Published by JMB Project Management Co. LLC
An organization may need experienced project leadership without a permanent appointment. The immediate requirement could be to cover a vacancy, manage a defined phase or bring structure to an assignment that has lost momentum.
Before engaging an interim project manager, define the problem they are expected to address. A clear assignment helps the organization provide the authority, information and support needed for useful work.
Specify the result and the timeframe
Describe what should be different by the end of the engagement. Examples could include an agreed delivery plan, a controlled supplier workstream or a completed handover of a defined project phase.
Separate these outputs from wider outcomes that depend on other teams. Identify dependencies and avoid promising a completion date before the remaining work has been assessed.
Agree the authority to act
Clarify who approves scope, spending and changes. Identify the sponsor and the route for decisions the project manager cannot make independently.
The Open University guidance on project management roles helps distinguish project management, sponsorship and PMO responsibilities. An interim appointment should strengthen those relationships, with the accountabilities stated explicitly.
Match capacity to the assignment
A part time arrangement may work where the workload and decision rhythm allow it. A project requiring daily coordination, frequent escalation or a demanding transition may need a different level of availability.
Agree expected working time, essential meetings, reporting and response arrangements. Do not leave availability assumptions to be discovered during a critical phase.
Plan the exit at the start
Define how responsibilities will transfer when the engagement ends. The receiving team needs usable plans, decision records, issue ownership and access to relevant project information.
Review progress against the assignment regularly. If the scope changes materially, reassess the time and capacity needed rather than simply extending an unclear remit.
JMB provides project management consultancy. Discuss the assignment with JMB to establish an appropriate scope, delivery approach and engagement model.