Getting To Know Your Consultant
Interim Partners specialist sector consultants are highly experienced and have a vital role to play in the support of Interim candidates. They are focused on finding the best people wih the best fit for a particular assignment. Here we talk to Andrew McIntee about his role.
Q: How did you get into Interim Management?
I was recruited into a financial recruitment company by our Managing Director, Doug Baird, many years ago, and we forged a good working relationship. Doug identified a gap in the market for a strong branded interim provider based in the North of England and subsequently left to set up Interim Partners (IP). Over the past two years, the business has grown rapidly alongside the recognition that interim management is a viable solution to business problems and Doug approached me to join as an equity Director to help take IP to the next level.
Q: What do you find most satisfying about your career?
I'm fortunate enough to be able to engage with clients who require interims to solve a particular problem, and I form part of the solution. I visit clients to ensure I fully understand their business and the issue at hand then access my network of interim managers to draw up a short-list of people who can rapidly add value. Hearing how the interims deliver solutions and receiving positive feedback from the clients is highly rewarding.
Q: What qualities do you look for in an interim management candidate?
A broad business background coupled with a flexible attitude. Interims are often tasked with solving difficult problems whilst working away from home - they have to be prepared to go where the work is. They also have to focus on delivery of the task at hand and avoid internal politics. Strong interpersonal skills are crucial in gaining the trust and respect of permanent members of staff, who are then more willing to pass on vital information.
Q: How can clients get the most out of working with IP?
We operate a model of working within vertical markets so that our consultants fully understand the issues involved. A strong relationship with the relevant practice head at IP will ensure a thorough understanding of the business and sector involved and will mean that candidate shortlists are very close to the client brief. The more information we are given, the better able we are to deliver a strong solution. We have worked with many of our client over a number of years, providing them with on-going support - Co-Operative Financial Services has recruited 17 of our interims in the last 2 years.
Q: What would you say are the key challenges for your clients in the financial services sector? How can Interim Management help?
Financial services is a very competitive sector but if clients get it right the rewards are huge. Many of my clients are focusing on their cost bases - trying to ensure that their businesses are as lean as possible. This may involve off-shoring support functions to India or integrating business units to deliver economies of scale. And constant regulatory changes must be adhered to, which also puts extra strain on internal resources. This is where sector specific interim managers can help. We have interim managers within these specialist areas who can deliver change within short time frames - the alternative could be engaging a consultancy business but the cost is significantly higher. Interim managers represent excellent value for money as they can work without supervision and take ownership of a problem in a cost effective way.
Q: Where in the world you like to visit?
I would love to travel New Zealand. When I graduated from university, I spent a year backpacking around Australia where I met many people who had also traveled to New Zealand. Everyone said how stunning it is and I would like the opportunity to visit. However, with two young daughters, I may have to wait a few years!
Q: Person you most admire?
My hero would have to be Richard Branson. He is a man who started with nothing but has managed to build an international business empire from scratch. That's impressive, but there are others who have done that. What sets him apart is that he has launched successful businesses in dozens of different markets, from airlines to books, and financial services - a truly remarkable achievement.
Q: Best restaurant?
The best restaurant I’ve ever been to is Gordon Ramsey at Royal Hospital Road in London. I visited last year with my business partner, Doug as a celebration. It is the only 3 starred Michelin restaurant in London and produced food at a standard way beyond anything I have tasted before. A real experience!
Q: Most proud of?
Difficult one. I'm proud of the business we have built at IP. It’s been enormously rewarding to join at such an early stage and help guide it to its current position of the leading interim provider in the North, but we have plans for much more! On a personal level, I'm proud of my family. I was married at 23 and a father at 25, which is young by today's standards. Having children is hard work but a huge amount of fun too.
