Interim Management in the Supply Chain: When Do You Use It?

The sudden loss of a manager, an ambitious transformation project, a growing organisation that temporarily needs extra capacity to act: the reasons for bringing in an interim manager in the supply chain are diverse. But when is it really the right choice? And what makes a good supply chain interim manager?

What does a supply chain interim manager do?

An interim manager in the supply chain temporarily takes on a leading role within an organisation. That can range from operational management on the shop floor to strategic direction at board level. The common denominator: quickly deployable, productive straight away and focused on results.

At UC Group we see three situations that most often give rise to an interim request:

1. Unexpected absence: illness or the departure of a key manager creates a gap that cannot be filled quickly internally.
2. Transition or transformation: implementing a new WMS, ERP or S&OP process calls for someone who has done this before.
3. Temporary capacity expansion: seasonal peaks, acquisitions or rapid growth call for temporary reinforcement without a long-term commitment.

What distinguishes a good interim manager from an ordinary consultant?

A consultant analyses and advises. An interim manager does. He or she takes responsibility, manages people, takes decisions and delivers results: not in a report, but in the operation.

At UC Group we select interim managers on two criteria: professional depth and personal leadership. A supply chain interim manager who is only good on paper has little value if he cannot get the team on board or does not know the shop floor.

How quickly can an interim manager be deployed?

That is often the first question we get. Within our network of 70+ professionals, in most cases we can present a suitable candidate within one to two weeks. In urgent situations (think of a sudden absence) we sometimes manage it within days.

For us, speed is no reason to compromise on quality. We know our people well, know who is available and who fits the specific context of the assignment.

What does a supply chain interim manager cost?

Interim rates in the supply chain are on average between €95 and €175 per hour, depending on level of experience, specialisation and duration of the assignment. That sounds like a lot, but compared with the cost of an operation without direction, processes at a standstill or missed revenue, the business case is generally made quickly.

Moreover, a UC Group professional always brings knowledge transfer. Afterwards, your own team is stronger than before.

When is interim management not the solution?

Honest advice is also part of our approach. Sometimes an interim manager is not the best choice:

• If the problem is structural and calls for a permanent change of leadership
• If the request is purely about extra hands without a management task
• If what is needed is a fresh pair of eyes from outside without operational involvement: then consultancy is a better fit

In those cases we refer you to the right solution: even if that generates less revenue for us.

How does it work in practice?

A typical UC Group assignment starts with an introductory meeting of no more than an hour. We listen to the situation, ask the right questions and then come back with a concrete proposal. No endless quotation processes, no intake bureaucracy.

Do you want to know what UC Group can do for your organisation? Get in touch or view our approach to interim supply chain management.