Industrialization project manager: what if you needed an interim manager?

Whether it is to replace an absent industrialization project manager or to support him during a decisive period with major challenges, interim management offers a strategic solution to industry players. But when should you call on this professional and for what needs? WAYDEN answers.

 

Industrialization project manager: definition, role and missions

The role of the industrialization project manager is to ensure the smooth running of industrial production projects. He manages each stage of the operation, from the design phase to the final phase of construction. His main mission is to optimize production costs, as well as product quality and completion times.

It is also responsible for:

• Plan the project : target the client’s needs, the outlines of the project, the objectives, the key steps, the necessary resources and the execution schedule;
  

• Project Management : Oversee each stage of the project to ensure compliance with deadlines, budget constraints, specifications and quality specifications;
  

• Coordinating stakeholders : to do this, he works in close collaboration with all the players involved (suppliers, engineers, technicians, R&D, quality, purchasing team, etc.).

 

Industrialization project manager: when to call on an interim manager

The interim manager is a highly qualified, experienced external consultant and specialized in a specific function and sector. He intervenes within the company, for a fixed period, generally ranging from from 6 to 18 months, in order to respond to a specific problem.

In the industrial sector, the interim manager can intervene to:

• Replace an industrial project manager

The interim manager can first intervene to replace an absent industrialization project manager (following a resignation, retirement, dismissal, sick leave, etc.). The external professional intervenes for a defined period of time in order to carry out the functions of the project manager (team management, scoping of needs, management of the industrial project, reporting, etc.). This is called Relay management. The interim manager’s mission will thus end when the absent employee returns or when a new candidate is recruited. It can be a question of replacing a project manager but also any other executive or manager: plant manager, operations manager, Supply Chain Manager…

• Managing an industrial crisis

The interim manager will also be able to intervene in the event of an industrial crisis, whatever the causes and extent: a shortage of raw materials; transport strikes; a halt in production due to technical failures, etc. An expert in crisis management, the industrial interim manager will be able to quickly redress the situation, limit the impact of the crisis and ensure the continuity of industrial activity.

• Leading an industrial transformation project

The interim manager may also be called upon to lead a large-scale industrial project, whatever it may be: transfer of a manufacturing line, opening of a new factory, closure of a production site, digital transformation within the supply chain, product launch, internationalization of the offer, improvement of industrial performance, management of an industrial restructuring, etc.

 

Here are some examples of industrial projects to entrust to an interim manager:

• Carry out the production launch of a new product;
• Implement new industrial tools and equipment (ERP, WMS, PLCs, etc.);
• Optimize industrial processes to reduce costs and maximize operational efficiency;
• Carry out a technical and financial feasibility study to confirm the viability of an industrialization project;
• Produce prototypes as part of a new product launch;
• …

After carrying out an analysis of the existing situation and identifying the challenges and objectives of the organization, the interim manager will establish an action plan targeted and time-bound. He or she will manage each stage of the project with rigour, will be able to make strong decisions if necessary and will ensure the commitment of the various stakeholders (employees, subcontractors, suppliers, department managers, etc.) throughout the project.

 

What are the advantages of interim management for the industry?

Half of the interim management assignments are carried out for the industrial sector. Indeed, this outsourcing solution is perfectly adapted to the needs of industry players.

Calling on an interim manager as an industrialization project manager offers several advantages, such as:

• In-depth technical and industrial expertise (knowledge of manufacturing processes, tools, industrial project management methods, hygiene, health and safety rules, etc.);
• Sectoral know-how in industry (agri-food, nuclear, aerospace, etc.)
• Human qualities and managerial skills (resistance to stress, adaptability, leadership, listening, charisma, relational intelligence, natural authority, etc.) and an ability to motivate and unite teams;
• A very rapid intervention, in emergency if necessary;
• Immediate operational excellence : the interim manager understands the challenges, needs and objectives of the organization very quickly;
• High mobility : the interim manager is able to travel throughout France and Europe.

 

Are you looking for an interim manager for the industry? WAYDEN is able to identify and assign, in a very short time, an interim industrial project manager whose know-how and interpersonal skills are perfectly in line with your expectations, your problem and your sector of activity. Selected by our interim management company on the basis of demanding criteria, this professional stands out for his prestigious career in strategic positions, for a methodology oriented towards obtaining concrete results and for his unparalleled human and managerial qualities.