Interim profile

Name: Mike Breese
Status: Interim Quality Manager – 5 years
Location: Hertfordshire

Corporate Career Summary:

34 years working within Pharmaceutical Quality at a senior level. Experience with all dosage forms. Interim Manager since June 2003. (Placed by PiR four times).

“What persuaded you to (consciously??) become an Interim?”

I felt my career path was not developing the way I wanted and it was time to consider my options.

“What regrets?”

None at all – the best move I ever made.

“What are the upsides?”

No politics. It is easy to develop a good relationship at all levels of the client’s business because as an Interim you are not competing for a promotion or salary increase.

You are there because the company wants you there. As opposed to ‘I want this by Monday’ you are asked ‘Can I have this by Monday’.

“What has been the high point of your Interim career so far….?”

Highpoint is being asked to go back after a project has been successfully completed. At one company I had three farewell dinners!

“And the lowest moment?”

There have been very few low points. The hardest thing about being an interim manager is being away from home when you are working on projects in different geographical locations.

“What do you most enjoy about being an Interim?”

Meeting lots of very good people – most of whom are fun to work with – and learning something new every day.

“And least?”

Clients not knowing what they want – they have an ‘idea’ but are a little fuzzy about firm actions. It can be frustrating and you feel as if you are going round in circles.

“What would your advice be to aspiring Interim Managers?”

Make sure you have a good solid base knowledge of areas you want to work in
Good communication skills

Remember you will be asked to complete tasks you have probably been doing for a long time. The position of an interim manager is not always that of an innovator.

“Contractual must do/must have”

“Any strong words of advice on contractual ‘must do/must have’?”

Always prepare a contract which both parties should sign
Discuss and agree contract hours and clarify expectations of the role from the outset

“How do you cope with the ‘feast and famine’ nature of interim work?”

Mainly been feast so far!

The nature of interim work means that a client does not necessarily contact you until a couple of weeks before they wish to commence a project. This will mean that you often have little advance notice and may get enforced breaks between work placements.

The way to handle the ‘famine’ nature of the work is to ensure you have good control on your finances to see you through the quiet periods.

“What networks would you recommend that keep you in touch and are useful to you?”

It is useful to keep in contact with agencies and consultancies that supply interim personnel as well as fellow contractors.

One word of caution – do not rely on old workplace colleagues. It is important you establish your own network.

“What is the ‘buzz’ that keeps you interimming?”

Enjoy the change and not getting bogged down in all the detail. There is always the opportunity to learn from each experience as well as the knowledge you already possess.

“What 3 top tips would you share?”

Don’t kid yourself it’s easy – it is hard work, people want their moneys worth!
Go into it with an open mind. You may be used as a consultant as well as an interim.
Be friendly

“How do you set a day rate?”

It really depends on the position and length of contract – and the type of company. Interim agencies/consultancies may be in a position to give you some insight as to what the current rates are for a particular role.

“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
Be organised, this is especially important if you end up working for two or more companies at the same time.
Get yourself an accountant
Become good friends with the bank manager!