Posted on: Aug 06, 2025
Global Business Services (GBS) is a modern operating model, which integrates key business supportive functions, such as finance, IT, HR or Procurement in one, centralized form. The key role in this model is played by Shared Services Centers (SSC) that provide efficient support for processes on an organization-wide scale. In the time of change, such as restructuring or digital transformation, interim leadership is crucial. Experienced interim leaders ensure continuity of operations, introduce good management practices, and support maintenance of operational efficiency.
What is Interim Leadership in GBS model?
Interim Leadership in GBS is a temporary assignment of an experienced managers to lead specific roles, towers or entire GBS organizations. These leaders are hired to maintain stability, lead through the period of change, ensure continuity of core processes and to implement strategic changes until the permanent leader is selected or the situation stabilizes, especially when the company is undergoing merger, transition or restructuring.
The Role of Interim Leaders in Shared Services Organizations
The main role of Interim Leaders in Shared Services Organizations is to maintain smooth day-to-day operations across key functions. Basing on their wide experience they are able to quickly assess current processes, identify performance gaps, implement immediate improvements to stabilize the organization and ensure that the change will be implemented successfully. They are in charge of change management, as balancing stability with necessary change is often one of the biggest challenges, especially with a limited time frame and unfamiliar environment. Their experience and objectivity allow them to navigate in such complex environment effectively despite possible lack of resources or the resistance from internal teams.
Key Skills Required for Interim Leadership in GBS
There is an unique blend of skills required from Interim Leader in Shared Services Organizations. Unlike permanent roles, interim leaders must deliver impact quickly. They need to assimilate into the organization rapidly and begin delivering value from day one. That is why the effectiveness of this person’s actions relies on their ability to adapt to the new environment and to improve service delivery models basing on the strong understanding of shared services processes. They often have to present advanced strategic thinking skills to align sort-term actions with long-term goals and change management skills to share their vision with the employees and through the proper communication convince them to work towards achieving a common goal, but also to ensure they understand what the goal is and that they are committed to it. Due to the fact that they are required to provide necessary result under both a pressure of time and difficult circumstances, organizational and cultural intelligence is a must for understanding what and how has to be done. Currently, as we are facing significant development in technology and AI tools, interim leaders are also required to have a strong understanding of automation tools, systems and shared services platforms. Good interim leader is a flexible and experienced, able to execute and improve processes effectively and to provide strategic and operational support during the difficult times of change.
Maximizing Efficiency During Transitional Periods
Transition periods – whether these occur due to merge, restructuring, digital transformation or leadership changes – create both difficulties and opportunities for GBS leaders. There are several strategies which interim leaders are familiar with as experienced professionals. They bring immediate expertise and an objective perspective, they help to maintain high performance and help to avoid disruptions. Key strategies focus on setting clear goals and expectations which help to align team’s efforts with business needs. Interim leader should be empowered to make quick, smart decisions that optimize the processes and reduce bottlenecks. Skillfully managed change management is essential during transactional periods, as proper communication can help to ensure cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing and focus on common goal.
Leveraging Interim Leadership for Long-Term Benefits
Interim Leadership is not only a short-time solution provided to maintain stability, but it is also a long-term opportunity to bring change into the organization. Their experience and fresh perspective are qualities that can permanently alter the way work is done in the company. They may provide ling-term vision and strategy, implement growing strategies by assessing current situation and by utilizing opportunities that could be overlooked by employees from within the organization. As they set the path for their permanent successor, it is crucial to choose skilled professional who will provide stable foundation for the next chapters.
The Future of Interim Leadership in Global Business Services
According to „2024 High-End Independent Talent Report” published by Business Talent Group, the general demand for Interim Leaders raised by 23% year-to-year and by 170% in comparison to year 2022. The raise is especially visible in finance sector, where 54% of all C-suite level needs is concerned interim CFO which shows 46% raise year-to-year. Basing on this report, it is clearly visible that companies will be in need for interim leader more often to fill in competency gaps, to manage change and to help with transitions. It is going to be standard practice in operational strategies, not only emergency solution.
Conclusion
Interim Leadership plays a very important role in maintaining smooth continuity of processes during transitional periods in Global Business Services. By bringing the expertise and fresh perspective, they help to navigate the change smoothly and to build a strong foundation for future success.
Author:
Paulina Ochenkowska
Project Leader & Consultant