value chain.
- 04
Change management
Change based on Kotter's proven 8-step method – plannable and with a reliable time frame.
- 05
Lean management
Eliminating waste in production and administration – with CIP, 5S and Lean Six Sigma.
- 06
Internal audit and controlling
Audits as teamwork that look for solutions rather than culprits, and KPI systems that make every day measurable.
How an interim assignment works
- 01
Conversation
Openly clarify the task, expectations, time frame and budget.
- 02
Memorandum
Put the goals in writing – and take time to do so.
- 03
Analysis
Understand root causes before acting.
- 04
Implementation
Hands-on in line operations, following Plan-Do-Check-Act.
- 05
Handover
Secure the result and hand back responsibility.
The 8 steps of change
- 1Create a sense of urgency
- 2Build a guiding coalition
- 3Develop a vision for change
- 4Communicate the vision
- 5Implement change broadly
- 6Set short-term goals
- 7Absorb setbacks, consolidate gains
- 8Anchor changes and test them for stability
Projects from practice
All case studies
Start-up & plant construction
Start-up in an emerging market
Automotive supplier, Mexico
- Result
- SOP on time, scrap ≤ 2.5 %
- Duration
- 18 months
Lean & cost
Quality and delivery dates under control
Medical device manufacturer, Switzerland
- Result
- Scrap ≤ 1 %, 95 % on-time delivery, 7 % cost reduction
- Duration
- 12 months
Start-up & plant construction
From greenfield to series in 18 months
Textile producer, Eastern Europe
- Result
- Launch after 18 months, defect rate ≤ 3.5 %
- Duration
- 2 years
Frequently asked questions
What does an interim manager do?
He takes on a leadership role for a limited time with full responsibility – comparable to an air traffic controller who guides the pilot safely to the end of the runway. He works according to Plan-Do-Check-Act, neutral and hands-on, and leaves once the jointly defined goal has been reached and secured.
How long does an interim assignment last?
Until the agreed goal has been reached and secured. In our experience, comprehensive change takes 18 months on average; individual projects and bridging assignments are considerably shorter.
How does an assignment begin?
With an open conversation about the task, expectations, time frame and budget. We then record the goals in a memorandum.
What distinguishes an interim manager from a consultant?
A consultant recommends; an interim manager implements and carries responsibility in line operations. We combine both: analysis and concept with implementation on site.
Let's talk about your project.
A first conversation clarifies the task, expectations, time frame and budget – openly and confidentially.