What's an interim COO?

An interim COO, or Chief Operating Officer, is an experienced leader who temporarily takes charge of optimizing and running a company's operations. This role blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution to ensure efficient operations and long-term business growth. A COO often drives process improvements and streamlines workflows.

What Responsibilities Are Included in the Role?

The role involves improving internal processes, managing risks, allocating resources efficiently, and implementing digital solutions. An interim COO focuses on building a stable and effective operational structure that supports both short-term and long-term business goals.

How quickly can an interim COO be placed?

Our process is structured and tailored to your specific needs, which often means we can present qualified candidates within a few days. The timeframe varies depending on your organization's requirements and market availability, but we always aim for a quick and accurate match.

What are the benefits of hiring an interim COO?

Hiring an interim COO gives you immediate access to specialized expertise without long-term commitments. This role boosts operational efficiency, improves risk management, and helps create a sustainable strategy, which in turn strengthens your company's competitiveness and profitability.

Can an interim COO transition into a permanent role?

Yes, many interim consultants are open to transitioning into a permanent position after their assignment ends. A smooth transition ensures leadership continuity and contributes to a long-term, stable operational environment, benefiting both the organization and its employees. After working together for a while, the consultant and client get to know each other, which minimizes the risks of a bad hire. This can be very costly and complicated for both the organization and the consultant.

Scandinavian Executive

Interim COO to drive operational delivery

An interim COO (Chief Operating Officer) is an experienced operations leader who steps in when your organization needs a big change, a replacement for a key role, or some stabilization – quickly and without lengthy hiring processes. A COO manages daily operations and can both diagnose problems, kickstart improvements, and train your team to handle challenges independently.

150+ successful interim assignments completed

Tailored process, transparent partnership, and an exclusive network of interim leaders

make an inquiry

“I'm really proud of our strong network of interim consultants – we respond quickly, accurately, and with clear, transparent pricing.”

Michael Gabrielsson, Partner

Scandinavian Executive

make an inquiry

We quickly find the right interim COO for you

The right expertise – exactly when you need it

When a key role is open or the situation calls for expert help, we'll present 2 to 3 handpicked candidates within a few days. Our network includes around 8,000 experienced interim consultants. We listen to your needs, analyze the situation, and match skills, personality, and working style.

No surprises – just clear solutions

We work transparently with a simple 80/20 pricing model, where 80 percent goes to the consultant. You'll have a dedicated contact person throughout the entire process, and we follow up during the assignment. No surprises and no hidden costs.

Long-term partnership

We get to know your business to solve immediate needs and build a flexible talent strategy for the future. Many assignments turn into long-term collaborations. Our consultants can join your management team or report to them, depending on the assignment's level.

Why hire us?

When companies grow fast, leadership needs can change overnight. An interim manager is a flexible solution that ensures operations continue to run smoothly, no matter the challenges.

Competitors

Scandinavian Executive

Quick placement

Large candidate network

Industry specialization

Thorough selection process

Flexible contract terms

Transparent Pricing

Our interim solutions

We offer experienced and qualified interim consultants for both short-term and long-term assignments. Whether you need a strategic leader or an operational specialist, we can quickly match you with the right person. Here are some of the roles we fill:

Interim consultant for a role

Need to quickly fill a specific role? With an interim solution, you get the right expertise immediately and can evaluate the person before a potential permanent hire.

Interim consultant for a project

Do you have a time-limited project with specific requirements? An interim consultant gives you immediate expertise – without long-term commitments.

Interim first, then hire

Many companies choose to start with an interim assignment and, after a few months, decide to transition to a permanent employment.

Placements

Steady leadership during a sensitive time, with a senior interim

When the business faced closure during the pandemic, a senior interim consultant became crucial for keeping production going.

Fast integration without friction, interim was the key

When a fast-growing group acquired new companies globally, quick and smooth integration was needed.

When leadership struggles and the team goes their own way

Stepping in as an interim consultant when there's low trust and unclear direction requires professionalism and experience.

A divided team and resistance to change

When a team was without effective leadership and collaboration, our interim consultant stepped in to stabilize the situation.

Business stability and a cohesive management team

When a senior interim manager stepped in to lead a billion-dollar deal during a turbulent phase, the impact was greater than expected…

The interim assignment turned into an international recruitment

A year ago, we received a request for an assignment where the client needed to strengthen their purchasing organization. They had carried out…

Interim CFO increased profitability by 63%

A Swedish industrial group had quickly seen its business change due to intensely hardening competition in its main market…

Interim Manager (VP) in place after 8 days

A Swedish industrial group had just acquired a smaller competitor in another Nordic market. Shortly after the deal was sealed…

Regional Managers for two regions – two different needs

Our client company operates in service activities for the construction and real estate sectors. In two different parts of the company, there were challenges related to

show all

consultant network

Hire an interim consultant

If you have an urgent need for a project or a permanent role, an interim consultant can fill a crucial gap.

