What Does an HR Interim Manager Do?

HR departments face constantly growing challenges. However, companies often lack suitable leadership capacity at short notice to manage complex projects or transition phases. This is where the HR Interim Manager comes in: a temporary solution that provides expertise and leadership experience exactly when your organization needs it most. 

What Is an HR Interim Manager? 

An HR Interim Manager is an experienced HR professional who temporarily assumes a key role within a company’s human resources function—such as Interim Head of HR, Interim Recruiter, or specialist for a specific HR project. 

What distinguishes interim managers is their rapid availability and high level of flexibility. They are often operational within just a few days and can quickly familiarize themselves with new tasks. With broad experience in strategy, talent management, recruitment, and organizational development, they bring an objective external perspective and ensure that HR projects are implemented efficiently while day-to-day operations continue smoothly. 

Typical Use Cases in HR Interim Management 

HR Interim Managers are engaged in a wide range of situations, particularly when internal resources or specific expertise are temporarily unavailable. Typical scenarios include: 

Change processes: 

Organizations frequently face change—such as digital transformation, cultural change, or new regulatory requirements. An Interim HR Manager professionally supports change management processes and ensures that employees and structures successfully navigate the transition. 

Restructuring: 

During reorganizations or turnaround projects, an Interim Head of HR supports the implementation of personnel measures such as workforce reductions or realignments in a socially responsible and efficient manner. Thanks to their experience in transformation projects, they help guide the workforce through challenging phases. 

Bridging vacancies: 

If a key HR leadership position becomes vacant unexpectedly or recruitment is delayed, an HR Interim Manager can step in at short notice. They keep HR management on track, prevent leadership gaps, and ensure a smooth handover once a permanent successor has been appointed. 

Organizational development: 

For strategic HR and organizational development projects—such as optimizing HR processes, building an employer branding strategy, or implementing new talent development programs—an interim expert brings valuable know-how. They design and implement improvements while relieving the existing HR team. 

Change Management in HR 

The value of an HR Interim Manager is particularly evident in change management. Organizational changes—from departmental mergers to the introduction of a new corporate culture—always have a strong HR dimension. Employees must be informed, trained, and motivated; new processes need to be established and resistance addressed. 

An Interim HR Manager has extensive experience in managing change processes and can act as a neutral mediator between management and employees. Their unbiased perspective allows them to quickly identify areas for improvement and implement appropriate measures, ensuring that change initiatives are sustainably embedded rather than losing momentum. 

Benefits of HR Interim Management for Companies 

Working with an HR Interim Manager offers several tangible advantages: 

Rapid availability: 

Interim managers are often available within days and can become operational immediately—an invaluable advantage in crisis situations or sudden vacancies. 

Extensive experience: 

Interim HR leaders typically bring decades of professional experience and a proven track record across multiple projects. They contribute best practices and require minimal onboarding time, creating immediate impact. 

Objective external perspective: 

As external professionals, interim managers are free from organizational blind spots. They assess structures and HR processes objectively and are willing to initiate necessary changes in the best interest of the company. 

Flexibility and efficiency: 

An Interim Manager is engaged only for as long as needed. Companies pay solely for the services provided, without incurring long-term fixed costs. Contract durations can be flexibly adapted to project requirements, ensuring maximum efficiency. 

Why Interim HR Leaders Are in High Demand in Switzerland 

Interim management is becoming increasingly established in Switzerland. Digitalization, talent shortages, and high pressure for change are driving demand for flexible interim solutions—particularly in HR. Companies of all sizes, from large corporations to family-owned SMEs, rely on interim managers to bridge leadership gaps and manage transformation successfully. 

When experienced HR leaders are unexpectedly unavailable or major transformation projects arise, an HR Interim Manager is often the best option to ensure continuity and expertise. The growing demand highlights the value of interim management as a proven tool for addressing HR challenges quickly and professionally. 

The Role of Swiss Interim Management

As an experienced intermediary, Swiss Interim Management connects companies with the right HR interim experts. Thanks to a strong network and a rigorous selection process, suitable candidates—both professionally and personally—can be presented within just a few days. 

This minimizes effort for your organization while ensuring an excellent fit. Swiss Interim Management supports you from initial consultation and contract structuring through to the successful onboarding of the interim manager. The result is a trusted, time-limited collaboration that benefits all parties. 

If your company is facing an HR vacancy or a critical project, Swiss Interim Management provides the tailored interim solution to bridge the gap and lead your team to success. 

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting topic or have specific business needs, schedule a personal consultation with us!