The Rise of Career Interims in Ireland: What Clients and Candidates Need to Know

Ireland’s business landscape is changing fast. From economic uncertainty to digital disruption, organisations are rethinking how they access senior leadership. One clear trend is the rise of the career interim – experienced professionals who choose interim roles as a long-term career path, not a stopgap.

This shift is creating opportunities for both businesses and executives. But to get the most from it, clients and candidates need to understand what sets career interims apart.

What is a Career Interim?

Career interims are highly experienced leaders who take on short or medium-term assignments. They typically operate at executive level – as CEOs, CFOs, COOs, HR Directors or Programme Leads – and are fully accountable for results.

They are not filling time between permanent roles. They are choosing interim work for the challenge, variety and impact it offers.

Why Demand is Growing

Several factors are fuelling the rise of interims in Ireland:

1. Faster pace of change
   Organisations need to respond quickly to market shifts, regulatory changes and internal transformation. Interims offer speed, focus and experience.
2. Leadership gaps
   Executive departures or retirements often leave urgent gaps. Interims provide stability while permanent solutions are found.
3. Private equity growth
   With increased M&A activity in Ireland, businesses need experienced hands to manage integration, scaling or turnaround. Interims often step in post-deal to unlock value.
4. Changing career priorities
   More senior professionals are stepping away from permanent roles in favour of flexibility, autonomy and purpose. Interim work can offer all three.

What Clients Need to Know

Career interims bring a different kind of value to an organisation:

• They deliver fast: Interims are used to hitting the ground running and often make an impact within days.
• They are objective: With no internal politics or long-term agenda, they offer clarity and honest insight.
• They focus on outcomes: Whether driving change or covering a critical gap, interims are measured by results.
• They offer real return on investment: While day rates may seem high, the concentrated value they deliver often outweighs the cost.

To get the best from an interim, businesses should provide a clear brief, access to decision-makers and room to deliver. Trust and communication matter more than control.

What Candidates Need to Know

If you’re thinking about a move into interim work, here are a few truths to consider:

• It’s not consultancy: You’ll be expected to lead, not just advise. Ownership and accountability are essential.
• Your reputation is your brand: Success depends on your track record, network and presence in the market.
• Work can be seasonal: Gaps between roles are normal, so financial planning and resilience are key.
• A good partner helps: Working with an interim provider can give you access to better-fit roles and long-term career support.

The Role of Interim Providers

At Boyden Ireland, we are seeing more businesses turn to interims for support in areas like finance, HR, operations, transformation and change. We work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure the right fit, right timing and clear outcomes.

We also support interims in building successful portfolios with ongoing guidance, briefings and insight.

Final Thought

The rise of career interims in Ireland reflects a deeper shift in how leadership is delivered. For clients, it’s a way to stay agile and resilient. For candidates, it’s a rewarding path built on impact, freedom and variety.

Interim management is no longer a Plan B. It’s a strategic choice.

If you are considering hiring a career interim or exploring interim opportunities in Ireland, connect with Maurice Carr today. Our team can help you navigate the interim landscape, connect with the right talent or roles and ensure you achieve the outcomes you need.