An open leadership position is no longer the exception for many companies – it is everyday reality. Resignations, illness, succession questions or rapid growth create gaps that classic recruiting often closes only after six to nine months. During that time decisions stall, projects lose momentum and teams work without clear direction. This is exactly when it becomes critical to find an experienced interim manager fast.
"A leadership vacancy rarely costs just salary. It costs decisions, speed and trust."
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But when does interim management really pay off – and what should companies look for when choosing?
The cost of an unfilled leadership role never shows up on a balance sheet. It hides in day-to-day business:
For key roles such as CFO, head of sales or head of operations, these effects quickly add up to many times a monthly salary.
There is another risk that is often underestimated: hiring under time pressure leads to hiring the wrong person. A mis-hire at leadership level costs more than any bridging solution.
Interim management is no longer just for large corporations. According to the AIMP market study 2026, 74 percent of all assignments are at companies with 250 to 10,000 employees. More than half cover finance, commercial management and human resources.
Interim managers work on a day-rate basis. According to current market studies, the average day rate is around €1,317 in Germany, around €1,282 in Austria and around €1,712 in Switzerland.
Comparing this to an annual salary misses the point. Interim management involves no payroll overheads, no recruiting fees and no severance risk. You only pay while the assignment runs.
Practice shows that interim management plays to its strengths especially in these situations:
If more than one of these applies, a conversation about interim management is worth it.
A good interim manager is not an expensive placeholder. For the assignment to have impact, clear criteria are essential:
Industry experience:
Relevant experience in your industry shortens onboarding from months to days.
Execution strength:
What counts are concrete references from comparable situations, not just titles on a CV.
Clear mandate:
What should be achieved by when, and how is success measured?
Fast availability:
Every week of vacancy costs. A pre-screened pool of interim managers saves valuable time.
At Stratoor, all interim managers have at least five years of experience in your industry and take on responsibility from head-of level to C-level – on site, hybrid or remote.
A leadership vacancy is not a neutral waiting period but a real cost factor. Interim management closes this gap quickly and brings experienced leadership into the company exactly when it is needed.
Companies that treat vacancies as a strategic risk decide faster and secure speed, stability and growth.
Facing an open key position or a project without leadership? Find your interim manager now – with at least five years of experience in your industry, on site, hybrid or remote. Want to assess your situation first? Book a Stratoor Now immediate consultation: choose a time online, pay by credit card and talk to our strategy experts via Google Meet today.
Sources:
- DDIM and AIMP market studies 2026, as cited by Factorial
- AIMP market study 2024/25, as cited by Profiling Institut
- Stratoor Consulting Blog