Interim profile
Name: John Prowde
Status: Interim Manager for 4 years
Location: Hertfordshire
Corporate Career Summary:
Experienced senior manager with 24 years experience of working in the Pharmaceutical industry, covering all aspects of manufacturing operations, both within the UK and internationally. Expertise includes QA, FDA & EU regulatory requirements, major capital projects and technical support activities as well as the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodology to create a step change in business performance.
“What persuaded you to (consciously??) become an Interim?”
I wanted to maximise the use of my expertise and experience which would enable me to carry out more varied and challenging work. Also, my intention is to have more control over my work/life balance.
“What regrets?”
None so far!
“What are the upsides?”
Having been brought in to complete a specific task with defined objectives and deliverables there are far less obstacles than you would normally come across in a permanent position and so you are able to focus on achieving the best results.
“What has been the high point of your Interim career so far….?”
Having successfully completed a number of assignments being asked back to take on other assignments.
“And the lowest moment?”
On completion of a project – having to leave behind the colleagues and friends you have made during the assignment.
“What do you most enjoy about being an Interim?”
Varied and challenging work and being able to complete specific tasks.
“And least?”
Having to travel to where you are working. It is unlikely that you will find Interim assignments close to home all the time.
“What would your advice be to aspiring Interim Managers?”
Know what your skills and strengths are and what you have to offer
“Contractual must do/must have”
“Any strong words of advice on contractual ‘must do/must have’?”
- Be clear on expectations of both the client and yourself
“How do you cope with the ‘feast and famine’ nature of interim work?”
Realising that assignments are finite and ensuring that you manage you finances to cover the times when you may not be working. Continue to network and look for opportunities before reaching the end of an assignment.
“What networks would you recommend that keep you in touch and are useful to you?”
Actively need to develop and maintain personal network and tap into those of other agencies and interim organisations.
“What is the ‘buzz’ that keeps you interimming?”
- Finding new and challenging work
“What 3 top tips would you share?”
- Keep on top of your finances
- Create and maintain your network
- Ensure that both you and the client understand what is expected from the assignment
“How do you set a day rate?”
Using a formula which takes into account the fact that you will not be paid for sick leave/holidays/pension contributions etc.
“What basic housekeeping things are important (set up as a Ltd company, get PII, find a good accountant, invest in good quality stationery – business cards etc.)?”
- Set up as a Limited Company
- Find a good accountant
- Use a simple system for recording and keeping finances up-to-date
- As with any business, only purchase items that are needed and add value i.e. PC’s, appropriate software, relevant stationary such as business cards etc.
- Keep your CV up-to-date