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Understanding the difference between interim management and consulting. One gives you full-time operational leadership, the other gives you strategic advice.
See ComparisonInterim management and consulting are often confused, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. Interim executives are temporary full-time leaders who run operations and are accountable for results. Consultants provide advice and recommendations but do not typically have operational accountability.
Full-time temporary executives who join your leadership team for 3-12 months. They have direct reports, P&L accountability, and make operational decisions. They implement strategy and drive change.
Think: Temporary CFO running finance during transformation
Project-based advisory engagements where consultants analyze problems, develop recommendations, and may support implementation. They advise leadership but do not typically have line authority.
Think: Strategy consultants developing 3-year growth plan
| Aspect | Interim Management | Management Consulting |
|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | Full-time (100%) | Project-based, often part-time |
| Duration | 3-12 months typically | Weeks to months per project |
| Role | Operational leadership | Advisory and analysis |
| Accountability | Full P&L and operational accountability | Accountable for recommendations |
| Authority | Line management, decision-making | Advisory only, no line authority |
| Integration | Part of executive team | External advisor |
| Typical Cost | £800-£1,500/day (full-time) | £1,500-£5,000/day (big firms) |
| Best For | Running operations, executing change | Strategy, analysis, specialized expertise |
If you need full-time operational leadership for 3-12 months, we can help you find experienced interim executives.
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