The IMS team discuss the Interim Management Survey 2010; analyzing the ideas of different Interim Managers. Also, an introduction into IMS' Singapore office.

1. IMS Interim
Management
IMS Market Update Solutions
As the labor market in China Is your business
seems to regain its strength
facing critical change? Candidate Profile
and stability, the interim man-
agement market picks up as David Cheadle
well. Against all expectations, Do you have the
interim management agen- Executive staff in An experienced manufacturing
cies suffered same as perma- professional, David has been in
China to deal with this
nent recruitment companies China for over 12 years leading
change? start ups and developing fac-
in 2009, but it seems like the
year 2010 brings new confi- tory based businesses.
dence with it. Are you trying to
achieve all of this David’s industrial experience
Companies see the economic spans “consumer white goods”,
without the help of
situation in China improve automotive component sup-
highly qualified ply and industrial packaging
and projects that were put on
hold continue. New projects professional manager? products.
are coming in and compa- In the city of Kunshan, David
nies do show commitment to IMS has the solutions started 2 companies for indus-
further invest or implement trial packaging, from approval
changes within their exist- processes through land pur-
ing organisations. Big MNCs chase, building and installation
who cut their budgets for to start up and subsequent
consultants and contractors Get the latest IMS profitable operation. Negotia-
tions with customers included
consider those services again. brochure now large multinational as well as
Companies want to move for-
ward quickly and the demand local chemical manufacturers.
for interim managers grows Download at Localisation of material and
capital equipment suppliers
steadily, especially in a very www.jmgemini.com/ was vital for profitability.
young market like China.
ims
One particular trend in the UK In Shanghai Chemical Indus-
emphasizes the latest devel- try Park, David was General
opment of the interim man- Manager of Schuetz Shanghai,
agement market very well: In the worldwide leader in IBC
the first few months of 2010 (Intermediate Bulk Container).
there was a huge increase in He led a team for installation
companies registered by inde- and operation of this plastic
pendent contractors. It seems and steel processing plant,
like employers get more and dramatic growth then requir-
more interested in contracted ing new projects for additional
assignments in order not to land and buildings. He also had
be bound to long-term com- responsibilities for Environ-
mitments and to remain flex- ment, Health and Safety and
ible in the market. has been involved with Trans-
port of Dangerous Goods.
Especially for companies who
want to move forward quickly David holds qualifications in
and get things done, while engineering and finance.
maintaining certain flexibility,
an interim manager is the
ideal choice.
May/June 2010 Edition

2. IMS Interim
Management
Solutions
Interim Management Survey 2010
Singapore Very recently interim management agency butterflymanager®, a leading provider
in the German speaking area and cooperation partner of IMS, carried out a survey
office opening among more than 250 interim managers to better understand key characteristics of
interim managers.
IMS’ sister company Key Findings and its implications:
Gemini recently opened • Interim management is a wide field and does not have a single definition.
their new Singapore Most interim managers see themselves as temporary executives helping with re-
branch office. Edwin Tiah structurings/process improvements, project management and as an interim solu-
will lead the operations tion for permanent positions.
focusing on permanent Accordingly interim management covers several fields and companies who consider
recruitment and interim an interim manager are recommended to set clear goals and performance indica-
management. tors.
The talent trends of • Interim managers choose their profession out of intrinsic motivation. They
the regional operations look for challenges, remain flexible and value the fact that through referrals they
work on further projects.
match very well with the
Companies need to clearly communicate internally that an interim manager is an
client needs in Singapore additional source to the enterprise rather than a competitor.
and especially in terms • Interim managers possess certain skills and adapt quickly to different situa-
of interim management tions. They work with a clear methodology on their tasks and their adaptability is in
Singapore seems to be a particular beneficial to get into their task quickly, set milestones and implement a
very interesting market. smooth transition to project completion.
IMS in China has often Companies should keep in mind interim managers differentiate themselves from in-
received enquiries re- ternal employees. They don’t need to be involved as heavily in culture and politics.
garding Asian interim • Interim managers mainly use a cooperative leadership approach, depending
managers and we have on company situation and task.
found those managers Companies need to discuss their current management/leadership situation with the
interim manager prior to commencement of the assignment.
to be very interested in
• Interim managers are skillful executives who are able to work in different
project work. Our Sin- environments and company cultures. They know the importance of company cul-
gapore office will work ture and consider the relevant culture when carrying out their assignments.
together closely with the Only by reading CVs companies can hardly tell if there is a cultural match between
China operations and we company and interim manager. Interim management agencies know their manag-
are continuously expand- ers well and are able to help when selecting the assignee.
ing our managers pool, • Interim managers keep themselves abreast of new developments and they
especially with Asian are physically as well as mentally in great shape. In between their assignments
managers. they spend a lot of time on skill and knowledge development as well as physical
exercise.
For more information on Companies might suspect interim managers are overqualified when see-
ing their CV’s which usually means the interim manager is suitable to carry out the
our new office as well
given task. Through carrying out various assignments interim managers are fur-
as Asian interim manag- thermore in several instances more experienced than permanent employees.
ers, please contact ims@
jmgemini.com. In a nutshell, interim managers are professional and skillful executives who adapt
to certain situations and are able to quickly find solutions. They have in common
that their projects are temporary and they bear the risk of their own activities. In-
IMS terim managers work with clear methodology combined with outstanding soft skills.
Suite 13G
Shanghai Industrial Interim managers see huge potential in their profession as the education of interim
Investment Bldg management in the market improves continuously. They provide an additional
18 Cao Xi Bei Lu source to the company and bring in skills and knowledge in an instant and for a
Shanghai 20030 defined period of time. Furthermore, they see management planning as crucial and
China the number of interim managers will increase, thus interim management providers
Tel: 86-21 6428 2460/1/7 are extremely valuable.
ims@jmgemini.com Based on butterflymanager Interim Manager Studie 2010 (www.butterflymanager.com)