The role of an Interim Manager in the Automotive sector
The automobile is one of the industries most affected by the industrial crisis and the health crisis. This is also a sector where the demand for Interim Managers is the greatest.
There was an overall decline of 7.1% in turnover in the automotive industry between 2007 and 2009.
A figure whose repercussions are major in terms of employment and the national economy.
The automotive industry is facing a strong trend that forces it to use managers to:
• Reduce costs,
• Increase your flexibility,
• Remain competitive by implementing appropriate measures,
• Adapt to the new political, geopolitical and economic situation.
The automotive industry is therefore facing a drop in orders and strong pressure from suppliers. If in normal times, the automotive sector can count on qualified human resources, in tighter times recruitment can be more complex for specialized technical positions.
This is why the use of a Transition Manager is very classic in the automotive industry.
What positions do Interim Managers hold in the automotive sector?
In the automotive industry, Interim Managers can intervene at various levels and in various positions:
• In production to carry out site restructuring, reorganization of production lines, equipment changes and other changes. A production manager on an automotive site is perfectly qualified to improve a mission and the profitability of the site, to structure actions to develop performance and to manage, if necessary, a staff reduction or a site closure.
• Within purchasing to reorganize skills, purchasing processes, means of production, etc.;
• In logistics: the automotive industry is a sector in which logistics plays a central role. A logistics transition manager is essential to reorganize distribution centers, inventory management, transportation, etc.
• In marketing and communication: the automotive industry is going through a difficult phase; a well-conducted marketing campaign mission is essential to restore its image. This involves concrete actions such as the reorganization of distribution networks, the overhaul of marketing plans, the organization of advertising campaigns, the management of the team in charge of the campaign, etc. A competent and experienced interim marketing director is perfectly capable of supervising a mission of this type, which can prove to be very profitable for an automotive group. A rapidly operational marketing manager, able to implement a large-scale corporate communication plan and promote an innovative product, is a profile in high demand in the automotive industry.
• In R&D: interim engineers are in high demand by major automotive groups: the sector is changing rapidly in the area of sustainable development and dealerships need skills to develop projects geared towards sustainable development.
• Interim Managers can also intervene in commercial functions to set up commercial recovery plans, determine new targets, define an ambitious commercial policy and manage a network of dealers.
What profile for a Transition Manager in the automotive industry?
The positions offered to Interim Managers in the automotive industry are varied and require various skills.
But the industry is looking for passionate, experienced people who can make quick decisions.
The sector is facing real upheavals: interim managers must therefore be operational quickly and must be able to quickly integrate complex data.
Of course, industry experience and advanced technical skills are necessary skills.
Transition automotive engineers must demonstrate real technical expertise, particularly in terms of motorization, transmission and manufacturing. The major automotive groups are also very interested in profiles with significant experience in automotive production.
Whatever the position held, the Interim Manager must demonstrate real experience in the position, which will allow him to be operational in a very short time and to lead a team in good conditions.
How much does an Automotive Transition Manager cost?
The cost of an Interim Manager in the automotive sector is variable and depends on several parameters: his level of responsibility, his experience, his profile, the sector in which he operates are all elements that influence the cost of the manager.
Significant experience in a large automotive group is a guarantee of efficiency and speed and an experienced interim manager can therefore negotiate a higher salary.
On average, the cost of an Interim Manager in the automotive sector is 1000€ per day.