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Interim City Manager

Confident leadership when the municipality faces change

When new legal requirements, political decisions, or reorganizations put pressure on the municipality, an interim municipal manager steps in, takes a comprehensive approach to managing the departments, and ensures budget discipline, service quality, and dialogue with residents and the business community from day one.

150+ successfully completed interim assignments

A tailored process, a transparent partnership, and an exclusive network of interim leaders

“I’m proud of our strong network of interim consultants—we respond quickly and effectively, with clear and transparent pricing.”

Michael Gabrielsson, Partner
Scandinavian Executive

That’s why municipalities choose us when they have management vacancies

Candidates with proven public sector experience

Our network includes 8,000 quality-assured interim managers with experience in both rural and urban areas, as well as in efficiency improvements, digitalization, and the implementation of the Local Government Act. We only present profiles who can Municipal Act, LOU, and MBL, which saves weeks of onboarding time and reduces the risk of missteps.

Transparency that stands up to scrutiny

We operate according to the same principle as in all our engagements: 80% of the fee goes to the consultant, 20% to us. No upfront costs, no hidden extras. This makes it easy for the finance department and auditors to review the procurement process and compare it to internal costs.

A point of contact – available 24/7

From the initial needs assessment until the interim municipal manager is in place, you will have the same senior advisor working with you. We are available evenings and weekends, provide monthly updates to political leadership, and adjust the objectives if circumstances change during the term of office.

Why choose us?

When companies grow rapidly, leadership needs can change overnight. An interim manager is a flexible solution that ensures operations continue to run smoothly, regardless of the challenges.

Competitors
Scandinavian Executive

Quick hiring

Extensive network of candidates

Industry specialization

Rigorous selection process

Flexible contract terms

Transparent Pricing

Appointed roles

consulting network

Hire an interim consultant

When there is an urgent need for a project or a permanent position, an interim consultant can fill a critical gap.

150+ successfully completed projects

Interim municipal manager ensuring continuity

Continuity during leadership transitions and organizational changes

An unexpected departure can quickly create a vacuum. The consultant immediately assumes managerial responsibilities, oversees ongoing projects, and ensures that policy decisions are implemented without interruption. The result is stability within the administrative organization and an uninterrupted level of service for citizens.

Real-time financial management

The municipality’s finances are under pressure from demographic trends, inflation, and fluctuating state subsidies. An interim municipal manager reviews the operating budget, investment plans, and fee schedules, identifies areas of risk, and provides full transparency to both committees and the Municipal Executive Committee. This creates a solid basis for decision-making in the municipal council.

A neutral party in political negotiations

As an outsider, the consultant has no ties to previous political blocs. This makes it easier to mediate between the majority and the opposition, set realistic timelines, and adapt to shifting priorities following an election. The municipality gains a leadership team that focuses on substantive issues and results, not party politics.

The recruitment process

Our recruitment process is fast, streamlined, and tailored to your needs. We ensure you find the right candidate quickly through a clear job description and an efficient screening process.

1. Scope of Work & Objectives

We listen carefully to your expectations, goals, and current situation. A job description or job posting can serve as a basis, and we conduct a structured interview with the client.

2. Search for candidates in the network

We select and contact approximately 20 suitable candidates. We conduct interviews with the relevant and available consultants we identify, based on the job description.

3. Quality Assurance

The top 3–4 candidates are presented to the client within 1–3 days. A follow-up meeting with the client is held to finalize the selection and plan the next steps.

4. Customer Interview – Background Check

The client conducts interviews, any tests they may require, and interviews with the candidate’s grandparents. References are checked as needed, and a background check may be conducted on the final candidate.

5. Contract

We draw up a contract specifying the duration and scope of the assignment, always with a transparent pricing structure so that both the client and the consultant know how the fee is allocated. We always pay 80% of the fee to the consultant. If the client is dissatisfied, the contract can be terminated with a maximum of one month’s notice.

6. Assignments are carried out

Throughout the project, we maintain regular contact with both the client and the consultant to address any questions or gather feedback necessary for a successful collaboration.

7. Conclusion – Potential Employment

The assignment is concluded as specified in the agreement; however, if the assignment was intended to lead to employment and both parties agree, it will result in a hiring. The recruitment fee decreases the longer the assignment has lasted.

What is an interim municipal manager good at?

A bird's-eye view: from welfare to infrastructure

The municipal manager must be able to balance education, social services, technology management, and business development. Our consultants have proven experience leading cross-functional organizations with thousands of employees—and setting priorities when resources are limited.

Communicative bridge-builder

Public dialogue, media relations, and union negotiations each require a different approach. The interim manager tailors the message to the audience, builds trust in both the break room and the boardroom, and ensures that decisions are translated into concrete actions on the ground.

Results-driven change leader

Efficiency improvements and digital transformation aren’t projects—they’re a state of being. The consultant sets clear KPIs for service levels, processing times, and employee engagement, tracks progress weekly, and makes course corrections on short notice. When the assignment concludes, the processes, key metrics, and tools remain in place to continue driving the municipality forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Michael Gabrielsson

Partner and co-owner