WHEELEY & SCOTT INTERIM MANAGEMENT POLAND

An interview with Alison MacDonald - Top European Interim Manager in Marketing Management

Why did you become an interim manager?

The organisation with which I held a permanent position 2 years ago was purchased by a larger group. Both were American organisations and I ran the European office of the original one, based in the UK. The second, however, was based in Paris and whilst I was happy to work with them during the transition to ensure a smooth hand-over, I did not wish to move to Paris permanently. I therefore worked with them, in Paris, for 6 months. I found the experience both interesting and rewarding. I was committed to building a suitable team and believe my contribution was valuable to the organisation. In summary, both parties appreciated the experience, and what I particularly enjoyed was being able to make a contribution, complete a project and then move onto the next one - and feel considerably more in control of my work/life balance. Upon my return to the UK, I contacted an interim agency and after 2 months started my first position as an 'official' INTERIM MANAGER.

Career before?

Much of my career has been in marketing and sales of consumer fashion accessories ie. Watches, pens, sunglasses, jewellery, although I began my career with a 4-year stay in Paris, working with Yves Saint Laurent where I worked as marketing assistant. By the time I left permanent employment I was the Sales and Marketing Director of an international operation (all markets outside USA), had worked in both retail and manufacturing, lived and worked in the UK, France and Hong Kong, and managed many markets throughout the globe.

Number of companies in the last 2 years?

I almost completed my second assignment as an 'official' interim, although 5 years ago I also worked in a marketing position in a UK retail group for 6 months (I was 'employed' by them for a short-term assignment). This was a fabulous experience, partly because retail marketing was relatively new to me, and partly because I thoroughly enjoyed doing the work.

The 2 positions I have worked in this year were as follows: Marketing Manager Europe (B2B) - for a professional wall-covering organisation. The organisation was looking for a fluent french speaker with international marketing experience who could 'hit the ground running' (as with most interim assignments, by definition). I had a lot of experience in exactly the areas they required, and started to work with them a week later. (Some people start a day later!).

The benefit for the organisation: - I was available to start immediately - I required only a short product/market training session and then could get to work straight away - I was operational immediately and began producing results within days - I was able to make a difference in terms of how they managed their business and how they planned and executed their marketing programmes (they had recently re-structured and brought several subsidiaries into one department, so there was a lot of international co-ordination and consolidation)

The second organisation with which I am still working now is very different from anything I have done before. Whilst it is a commercial organisation and a public limited company, it is equally very strictly controlled by government regulation so the ability to act spontaneously to market needs or sudden changes is limited. Here, I work on the development of ancillary activities - ie potential new businesses which are outside the company's mainstream product. The company was looking for somebody without the product/company experience in order to provide a 'view from a different angle', but who did have retail and marketing experience in order to understand the problems and challenges. I think they have benefited from an 'outside view'; from my commitment to 'get the job done' and also for my ability to work with people in varying functions and at various levels.

Financial rewards?

On a daily basis I have earned more than in my most recent permanent role, but this is built into the charges in order that the 'non-working' periods between roles are covered (It is the interim manager who takes the financial risk here, not the 'employer'). Whether I earn more or not, the beauty of interim management is the greater element of control one has over the work/vacation mix - although sometimes the timing of your holiday is 'selected for you'!

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