Sectors and interim managers: the key to coping with demographic change

Branchen und Interim-Manager

At a time when demographic change is fundamentally altering the world of work, interim managers are becoming increasingly important. These experienced managers offer companies flexible solutions for staff shortages and strategic challenges. Dr. Claus Michael Sattler, a renowned interim CIO, provides insights into the sectors that can particularly benefit from this model.

Demographic change as a challenge for companies

Demographic change is leading to a significant shortage of labor and skilled workers, which is particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Increased competition for the remaining available workforce poses major challenges for SMEs in particular, as they often do not have the resources to keep up with large companies when it comes to recruiting skilled workers. [Source: 2] In this context, interim managers offer a promising solution.

Industries and interim managers: who benefits the most?

Based on current market trends and expert opinions, a number of sectors are emerging that can particularly benefit from interim managers:

1. mechanical and plant engineering

According to the DDIM market study, mechanical engineering is the sector that uses interim managers most frequently. The complex technological challenges and the high pressure to innovate in this sector make the use of experienced interim managers particularly valuable. [Source: 4]

2. automotive industry

Both automotive manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers often rely on interim managers. The industry is undergoing profound change, characterized by electromobility and autonomous driving, which requires flexible management structures. [Source: 4]

3. energy sector and renewable energies

The energy sector, particularly in the field of renewable energies, is showing an increasing demand for interim managers. The restructuring of the energy system and the associated technological and regulatory challenges often require specialized expertise on a temporary basis. [Source: 4]

4. IT and digitalization

As interim CIO, Dr. Claus Michael Sattler sees particularly great potential here. Digitization affects all industries, but medium-sized companies in particular are faced with the challenge of modernizing their IT landscape and making it fit for the future. Interim CIOs can react quickly and effectively to the specific challenges and needs of the company, develop a future-oriented IT strategy and contribute to increasing the value of the company. [Source: 3]

5. healthcare and pharmaceuticals

The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are also showing a growing demand for interim managers. The complex regulatory requirements and technological progress in these sectors often require specialized managers for specific projects or transformation processes. [Source: 4]

Why industries and interim managers come together in times of demographic change

Demographic change is increasing the need for flexible management models for several reasons:

1. bridge the shortage of skilled workers

Interim managers can fill gaps in management positions at short notice and prevent unused potential and resources from lying idle. They minimize delays in projects and prevent the existing team from being overloaded. [Source: 1]

2. ensure knowledge transfer

The departure of experienced managers creates a need for specialized expertise. Interim managers can bridge this knowledge gap and at the same time build a bridge to the next generation of specialists. [Source: 1]

3. flexibility in uncertain times

In a rapidly changing environment, interim managers offer the opportunity to react quickly and effectively to changes without having to make long-term commitments. [Source: 1]

4. set innovation impulses

Experienced interim managers bring fresh perspectives and industry knowledge that are valuable for innovation and transformation processes.

Industries and interim managers: Particular relevance for SMEs

Dr Claus Michael Sattler emphasizes the special importance of interim managers for medium-sized companies: “As an interim CIO, I can help medium-sized companies to modernize their IT strategies and accelerate digital transformation processes without having to make long-term commitments.”

Medium-sized companies benefit in particular from interim managers, as they not only bring technical expertise, but also act as strategists, change managers and mentors. They help to modernize the IT landscape, optimize processes and prepare the company for the challenges of the digital future. [Source: 3]

The future of industries and interim managers

There is a clear upward trend in the use of interim managers. Statistics show that the fee volume for interim managers in Germany has tripled in the last ten years. In 2019, it was predicted that the 2 billion mark would be exceeded, and this trend is continuing. [Source: 10]

Dr. Sattler sees this development as positive: “The demand for flexible, experienced managers will continue to rise. Interim managers will play a key role, especially in areas such as IT and digitalization, where technologies and requirements change rapidly.”

Conclusion: Industries and interim managers as a response to demographic change

Demographic change presents companies with major challenges, but also offers opportunities for new management models. Interim managers such as Dr. Claus Michael Sattler offer a flexible, experience-based solution that is particularly attractive for medium-sized companies.

The use of interim management is far more than just an emergency solution for vacant positions – it is a strategic decision that helps companies to secure competitive advantages and remain fit for the future. In practice, it has been shown that companies that rely on this flexible resource not only overcome operational hurdles, but also proactively set the course for a successful future. [Source: 1]

Interim managers are a valuable resource for industries that are particularly affected by demographic change – whether due to a shortage of skilled workers, technological change or structural changes. They not only provide short-term solutions to staff shortages, but also long-term strategic advantages. By contributing their extensive experience and specialized knowledge, interim managers help companies to master the challenges of demographic change and prepare for the future.

Sources

  1. https://beckprocon.de/interim-management/
  2. https://arbeitgeberportal.kununu.com/blog/demografischer-wandel-im-unternehmen/
  3. https://ihr-interim-cio.com/interim-manager-im-mittelstand/
  4. https://ddim.de/DDIM-Marktstudie2024.pdf
  5. https://www.esgvolution.com/de/wissen/soziales/demografischer-wandel/
  6. https://managerportal.ddim.de/member/00415F5A-8A9B-4F8F-9AFE-2C6C820AE720/claus_michael_sattler.html
  7. https://www.businesstalk-kudamm.com/gastbeitreage/megatrends-und-interim-management/
  8. https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/fileadmin/files/BSt/Presse/imported/downloads/xcms_bst_dms_35961_35962_2.pdf
  9. https://cmsattler.de/index.php/2024/08/18/claus-michael-sattler-interim-manager-der-generation-babyboomer/
  10. https://www.qualityfox.info/blog/2019/07/25/interim-manager-der-beruf-der-zukunft/
  11. https://sichereswissen.info/demografischer-wandel-und-seine-auswirkungen-im-unternehmen/
  12. Image: ChatGPT

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Dr. Claus Michael Sattler

P.O. Box 1142
28833 Weyhe
Germany

Phone: 0049 174 6031377

E-Mail: cms@sattlerinterim.com

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