Marketing News: Pay rises for Sales and marketing Interim Managers

News Release from: Kayak PR
26/08/2009
Interim Managers, Russam GMS,UK Interim Management,Charles Russam, Interim Management Association

The recession appears to be bottoming out, according to the latest snapshot survey of over 10,000 Interim Managers from leading UK Interim Management provider, Russam GMS.

While Interim activity in the market declined by 4% in the six months from January to June this year, it compares favourably with the 11% drop in activity recorded in the six months from June to December 2008.

In spite of widespread industry speculation about Interim rates being squeezed downwards, the average daily pay rate fell just £10, from an all time high of £611 in December 2008 to £601.

Pay rates for part time Interim managers actually increased from £600 to £602 indicating that companies were still working with Interims but in a more flexible way to suit their tighter budgets.

There were pay rises for sales and marketing specialists who saw their daily rates increase 12% from £527 in December to £592 in June this year. Interims working in the pharmaceutical sector also saw their rates shoot up 14

While Interim activity in the market declined by 4% in the six months from January to June this year, it compares favourably with the 11% drop in activity recorded in the six months from June to December 2008.

In spite of widespread industry speculation about Interim rates being squeezed downwards, the average daily pay rate fell just £10, from an all time high of £611 in December 2008 to £601.

Pay rates for part time Interim managers actually increased from £600 to £602 indicating that companies were still working with Interims but in a more flexible way to suit their tighter budgets.

There were pay rises for sales and marketing specialists who saw their daily rates increase 12% from £527 in December to £592 in June this year. Interims working in the pharmaceutical sector also saw their rates shoot up 14% in the last six months to £687 from £603.

Pay rates stood up well in the public and third sectors too. The average daily rate for Interims working in local government increased by 5% and those working in not for profit organisations and charities saw their pay increase by 8% from £464 in December 2008 to £499 in June 2009.

There were big pay rises for Interims willing to work overseas with daily rates rising by 10% from £707 to £778. Interims in their 40s were commanding the highest salaries – an average of £611 per day, closely followed by those in their 50s on £601.

Interims hit hardest by the recession were those working in the retail sector and the food industry – both sectors saw pay rates fall by 26%. Interims working in Education experienced a 13% drop in pay from £641 in December 2008 to £557 in June 2009. Interims working in IT and in the professional services also experienced small decreases in pay.

Regionally, the biggest pay cut were felt by Interims in the West of England (13%). In the South and North of England pay fell by 6%, whilst it remained static in the Midlands. In spite of the recession, the majority of Interims questioned remain committed to their career choice in spite of the market conditions. Just 30% saying they would never consider returning to full time employment and half said would consider it, but only if the opportunity was too good to turn down.

Charles Russam, Chairman of Russam GMS, commented, “There are definite signs of optimism in the Interim Management market. The rate of decline has slowed considerably in the last six months so we may have seen the worst of the recession. As in previous recessions, more companies have been employing interims on a part time basis, showing that demand is clearly there but companies are being more cautious and cost conscious so less willing to use Interims on a full time basis.”

He added, “It is encouraging too that there were big pay rises for Interims working0 0in sales and marketing over the past six months. Companies are perhaps redoubling their sales and marketing efforts to gain competitive advantage. The public sector has held up well and we believe there will be further opportunities for Interims in this area as the government’s public sector transformation agenda continues. We also believe that turnaround specialists will play a central part in reviving the private sector, in particular the banking industry.”

In terms of his advice to Interims, he says, “The market is more competitive and tighter than ever before so Interims need to be on top of their game, brush up their skills and sell themselves to whoever needs their services and can pay for them.”

About Russam GMS Ltd:

Russam GMS is the longest established mainstream provider of interim managers in the UK with a 28 year track record.

Russam GMS has the most comprehensive working database and range of contacts with Interim Managers within the UK.

Russam GMS founded the Interim Management Association and is a founder member of the international Taplow Group.

Russam GMS is a leading specialist provider of interim managers for central and local government, financial services, manufacturing, charity and not for profit sectors and to the private equity and venture capital sectors.

For further information please contact:

Kathryn Hughes

Russam GMS Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)20 3249 1072 / 07801 823 839

Kathryn.Hughes@russam-gms.co.uk