The scope of an interim transition manager

More and more organisations are hiring a transition manager to oversee critical internal changes. But what exactly does this role entail? What skills are essential for success? And how about the current demand on the Belgian job market? Christophe Paquay, senior manager at international recruitment firm Robert Walters, regularly hires transition managers and provides insights.

What exactly does a transition manager do?  What are the responsibilities of a transition manager?

"An interim transition manager plays a vital role in overseeing major organisational changes, including restructuring and reorganisation, new technology implementations, mergers and acquisitions, and business model transformations," Christophe explains. "As a transition manager, you are responsible for leading and coordinating these changes within the organisation. This includes identifying bottlenecks, developing strategies, engaging stakeholders, and guiding employees through the transition process."

Transition managers often collaborate closely with key departments within the organisation - such as human resources, finance and operational departments - to ensure a seamless transition and the achievement of corporate goals.

Due to the complexity of these transformations, transition managers typically engage in projects for extended periods, holding ultimate responsibility.

How does it differ from change management? 

"Transition management and change management, although closely related, each have their own focus and purpose within organisational change," Christophe clarifies. "Transition management focuses on understanding the broader context of change, including external environmental factors and its impact on the organisation as a whole. Change management, on the other hand, focuses more on specific changes within the organisation, such as engaging employees, dealing with resistance, managing communication and training, and so on. In short, while transition management focuses on the overarching process of change, change management focuses more on the operational aspects."

What skills does a successful interim transition manager have? 

Christophe: "A highly effective transition manager not only has highly developed hard skills, but is also an expert in planning, budget management and other executive matters. You really need to be able to keep an overview of the full picture. Since transition processes by definition involve unexpected situations, a healthy dose of flexibility and perseverance is also desirable. In addition, a number of human skills, such as communication skills and diplomacy are crucial. You need to be able to get colleagues - both junior and senior - on board with the transition."

What does the future hold for transition management? 

"Many organisations will face mandatory transitions, reorganisations and restructuring in the coming years due to new laws and regulations. Think of companies having to implement the latest version of SAP by 2026 or the increasing number of organisations facing ESG reporting. Issues such as cybersecurity, AI and automation are also bringing organisational changes. A recent survey by Robert Walters shows that 25% of interim management assignments last year were issued on the grounds of restructuring or transition. Employers mainly appreciate the quick impact, high expertise in change & transformation and flexibility that an interim manager brings. We therefore expect an increasing demand for interim transition managers in the coming years," Christophe concludes.

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