An interim manager is a senior executive hired on a temporary, usually full-time basis to fill a leadership gap or deliver a specific change, such as a turnaround, restructuring or system implementation. They are typically engaged for three to twelve months and leave once the objective is met.
What it means
Interim management differs from fractional work mainly in intensity and duration. An interim manager is usually in the business most or all of the working week for a defined assignment, while a fractional director works part-time on an ongoing basis.
Interims are valued for speed. They can start quickly, bring experience of similar situations and have no long-term political stake, which helps when difficult decisions are needed.
When you need one
Common situations include the sudden departure of a director, a business in financial difficulty, post-acquisition integration, a major programme that needs dedicated leadership, or covering a role while a permanent hire is recruited. Leadership Services can provide interim directors from its bench of senior directors.
Frequently asked questions
How is an interim manager different from a fractional director?
An interim manager typically works full-time for a fixed period to solve a defined problem or cover a vacancy. A fractional director works part-time, often for longer, providing ongoing leadership. Some engagements move between the two, starting with an intensive interim phase and scaling down to fractional support.
How are interim managers usually paid?
Interim managers are commonly paid a day rate through their own limited company or an intermediary, rather than as employees. Because they work in a business on a temporary basis, the engagement should be reviewed against the off-payroll working rules, known as IR35, before it starts.
Last updated: 5 November 2026