• 75 per cent of Belgian CFOs and finance directors intend to bring in an interim manager in 2016.
  • The number of interim managers employed in Belgium rose by almost 9 per cent in 2015.
  • Vlerick Business School and Robert Half Management Resources are responding to this trend and have joined forces for the first time to deliver a programme in ‘Mastering Interim Management’.
  • This programme gives managers and interim managers the opportunity to further expand their knowledge in the areas of strategy, performance, team management and change management.

More and more Belgian companies are calling on interim managers: professionals that offer companies specific expertise (executive management, Human Resources, supply chain and production, or other) for a limited period and seldom for longer than a year. An independent survey carried out on behalf of Robert Half Management Resources has revealed that 75 per cent of Belgian CFOs intend to bring in an interim manager in 2016. In response to this demand Vlerick Business School and Robert Half Management Resources are joining forces for the first time to deliver a programme in ‘Mastering Interim Management’.

In-demand, highly valued profiles

Thanks to their recognised expertise, immediate and flexible employability, and their cost efficiency there is increasing demand for the profiles of interim managers. Federgon, the Belgian Federation of HR service providers, notes that the number of interim managers in employment in Belgium in 2015 rose by almost 9 per cent.

For companies, interim management is a solution that allows them to respond quickly to critical situations. An independent survey by Robert Half Management Resources of 200 CFOs and finance directors revealed that 64 per cent of them are convinced that working with an interim manager leads to greater efficiency. They also appreciate the fact that these professionals are available immediately and can very quickly be operational. 62 per cent of the CFOs and finance directors surveyed also believe that recruiting an interim manager guarantees greater cost efficiency.

Sylvia Blockx, Director of Robert Half BeLux, explains these results: “With permanent hires you often need to factor in quite a lot of settling-in time. The settling-in period for an interim manager is often brief, allowing you to get straight on with achieving business priorities. Added to that, it goes beyond consultancy work. Interim managers don’t just give advice, they form an integral part of the organisation, working proactively on solutions in a hands-on manner. Furthermore, the knowledge that interim managers bring to the organisation remains of vital importance even after their departure. Companies are investing in this solution more and more.”

New, in-depth programme

In response to the rising demand for this type of profile and the necessity for interim managers to constantly adapt to the new reality of the corporate world, Vlerick Business School and Robert Half Management Resources are combining their expertise in a new formula for the programme ‘Mastering Interim Management’.

The programme is aimed at managers with at least 10 to 15 years’ experience and a proven track record as senior executive or interim manager.

The programme comprises four modules and offers interim managers the opportunity to expand their knowledge in the areas of strategy, performance, team management and change management. During the programme the participants will also meet other professionals, which will also enable them to make new contacts easily. The programme will be given in English and will take place in Ghent and Brussels in October and November 2016.

Maaike van Ameijde, Business Unit Manager Open Executive Education at Vlerick Business School, explains: “We note that interim management is proving increasingly popular in lots of corporate departments: IT departments, executive management, finance, legal, Human Resources, supply chain and Procurement or Sales and Marketing. They all rely on interim managers. Hence the importance of high-quality training that takes into account the current needs of companies.”

“Our partnership with Vlerick presents interim managers with a wide range of fundamental competencies, techniques and knowledge in the field of management. This forms a solid foundation for the success of their client/company and their own expertise. Via the programme ‘Mastering Interim Management’ they can widen their professional network and meet other managers that share their approach. This programme is perfectly compatible with a job as interim manager. It offers the interim manager and the company he works for nothing but benefits. The knowledge acquired can be applied within the organisation, which is an undeniable asset”, says Blockx.

“We are very proud of this programme, which is unique in Belgium. Thanks to the special practical modules, which have been built specifically based on the needs of companies today, it will attract even the most experienced professionals. The participation of recognised lecturers is a quality guarantee”, concludes Van Ameijde.

More information about this programme can be found at www.roberthalf.be/vlerickmim.