Interim manager in the SME sector

Renowned interim manager in the SME sector and member of BVMID's "TOP 100 INTERIM"

From the laudation: “Dear Dr. Claus Michael Sattler, as a renowned interim CIO and member of the BVMID’s ‘TOP 100 INTERIM’ managers in the SME sector, you can offer considerable added value to the members of the Federal Association of German Interim Managers and other SME entrepreneurs. Let’s take a detailed look at what you can do for SMEs as an interim manager and what makes you stand out.

My role as an interim manager in the SME sector

As an interim manager in the SME sector, you take on a central role in the IT management of a company, typically for a period of 6 months to 2 years[1]. Your task is to respond quickly and effectively to the specific challenges and needs of the company.

Strategic IT orientation

One of their main tasks is to develop a future-oriented IT strategy that encompasses all business areas and contributes to increasing the value of the company [source: 2]. This includes:

Analysis of the existing IT infrastructure and services
Identification of optimization potential
Development of a roadmap for the digital transformation

Crisis management and transformation

As an interim manager in the SME sector for IT, digital transformation, Industry 4.0 and data analytics, you are often called upon in situations where rapid action is required:

Elimination of IT-related problem areas: They identify and eliminate critical weaknesses in the IT landscape [source: 1].
Management of transformation projects: They manage the transformation of the IT department to make it fit for the future [source: 1].
Change management: With your experience, you lead the company through complex change processes.

Optimization of the IT organization

A key aspect of your work is improving the IT organization:

Restructuring: You develop efficient organizational structures that promote agile working methods [source: 4].
Personnel development: you identify talent, promote skills and fill key positions [source: 4].
Process optimization: You implement best practices and optimize IT service processes.

What makes you special as an interim manager in the SME sector

Extensive experience and expertise

As a member of BVMID’s “TOP 100 INTERIM”, you have a wealth of experience from various companies and industries. This diversity enables you to transfer best practices and innovative solutions to new contexts [source: 1].

Independence and objectivity

Your position as an external expert allows you to approach challenges with an open mind. You are not restricted by internal politics or emotional ties, which is particularly advantageous in crisis situations [source: 1].

Rapid operational readiness

Unlike the lengthy search for a permanent CIO, as an interim manager you can be up and running in a matter of days or weeks. This is particularly valuable when quick action is required [source: 1].

Customized toolsets and frameworks

You bring tried-and-tested methods and tools that enable the smooth implementation of projects. Your knowledge transfer ensures that the internal team benefits from your expertise in the long term [source: 1].

Specific services for medium-sized companies

Holistic IT analysis

You carry out a comprehensive inventory:

Infrastructure analysis: Documentation of all IT components and creation of a CMDB (Configuration Management Database) [source: 1].
Service analysis: Evaluation of IT services according to ITIL standards [source: 1].
Application landscape: Recording of all applications, their users and criticality [source: 1].
Team analysis: Evaluation of the skills and motivation of the IT team [source: 1].

Development of a future-proof IT organization

Design a clear IT organizational structure with defined roles and responsibilities [source: 1].
Implementation of agile structures and methods for more flexibility and efficiency [Quelle 4].
Building a domain structure that meets modern IT requirements [source: 4].

Strategic supplier management

They create an overview of all IT suppliers and contracts, evaluate their quality and price structure and optimize IT sourcing [source: 1].

Technological modernization

Identification of obsolete systems and technologies.
Preparation of an investment plan for necessary technical renewals [Quelle 4].
Implementation of modern solutions in the areas of infrastructure, digital workplace and IT security [source: 4].

Digitization initiatives

They are driving the digital transformation:

Development of an omnichannel strategy for retail [source: 4].
Implementation of cloud solutions and modern collaboration tools.
Introduction of data analytics and AI-supported decision-making processes.

Risk management and compliance

Creation of a comprehensive risk tracker [source: 4].
Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and IT security standards.
Development of business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

Your added value for SMEs

As an interim manager in the SME sector for IT, Industry 4.0 and data analytics, you offer SMEs the opportunity to benefit from group-level expertise without making a long-term commitment. Your ability to analyze, decide and implement quickly makes you a valuable asset in times of digital change.

Your experience as a book author, keynote speaker and university lecturer gives you additional skills in communication and knowledge transfer. This is particularly valuable when it comes to making complex IT topics understandable and getting all stakeholders on board. This skill is particularly important as an interim manager in the mid-market.

Your membership of BVMID’s “TOP 100 INTERIM” gives you access to an exclusive network and the latest trends in interim management. This enables you to stay up to date and offer your clients innovative solutions.

In summary, as an interim manager for SMEs, you not only bring technical expertise to the table, but also act as a strategist, change manager and mentor. You help medium-sized companies to modernize their IT landscape, optimize processes and prepare for the challenges of the digital future. Your ability to deliver results quickly and initiate sustainable change makes you an indispensable partner for companies that want to remain competitive in the digital era.

Sources

https://blog.krallmann.ag/blog/interim-cio-vs-cio-2
https://www.scholderer.de/interim-cio/
https://www.interim-profis.com/interim-management-mittelstand.html
https://www.atreus.de/publikation/case-studies/interim-cio/
https://mf.ag/de/interim-cio-it-managerin/
https://www.interim-profis.com/fachartikel/interim-leiter-it-chief-information-officer-cio.html
https://brightmill.de/dienstleistungen/interim-cio-it-manager/
https://www.computerwoche.de/article/2830001/cios-verdienen-besser-als-der-durchschnitt.html
https://www.managementangels.com/funktionskompetenz/it/
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