Traditional consulting companies and their concept of creating strategic value for clients have been increasingly challenged by freelance Interim Managers in recent years.
These expert and independent managers with specific experience cover not only the tactical role of consultants but also the practical implementation role of executive management. This practical combination is therefore becoming increasingly sought after by companies.
In 2020, BTG (Business Talent Group) compiled a report summarizing the areas with the highest demand for consulting services and executive Interim Managers. It is evident that the interest in executive roles of independent managers and consultants continues to grow across all sectors and areas. Specifically, the most demanded sectors and areas include:
Top 10 Sectors:
- Biotechnology
- Financial Services
- Consumer Goods
- Technology
- Services (B2B and B2C)
- Investments
- Industrial Goods and Services
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- Retail
Top 10 Areas:
- Strategy
- Marketing
- Company Operations
- Human Resources
- Business Development
- Procurement
- Interim CEO and Executive Roles
- Top Management Positions
- Digitization and Technology
- Innovation, Research, and Development
Most Demanded Tasks:
- Strategy Development and Planning: 40%
- Operations Optimization: 30%
- Transformation: 10-20%
- Organization and Process Analysis and Design: 5-10%
- Interim Executive Positions: 5-10%
Most Demanded Types of Projects:
- Marketing and Sales Strategy Setup: 11%
- Business Process Optimization: 11%
- Opportunity Assessment: 8%
- Planning: 8%
- Interim Executive Positions: 7%
- Business Intelligence Projects: 7%
- Development Strategy: 7%
- Product Strategy and Market Introduction: 7%
Most Demanded Skills and Expertise:
- Project Management: 14%
- Market Analysis: 7%
- Process Optimization and Transformation: 5%
- Advanced Analytics: 4%
- Change Implementation: 4%
- Development Strategy: 3%
- Strategic Planning: 3%
Most Demanded Interim Positions:
- CFO: 50%
- CEO: 13%
- CTO or CIO: 12%
- CMO: 10%
- CHRO: 6%
- Other Positions: 9%
Specific Examples of Using Interim Managers in Top Positions:
- Interim CTO with startup experience for a project designing and setting up strategy for new software.
- Interim CHRO for a project developing and implementing new processes during departmental restructuring.
- Senior Interim Manager for overseeing M&A activities during a company acquisition.
- Interim Sales Director for a project setting up sales strategy and channels.
Work Execution Trends:
For technical positions, remote work is already a standard. However, for freelance consultants or Interim Managers, a high degree of personal interaction and presence with the client is still required—up to 83% of clients prefer a mix of personal presence and remote work.
Based on these findings, current trends include:
- An increase in process-oriented projects as companies grapple with radical changes in the business environment.
- Companies increasingly rely on independent experts and their advanced analytical skills and experience.
- Project management as the most demanded skill across all sectors.