Interim management and mid-cap management: all the specificities of these missions

Period of strong growth, internationalization project, CSR transition… ETIs (Intermediate-Sized Companies) have, due to their characteristics, very specific needs. To secure complex operations and get through a delicate period in a serene way, it will be relevant to call on an interim manager.

Focus on the different missions of interim management for mid-sized companies and their specificities.

 

What are the characteristics of a medium-sized company?

The ETI is an intermediate-sized company with between 250 and 4,999 employees. It is distinguished from SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) with fewer than 250 employees and large companies with 5,000 or more employees. The annual turnover of a mid-sized company is generally between 50 million and 1.5 billion euros.

These companies are often in a phase of rapid growth and have a strong presence in international markets. They also stand out for their Desire for innovation and by their more elaborate organizational structure than that of SMEs, although less complex than that of large companies.

In France, there are currently 5,400 intermediate-sized companies, including 1,700 industrial mid-caps (Source: entreprises.gouv.fr). Mid-caps specialise in various sectors of activity, such as health, agri-food, manufacturing, etc. 35% of mid-cap employees work in industry, 30% in market services and 23% in trade.

 

What missions should be entrusted to an interim manager as a medium-sized company?

Here are some examples of key missions that may require the intervention of an interim manager within a mid-sized company, as well as their specificities.

• Developing its international presence

As explained above, mid-caps have a strong presence on international markets and 33% of their turnover is generated by exports.

However, any internationalization project is accompanied by multiple challenges, linked in particular to a lack of knowledge of the target market.

Whether you want to open a subsidiary, a branch, a production site or an international company, it will be particularly wise to seek the help of an interim manager who specialises in international development.

The latter has a prestigious international career and a solid knowledge of the specificities of foreign markets, the competitive landscape and the habits and needs of local consumers, as well as the local economic context. Its expertise will enable the mid-sized company to secure your project and control the risks cultural, economic and regulatory related to the internationalization of its services or products. The interim manager will also be able to help the company comply with various local regulations and standards. He will also be able to set up and lead multicultural teams, identify trusted local suppliers, implement an appropriate marketing strategy and ensure the smooth running of the project.

At WAYDEN, for example, we can mobilise An interim manager who is an expert in international development and specialized in a targeted sector of activity (Agri-food, luxury, Health, Industry…) and on a specific function (Interim Executive Director, Interim HR Director, Interim Sales Manager…). This high-flying professional, very mobile, is able to intervene within your company in France and abroad.

• Sustaining a period of strong growth

Many mid-caps are facing issues of strong economic growth. This period, which is inevitably accompanied by Numerous human, organizational and financial upheavals, requires strong decisions to be made and many internal processes and practices to be questioned.

To do this, interim management offers a solution of choice. The interim manager will be able to accurately identify the actions to be put in place and the adjustments to be made to Sustain this period of hypergrowth and take advantage of the best opportunities.

For example, an interim manager will be able to set up effective recruitment strategies to find new talent and allow the company to have the necessary staff. It will also be able to put in place robust quality control processes and institute regular audits to ensure that the Ensuring compliance with quality standards despite the ramp-up of production. He will also be able to deploy the necessary actions to optimize operational processes, automate low value-added tasks and plan the strengthening of the ETI’s production capacities.

Finally, in times of rapid growth, the interim manager will be able to help the mid-sized company preserve its corporate culture, align the various business units with the new growth objectives and ensure the control of the financial and operational risks related to this phase of change.

• Managing a CSR transition

Mid-cap companies generate 30% of the turnover of all French companies and represent 35% of the workforce. These companies therefore occupy a central place in the French economy and play a key role in the ecological transition.

For this type of company, one of the interim management missions may then consist of piloting a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) transition.

The interim manager will help the mid-sized company to implement sustainable practices at all levels of the company: reduction of carbon emissions, digital transition, use of renewable energy sources, eco-design, establishment of partnerships with responsible suppliers, etc.

Thanks to his multiple managerial skills and human qualities (adaptability, listening skills, leadership, etc.), he will be able to involve all employees in this change management and mobilize all stakeholders in the implementation of an effective, tangible and sustainable CSR policy.

• Responding to human resources challenges

Faced with competition and the attractiveness of large companies, mid-sized companies can find it difficult to attract and retain highly qualified talent.

To respond to its recruitment problems, the mid-sized company will then be able to call on an interim Human Resources Director. The latter will be able to help the company to enhance and promote its employer brand, implement or develop the QWLC (quality of life and working conditions) policy, optimize its recruitment processes, improve career and skills management (GPEC)…

The interim manager may also intervene to temporarily replace, at short notice, an absent general manager or service director or who have left office. This Relay Manager will ensure the continuity of the position until the return of the former director or until a new talent is recruited.

• Optimize financial management

The medium-sized company can also call on the interim manager, or CFO (Chief Financial Officer) to:

• Securing delicate financial transactions, such as fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, delicate negotiations with a key account, etc.,

• optimize the financial management of the mid-sized company,

• implement a cost-cutting approach and control financial risks in order to strengthen the profitability of the medium-sized company.

Are you looking for an interim manager for your mid-sized company?

Whatever your sector of activity and your problem, our interim management company WAYDEN is able to identify and mobilize an interim manager with 15 to 25 years of experience. A natural leader, he intervenes directly within your company for a period ranging from 6 to 18 months. Operational as soon as he arrives, he will be able to activate the necessary levers to meet your current challenges and help your mid-sized company overcome a delicate milestone.

Contact us to find out more.