Interim Management
Interim Management for Technology-Driven Companies
Dr. Thomas Fabula steps in to take over challenging projects, close leadership gaps and drive transformations in technology-driven companies. He assumes full operational responsibility from day one through to a clean, structured handover.
Trusted by technology leaders, including
Definition
What is interim management?
Interim management means that an experienced senior manager joins a company for a defined period and takes full operational responsibility for a role, a project or a transformation process. Unlike a consultant, the interim manager does not stop at recommendations: he decides and implements. Mandates at TF Consulting usually last from a few months to around 18 months.
A consultant advises.
An interim manager decides and implements.
Full operational responsibility for a limited period, measured by the results achieved, and ending with a clean handover to the permanent team or the new line manager.
Dr. Thomas Fabula, Founder of TF Consulting
Why TF Consulting
Why companies choose TF Consulting
Scientific depth, 25+ years of independent practice and a clear focus on implementation.
Technical depth
Doctorate in physics (Dr. rer. nat.), background in microsystems technology and numerical simulation, co-inventor of a MEMS patent.
Independent since 2001
25+ years as consultant and interim manager, based in Cologne.
Proven methods
Systems engineering, program & portfolio management, technical due diligence and Verification & Validation.
Focus on implementation
Measurable results instead of slide decks.
Due to his methodical competence combined with his strong commitment, we were able to achieve fast project results in the after-sales line organization. Thomas is a trustworthy person and I enjoyed working with him.
Thomas Benkenstein · Project Lead DAiSY, DaimlerChrysler AG, Stuttgart
Facing a leadership gap or a critical project?
Talk to us confidentially and without obligation.
Typical situations
When does an interim manager make sense?
Companies bring in an interim manager when a critical task cannot wait for a permanent hire.
01
Vacant leadership role
E.g. Head of R&D, Head of Product Management or Program Director.
02
Critical project off track
Strategic product development or launch behind schedule or over budget.
03
Restructuring or turnaround
Fast, neutral decisions from someone outside internal politics.
04
Transformation needs a driver
E.g. digitalisation, PLM introduction or new development processes.
05
From research to product
Moving a technology from the lab to a marketable product.
06
Merger, carve-out or due diligence
Technical and organisational guidance for a transaction.
Comparison
Interim manager or consultant: the difference
Both bring external expertise into a company. The difference lies in responsibility:
Consultant
A consultant analyses the situation and recommends what should be done. The decision and implementation remain with the company.
Interim manager
An interim manager takes over a role or project, makes decisions, leads the team and implements the results himself. He carries operational responsibility for a defined period.
Interim manager
Consultant
Role
Takes over a line or project role
Advises management
Responsibility
Decides and implements
Recommends
Duration
Fixed term (a few months to around 18 months)
Project-based, often shorter
Integration
Part of the organisation, leads teams
External perspective
Result
Measurable implementation
Analysis and concept
Experience
Interim management roles and industries
Dr. Thomas Fabula combines scientific depth with many years of management experience in industry.
As an interim manager, he takes over senior positions in R&D, product management and complex technology programs, wherever technical understanding and leadership need to work together.
Discuss your interim need →Typical interim roles
Senior positions taken over for a defined period
Interim Head of R&D or Engineering
Leads development teams through vacancies, reorganisations or critical product launches.
Interim Head of Product Management
Realigns the portfolio, roadmap and product strategy with market needs and technology.
Interim Program and Project Director
Takes responsibility for complex technology programs involving multiple stakeholders, budgets and tight deadlines.
Interim Transformation Lead
Drives PLM introductions and digital transformations from concept through to running operations.
Interim Quality and Process Lead
Stabilises quality systems and development processes in demanding programs.
Industries
Mandates in technology-driven industries
From global corporations to the German Mittelstand.
Track record
Selected mandates and client voices
Examples from interim and consulting mandates in technology-driven companies, in the words of the clients.
Mechanical engineering · United Kingdom
IT system carve-out
“Thomas was key to the success of our IT system carve-out project, enabling us to function independently from our previous parent company.
IT & Office Manager, Mechadyne Intl. Ltd.
Defence · Worldwide
Production shopfloor strategy
“Working with you Thomas has been very productive and educational due to your very broad knowledge, extremely positive attitude and ‘getting things done’ mentality, coupled with your strategic business approach and vast experience!
Business Excellence, Rheinmetall AG
Automotive · Germany
Quality assurance for a software development program
“Dr. Thomas Fabula established successfully a sustainable QA system for our software development program.
Project Lead DAiSY, DaimlerChrysler AG
Beyond interim management
Related fields of expertise
Interim mandates usually connect with these fields, in which Dr. Thomas Fabula works in depth. Each has its own topic page.
Organisation & change
Technology & product
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
Leading PLM programs through rollout and handover to the line organisation.
Product Management
Keeping portfolio and roadmap on track while a head of product management is missing.
Knowledge Management
Documenting results and know-how so the change lasts beyond the mandate.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about interim management
What does an interim manager do?
An interim manager takes over a leadership role or critical project for a defined period, with full responsibility for decisions and implementation, and hands results and knowledge over to the permanent team at the end.
How does an interim mandate work?
After a free, confidential initial conversation, scope, goals and authority are agreed in writing. The mandate typically starts within a few days, followed by hands-on implementation with regular reporting and a structured handover to the permanent team.
How quickly can an interim manager start?
Typically within a few days after the first conversation, depending on the scope of the mandate.
How long does an interim mandate last?
Most mandates run from a few months to around 18 months. Duration is agreed at the start and can be extended if needed.
What does interim management cost?
Usually billed as a daily rate, depending on the role, responsibility and duration. Agreed transparently before the mandate starts.
What is the difference between an interim manager and a consultant?
A consultant advises. An interim manager decides and implements, and is measured by the results achieved.
In which industries does TF Consulting work?
Mainly technology-driven industries: automotive, telecommunications, IT, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and defence technology.
Where are interim mandates carried out?
Based in Cologne, Germany. Mandates throughout Germany and Europe, on site and remote.
How is confidentiality ensured?
A confidentiality agreement is signed before the first detailed conversation. Client names are only published with explicit consent.