Over 150 successfully completed assignments

make an inquiry

Interim COO who delivers great results

Operational crisis and change management

During restructuring, profitability challenges, or rapid growth, an interim COO acts as a stabilizing force. With fresh eyes, bottlenecks are identified, priorities are set, and short-term and long-term plans are developed to give the business direction and stability.

Process optimization and efficiency

A COO maps out workflows, eliminates bottlenecks, and introduces relevant KPIs and follow-ups. The result is clearer governance, saved time, and scalable processes without compromising quality.

Leadership during change or transformation

An interim COO connects owners or the CEO with the operational teams. The strategy becomes clearer, the management team's capacity is strengthened, and knowledge stays within the organization after the assignment ends.

The recruitment process

Our recruitment process is quick, smooth, and tailored to your needs. We make sure you get the right candidate fast, thanks to a clear requirement profile and efficient selection.

1. Assignment Description & Goals

We carefully listen to your expectations, goals, and current situation. A role description or job advertisement can be used as a basis, and we'll also conduct a structured interview with the client.

2. Candidate Search within Our Network

Around 20 suitable candidates are selected and contacted. We then conduct interviews with the relevant and available consultants we find, based on the assignment description.

3. Quality Assurance

The best 3-4 candidates are presented to the client within 1-3 days. We then have a check-in with the client to plan the selection and next steps.

4. Interview with Client – Background Check

The client conducts their interviews, any internal tests, and a final senior-level interview. References are taken if needed, and a background check can be performed on the final candidate.

5. Contract

An agreement outlining the length and scope of the assignment is drafted, always with transparent pricing so both the client and consultant know how the fee is distributed. We always pay 80% of the fee to the consultant. If the client is not satisfied, the contract can be terminated with a maximum of one month's notice.

6. Assignment Commences

During the assignment, we keep in regular contact with both the client and the consultant to catch any questions or feedback needed for a successful collaboration.

7. Wrap-up – potential employment

The assignment wraps up as per the agreement, or if the goal was employment and both parties are on board, it turns into a recruitment. The recruitment fee gets lower the longer the assignment has been going on.

What makes a good COO stand out?

Strong leadership and clarity

A good COO leads confidently, makes decisions, and provides direction. Trust and commitment are built within the organization, with close contact with operations and a focus on communication and decisive action.

Strategic thinking and a holistic view

A successful COO needs to be able to see the business from a holistic perspective and quickly identify what actions are needed. They have both strategic understanding and good business insight, which ensures that the right decisions are made at the right time. This way, the business develops in line with the company's goals.

Flexibility and problem-solving

An interim COO handles new situations with speed and prioritization. Their adaptability and problem-solving skills ensure the organization maintains momentum and direction even when circumstances change.

Common questions and answers

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Contact us further down the page.

What's an interim COO?
An interim COO, or Chief Operating Officer, is an experienced leader who temporarily takes charge of optimizing and running a company's operations. This role blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution to ensure efficient operations and long-term business growth. A COO often drives process improvements and streamlines workflows.
What Responsibilities Are Included in the Role?
The role involves improving internal processes, managing risks, allocating resources efficiently, and implementing digital solutions. An interim COO focuses on building a stable and effective operational structure that supports both short-term and long-term business goals.
How quickly can an interim COO be placed?
Our process is structured and tailored to your specific needs, which often means we can present qualified candidates within a few days. The timeframe varies depending on your organization's requirements and market availability, but we always aim for a quick and accurate match.
What are the benefits of hiring an interim COO?
Hiring an interim COO gives you immediate access to specialized expertise without long-term commitments. This role boosts operational efficiency, improves risk management, and helps create a sustainable strategy, which in turn strengthens your company's competitiveness and profitability.
Can an interim COO transition into a permanent role?
Yes, many interim consultants are open to transitioning into a permanent position after their assignment ends. A smooth transition ensures leadership continuity and contributes to a long-term, stable operational environment, benefiting both the organization and its employees. After working together for a while, the consultant and client get to know each other, which minimizes the risks of a bad hire. This can be very costly and complicated for both the organization and the consultant.

Contact us

Do you need an interim consultant? Contact us for advice or a no-strings-attached chat about your needs today or in the future.

We respond quickly, around the clock. Reach us via the form below or call 010-330 52 50

Michael Gabrielsson

Partner and Co-owner

+46 735 038 320

michael@scandex.se

General inquiries

010-330 52 50

info@scandinavianexecutive.se