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Many UK manufacturing companies are now using the services of
Interim Management companies to provide their businesses with
'manufacturing best practise'. By using the experience of an interim manufacturing manager, companies can become leaner and fitter in a shorter
period of time.
In addition, the cost of hiring an interim manager is tangible and
only temporary. This makes the 'interim' proposition a very attractive
strategy. Paul Wilson of Aster Interim Solutions Ltd takes up the
story.
Businesses of all types are now exploring the benefits of Interim management.
What was once seen as the exclusive territory of large multi-national
companies may turn out to be the saviour of the UK manufacturing sector.
Interim Managers
were once exclusively used by the larger companies to aid in company
turnaround or implement business re-structuring but are now being used
by companies of all types and sizes from both the public and private
sector.
Typical reasons why companies may use interim manufacturing managers include:-
- Company turnaround and business restructuring e.g. 'Company Doctor
- Introduction of change management
- To bridge a 'gap' to cover for maternity, secondment etc
- To provide additional resources when companies need it most such as
through periods of dramatic growth or the building of company
infrastructure
- As a 'safe pair of hands' whilst the replacement of a permanent member of staff is sought following their sudden departure
- As a project manager to manage a transition e.g. introduction of new business systems etc.
The UK manufacturing sector has been 'ravaged’ since the 1950s by
cheap imports resulting in job losses and the gradual transition of our
manufacturing base to lower cost geographical areas. Many of the UK
manufacturing companies left are now ‘working smarter not harder’ in an
attempt to outwit their competitors.
One of the ways this manifests itself is by the use of specialist Interim Managers.
Whereas Finance and Human Resources have historically been disciplines
where companies have used interim managers, businesses are now using
interim manufacturing/operations managers to help them in their efforts
to implement philosophies such as six sigma and lean manufacturing.
This all goes to demonstrate, perhaps the strategic use of Interim
Manufacturing Managers can provide our remaining UK manufacturers with a powerful
weapon in their bid to stave off low cost offshore competition.
Paul Wilson
Managing Director
Aster Interim Solutions Ltd
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