Interim management & executive search as a strategic solution – Why this combination can mean quick, but especially sustainable success for companies.

To support us in filling an Interim CFO position, we were approached through a long-standing network partner from the areas of external consulting and coaching with a request from a biotech company.

Cultural fit, alongside professional expertise, was crucial for the selection of the Interim Manager, as some ineffective experiences had been made in the past. Providers are obligated to not only stand by objectively with advice but also, in case of doubt, to prefer honestly and thoughtfully declining a project rather than “incorrectly” staffing it.

Profile of the Biotech Company

The client is a family-owned company in the biotech sector with fewer than 500 employees, based in Germany. It faces significant challenges that necessitate a realignment of all business processes. Key issues include lack of transparency, poor horizontal collaboration, and the regular need for management intervention in a hierarchically and functionally organized structure. These difficulties impair not only the efficiency and responsiveness of the company but also endanger its long-term competitiveness. This whitepaper presents a summary of a systemic analysis of the current situation and recommendations for optimizing business processes to prepare the company for a successful future.

Systemic Analysis of Business Processes

The analysis of the business processes was conducted through systemic interviews at all hierarchical levels. Targeted questions were used to capture not just superficial problems but also the underlying system of structures, patterns, and interactions.

The analysis results showed that, despite recording successful development and growth, the company was facing various challenges at the time of the survey. These included a declining profit development despite increasing sales, the vacancy of several key positions, and increased complexity due to the formation of a joint venture.

Internal structures and processes revealed deficits, particularly in terms of accounting, controlling, and horizontal collaboration. Hierarchical structures and silo thinking hindered the flow of information and collaboration between departments. Moreover, the lack of transparency emerged as another challenge since decisions often could not be sufficiently substantiated with numbers and data.

Recommendations for Optimization:

Based on the systemic analysis, important implications for the client’s future emerge:

1. 1. Holistic Approach: A holistic approach is needed that considers not just surface problems but also underlying structures and patterns. This enables comprehensive optimization of business processes.
2. 2. Culture Change: It’s essential to create a culture of openness, transparency, and horizontal collaboration. This can overcome silo thinking and hierarchical barriers, leading to improved synergy effects and a more efficient flow of information.
3. 3. Flexibility and Adaptability: The company should enhance its flexibility and adaptability to respond adequately to changing market conditions and internal requirements.
4. 4. Realigning the Organization: The project should also lay the groundwork for realigning the organization to focus on its strengths and establish succession planning, thereby reducing dependency on individuals. This creates long-term stability and continuity.

5. Current Measures

1. Initial steps have already been taken to improve the situation. A successful workshop on business model design has already taken place to strengthen the company’s strategic orientation.
2. 6. The Executive Search team is starting the search for a CFO to strengthen the commercial structures and position the company for future growth.
3. Furthermore, fundamental reporting structures have been implemented to increase transparency and provide a better basis for decision-making.

Outcome

With the deployment of an experienced Interim Manager from our own network, a comprehensive analysis was conducted in a short time, and essential measures were initiated.

With the support of the Executive Search team and the appointment of a long-term CFO, the company can grow securely for the future.

The trustful cooperation with the client was a key to success.