Interim Management

E-Commerce Interim Management

Leadership on demand with full accountability. When you need seasoned hands-on expertise fast – as Head of E-Commerce, CDO, or Digital Sales Director.

E-Commerce Interim Management - Leadership on Demand
The Situation

When Do You Need Interim Management?

Sometimes consulting just isn't enough. Sometimes you need someone who owns the outcomes and gets it done.

The Challenge

  • Key leadership role is vacant with no internal successor
  • Transformation has stalled, execution is stuck
  • Crisis demands fast, experienced decision-making
  • Complex project lacks internal leadership
  • No runway for a lengthy hiring process

With Interim Management

  • A proven leader, ready to start now
  • Rapid execution with full accountability
  • Battle-tested experience from similar situations
  • Clear direction and structure for your teams
  • On the ground within 2-4 weeks
Use Cases

When an Interim Manager Makes Sense

Interim management isn't a permanent fix. It's a precision tool for specific challenges and defined timelines.

Bridge a Vacancy

A leadership position sits empty – resignation, illness, or an ongoing search. I step in immediately, take full ownership, and keep your team moving forward.

  • Available Now
  • Team Leadership & Morale
  • Business Continuity
  • Recruiting Support

Drive Transformation

Digital overhaul, process redesign, or system migration – change initiatives need seasoned leadership that cuts through resistance and delivers results.

  • Change Management
  • Stakeholder Alignment
  • Execution Ownership

Navigate a Crisis

Declining revenue, quality issues, or team dysfunction – when things go sideways, experience matters. I diagnose fast and act decisively.

  • Rapid Assessment
  • Immediate Action
  • Stabilization

Build a Department

Launching e-commerce or standing up a new unit? I build the structure, processes, and team from scratch – then hand over to your permanent hire.

  • Org Design
  • Hiring & Onboarding
  • Process Development

Lead a Major Project

Platform relaunch, ERP rollout, marketplace expansion – high-stakes projects need a seasoned leader with e-commerce depth and the authority to make calls.

  • Project Ownership
  • Vendor Management
  • Budget Oversight
  • Stakeholder Management
Interim Manager in Action
The Difference

More Than Consulting

A consultant advises. An interim manager delivers. The difference? Real accountability.

As an interim manager, I don't just analyze and strategize – I lead your team and own the results. I make decisions, manage people, steer vendors, and take responsibility for outcomes. Just like an internal executive, but for a defined period.

Not ready to hand over full operational control? E-Commerce Consulting or Project Management might be a better fit – less immersive, but also less commitment required from you.

  • Consulting. Analysis, recommendations, strategy. Your team handles the execution.
  • Interim Management. Full operational ownership. I lead, decide, and deliver outcomes.
  • The Advantage. No handoff friction. The person who builds the strategy also executes it.
In Numbers

Interim Management at a Glance

3–12

Months

typical mandate duration

2–5

Days/Week

flexible commitment

2–4

Weeks

to get started

1,150–1,500

Daily Rate

depending on scope

The Process

How a Mandate Works

Structured and transparent – from first conversation to successful handover.

Schritt 01

Discovery Call

We talk through your situation, requirements, and expectations. I'll give you a candid assessment of fit, timeline, and investment.

Situation Deep-Dive Scope Definition Ballpark Estimate
Schritt 02

Proposal & Agreement

You get a clear proposal covering scope, objectives, timeline, and terms. Once signed, I can start within 2-4 weeks.

Defined Scope Clear Objectives Transparent Pricing
Schritt 03

Onboarding & Execution

Quick ramp-up, then full operational ownership. Regular check-ins keep you in the loop without micromanaging.

Fast Ramp-Up Hands-On Leadership Progress Updates
Schritt 04

Handover & Exit

Structured transition to your new permanent leader or existing team. Documentation ensures nothing gets lost.

Knowledge Transfer Documentation Optional Coaching

A good interim manager works to make themselves obsolete. The goal isn't creating dependency – it's a smooth handoff to a permanent solution.

Werner Strauch E-Commerce Interim Manager
Background

What is Interim Management?

Definition and Differentiation

Interim management means stepping into a leadership role temporarily with full operational accountability. Unlike a consultant who advises from the outside, an interim manager operates within your organization – with decision-making authority, budget ownership, and clear performance targets.

Typical engagements run 3 to 12 months. Commitment can be full-time (5 days/week) or part-time (2-3 days/week) – whatever the situation calls for.

Typical Roles in E-Commerce

Head of E-Commerce / E-Commerce Director: Owns all online revenue, leads the e-commerce team, and manages the platform, marketing, and operations.

Chief Digital Officer (CDO): Drives the company's digital transformation at the executive level.

Digital Sales Director: Focuses on digital channels, marketplaces, and online growth strategy.

Project/Program Manager: Leads major transformation initiatives like platform relaunches, ERP implementations, or international expansion.

Why Interim Beats a Lengthy Hiring Process

An interim manager brings ready-to-deploy experience without the months-long recruiting cycle. They offer a fresh outside perspective, aren't weighed down by internal politics, and bring proven playbooks from other organizations.

The fixed timeline creates flexibility: you pay only for as long as you need the expertise. And a seasoned interim manager is laser-focused on results from day one – they know their success is measured by what they deliver, not how long they stick around.

FAQ

Questions About Interim Management

Still have questions? Contact me directly.

01

How quickly can you start?

Typically within 2-4 weeks of signing. In urgent situations, faster starts are possible. We'll nail down exact availability on our first call.

02

What does interim management cost?

Day rates range from EUR 1,150 to EUR 1,500, depending on role, complexity, and engagement model. For longer full-time engagements, monthly retainers are an option. Travel is billed separately.

03

Full-time or part-time – which makes sense?

It depends. For a crisis or leadership vacancy, full-time (5 days/week) usually makes sense. For transformation support or project oversight, 2-3 days often does the job. We'll figure out the right fit together.

04

How is this different from working with an agency?

An agency delivers services – design, development, marketing. An interim manager takes on leadership responsibility inside your company. I'll manage agencies when needed, but I'm embedded in your team, not an outside vendor.

05

What happens when the engagement ends?

The goal is always a clean handover – either to your new permanent hire (whom I'll help onboard) or to your existing team with documented processes. If helpful, I can stay available as a sounding board or advisor.

06

Do you actually manage people?

Absolutely – that's core to interim management. I lead your team, run one-on-ones, set goals, and develop people. Just like an internal executive. That's the fundamental difference from pure consulting.

07

Can you work remotely?

Usually a hybrid approach works best. On-site presence matters early on for building relationships and gaining context. Once things are running, the remote share can increase. Fully remote is possible in some cases.

08

What industries do you cover?

My sweet spot is B2C e-commerce, D2C brands, and omnichannel retail. I've worked across fashion, consumer electronics, FMCG, and B2B. We can talk through fit on our first call.

Need to Fill a Leadership Gap?

Let's jump on a quick call to see if interim management is the right move for your situation. No strings attached.

Prefer to write first? contact@wernerstrauch.com