Imagine interim management as a Swiss Army knife. Useful, versatile, and capable of adapting to a variety of situations. While a basic knife has one or two blades, a Swiss Army knife can include everything from a corkscrew to a wood saw. That versatility and flexibility is precisely what modern organizations look for when hiring management talent.
In today's business environment, permanent employment (traditional, full-time, etc.) is no longer sufficient or sustainable. The acceleration of technological innovation, the adoption of hybrid and remote work, and the need for specialization in key areas such as artificial intelligence have transformed the job market. According to recent data from Fiverr, more than 80% of companies see freelancers as an essential source of talent. This underscores the need for "on-demand skills," available precisely when needed.
Within this ecosystem, the interim management has emerged as a key strategic tool for addressing business challenges. As part of Valtus AllianceAt Epunto Interim Management in Spain, we have witnessed significant growth in this modality, which is now positioned as a fundamental resource for companies of all sizes.
The Interim Management Market in Europe
The latest results of the annual survey of HEART The International Network of Interim Manager Associations INIMAThey shed light on the current state of interim management in Europe. With the collaboration of member organizations such as Reseau alumni AE-CMT | Anciens Elèves du Certificat de Management de Transition de Dauphine | IFMT in France, DDIM eV – Dachgesellschaft Deutsches Interim Management in Germany, AIM | Association Interim Management Portugal in Portugal, and Spanish Interim Management Association (AIME) In Spain, among others, key trends have been identified:
- Profile of the European interim managerThe average professional is a man between 50 and 60 years old, with between 5 and 12 years of experience in this model. Spain, although still a developing market with an average of 5,2 years of experience, is rapidly gaining ground compared to mature markets such as Switzerland (12,4 years) and the United Kingdom (11,4 years).
- Increased female participationAlthough women represent a growing segment, their presence remains low in Europe (14% on average). Poland (30%), France (20%), and the United Kingdom (20%) lead this trend, while Spain is at the bottom with 5%. This reflects a need for more inclusive policies and a concerted effort to promote diversity in interim roles, something that we at Epunto deeply value.
- High utilization of interim managersIn 2024, the average use of interim managers in Europe reached 69%, with countries like Italy (85%) and Switzerland (70%) standing out. Spain, at 54%, still has significant room for growth. This figure reflects not only the average size of our companies, which are mostly family-owned, but also the growing confidence in interim management as a solution for addressing complex challenges.
Spain: An evolving market
In Spain, interim management is proving to be an essential solution for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to adapt to a dynamic economic environment. Part-time employment, more common in markets like Spain (38%), allows organizations to access highly qualified experts without incurring the full cost of full-time hiring.
From Epunto Interim Management, as those responsible for Spain and Portugal in Valtus AllianceWe have worked to bring this approach to companies that need to address critical processes: restructuring, digitalization, or international expansion. Our commitment is to demonstrate the added value of an agile and flexible approach in a market that increasingly demands specialization.
Most in-demand sectors and roles
Interim management is particularly relevant in sectors such as manufacturing, IT, automotive, and healthcare. Regarding roles, the high representation in executive positions is noteworthy: 60% of interim roles in Europe are at the management level, and Spain is no exception. This statistic underscores the ability of interim managers to lead based on experience and add value from day one.
Final Thoughts.
Interim management is positioned as a key tool for European companies seeking to adapt to a changing and competitive environment. In Spain, although progress is notable, the statistical differences compared to the rest of Europe are significant:
- While countries like Switzerland and the United Kingdom have established markets with more than a decade of average experience in interim management, Spain barely reaches 5,2 years.
- The use of interim managers in Spain (54%) is considerably lower than in countries like Italy (85%) or Germany (70%).
- The low female representation (5%) in the Spanish temporary labor market contrasts with the 20-30% in more advanced markets.
These figures reflect the enormous potential of interim management in Spain, but also highlight the road ahead. At Epunto Interim Management, in collaboration with the Valtus Alliance network, we remain committed to leading this change, offering innovative, high-quality solutions that drive the growth and competitiveness of Spanish companies.
Interim management is not just a tool for the present; it is a strategic investment to build the future of the business fabric in Spain and Europe.
Sources: Data extracted from the INIMA annual report, with updates as of the end of 2024.