Sectors driving the rise in interim management

Interim management is set to remain a strategic priority for many Belgian companies. According to recent research by global talent solutions specialist Robert Walters, no less than 65% of Belgian employers plan to hire an interim manager this year. Demand is particularly strong in healthcare & pharma, manufacturing, retail, and distribution. Asia Skifati, Director at Robert Walters Interim Management, explains why.

Sectors most in need of interim expertise

The highest demand for interim managers is found in industries navigating rapid transformation, technological innovation, and operational complexity. In manufacturing, retail, healthcare & pharma, and distribution, temporary expertise is in high demand.

“These sectors are dealing with major challenges, from smart manufacturing and digital transformation to evolving regulations and ongoing supply chain disruptions,” Asia explains.

Interim managers enable companies to respond quickly and make critical adjustments.

Why organisations turn to interim managers

• Digital transformation & IT projects 
  Organisations undergoing digital transformation, especially in retail and manufacturing, seek interim managers with hands-on experience. “In retail, the shift to digital platforms forces rapid technological upgrades,” Asia notes. “In manufacturing, there’s a strong need for experts in smart factory transitions, where automation and digitization are key.” 
   

• Change management & restructuring 
  Industries like healthcare & pharma regularly face mergers, acquisitions, and legislative shifts—making agile leadership essential. “These sectors need experienced change leaders to manage transitions smoothly while maintaining quality of care or production,” says Asia. “Distribution is another area where interim managers are vital due to global supply chain disruptions and restructuring needs.” 
   

• Compliance & regulation 
  Sectors are under increasing pressure to stay compliant with evolving ESG guidelines and stricter regulatory frameworks. “In healthcare and pharma, compliance is an ongoing challenge,” Asia says. “Retailers must adapt to changing consumer laws, privacy standards, and sustainability rules. Interim managers help mitigate risks and avoid penalties.” 
   

• Supply chain & operations 
  Global logistics issues and the push for cost-effective operations are driving demand for interim managers in distribution and manufacturing. “Interim supply chain experts streamline processes and reduce costs while maintaining customer satisfaction,” Asia explains. 
   

• Financial optimisation & cost Ccntrol 
  Amid economic uncertainty, financial efficiency is key. “Interim finance managers identify inefficiencies, implement restructuring, and drive cost savings, without compromising quality,” Asia adds. 
   

• Crisis management & turnarounds 
  When unexpected crises hit, be it market volatility, bankruptcy risks or reputational damage, swift and strategic action is essential. “This applies across the board, but especially in distribution and transport, where companies must quickly respond to supply chain disruptions,” Asia explains. “An interim manager brings the expertise to stabilise operations and help businesses emerge stronger from the crisis.”

Senior-level impact: where interim managers operate most

According to Robert Walters, 67% of surveyed organisations bring in interim managers several times a year, particularly for senior and project-based roles. This trend is strongest in manufacturing, retail, healthcare & pharma, and distribution.

“These sectors rely on interim professionals not only for strategic guidance but also for hands-on execution,” Asia notes. “Interim managers are often tasked with solving complex, business-critical challenges—bringing the vision and expertise to deliver sustainable results. We’re increasingly seeing interim managers lead transformative projects from start to finish. They deliver impact quickly, ensure continuity, and leave behind long-lasting improvements.”

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