The temporary deployment of marketing expertise is a trend that is growing rapidly in various sectors. Organizations are increasingly looking for experienced marketing managers on an interim basis for short projects, during change processes or in case of temporary capacity shortages. We see this development especially in five specific industries where flexible marketing support has become crucial for companies that need to respond quickly to changing market conditions.
Which industries often seek interim marketing managers
The demand for temporary marketing leaders is increasing in today’s business landscape. Companies in various sectors are recognizing the benefits of flexible marketing expertise that is immediately deployable and brings specific knowledge. In recent years, we have seen a clear shift toward results-oriented collaborations, with organizations deliberately choosing temporary marketing specialists over permanent hires.
This trend is reinforced by the rapidly changing digital environment in which companies operate. Especially in periods of transformation or when rolling out new products and services, there is a need for experienced marketing professionals who can add immediate value. Choosing an interim manager here offers flexibility and access to specialized knowledge without long-term commitments.
Why are companies increasingly hiring interim marketing managers?
There are several factors that explain the growing popularity of temporary marketing expertise. Looking at the main drivers, we see four recurring reasons why organizations choose interim marketing managers.
First, rapid market changes mean that companies need specific expertise that is not always available internally. Think of digital transformations, product launches or entering new markets. An interim manager immediately brings the necessary knowledge and experience to successfully manage these changes.
A second key reason is the need for specific project expertise. Rolling out a new CRM system, setting up a marketing automation platform or developing a new go-to-market strategy often requires specialized skills on a temporary basis. An interim marketing manager can often manage these projects more efficiently than an in-house manager with a broader focus.
Bridging vacancies is a third important motivation. When a marketing manager leaves or during maternity leave, many companies opt for continuity by appointing an experienced interim manager. By doing so, they avoid stagnation in their marketing activities during the search for a new permanent marketing manager.
Finally, cost efficiency plays a role. Although the hourly rate of an interim manager is higher than that of a permanent employee, the total cost is often lower due to the temporary nature and absence of employer charges. Moreover, the focused expertise and focus on results often yields a higher ROI.
What are the top 5 industries looking for interim marketing managers?
Based on market trends, we see five industries that regularly use temporary marketing expertise. These industries each have specific reasons why they often choose flexible marketing support.
The tech and SaaS sector tops the list. The rapid innovation cycles in this industry require agile marketing teams that can move quickly. Product launches, market expansions or scaling startups often require experienced marketing managers who can add immediate value. The complexity of B2B marketing in tech also requires specialized knowledge that is not always available internally.
The retail and e-commerce industry regularly seeks interim marketing managers to lead seasonal campaigns or oversee digital transformations. With increasing competition in online retail, specialized knowledge of digital marketing, customer journey optimization and omnichannel strategies has become essential. Interim managers often bring this expertise from different retail environments.
In financial services, we are seeing a growing demand for interim marketing expertise. Banks, insurers and fintech companies face challenges in digitalization, customer experience and compliance. An interim marketing manager with experience in this sector can help navigate this complex environment while implementing innovative marketing strategies.
The healthcare industry is rapidly transforming, leading to an increasing need for professional marketing expertise. Healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies and medtech companies are looking for interim managers who can help with patient-centric communications, digital transformation and establishing effective marketing departments in a highly regulated environment.
Finally, the manufacturing and industrial sectors are seeing the importance of modern marketing strategies for their B2B operations. Traditional manufacturing companies are increasingly choosing interim marketing managers to strengthen their digital presence, enter new markets or sharpen their brand positioning in an internationally competitive market.
What specific marketing skills are most in demand by industry?
The marketing skills required vary greatly by industry. For each industry, there are specific competencies that make the difference when hiring an interim marketing manager.
In the tech and SaaS sector, knowledge of marketing automation, lead generation and product marketing is crucial. Interim managers here need to be able to communicate complex products understandably to different target audiences. Experience with growth hacking, data analysis and ABM (Account-Based Marketing) is often a requirement, as is knowledge of international market expansion for scalable software solutions.
For the retail and e-commerce industry, digital marketing is key. Expertise in SEO/SEA, social media advertising, e-mail marketing and conversion rate optimization is essential. Interim managers must also understand customer experience design and customer loyalty programs. Knowledge of e-commerce platforms and online analytics helps maximize the ROI of marketing efforts.
In financial services, the emphasis is on thought leadership, content strategy and compliance-aware marketing. Interim marketing managers here must be able to translate complex financial services into understandable customer communications. Knowledge of customer data security, privacy laws and financial regulations is crucial, along with experience with trust-building brand strategies.
Healthcare requires marketing professionals with knowledge of patient-centered communication, care chains and balancing between accessible information and medical accuracy. Interim managers in this sector must be able to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and privacy-sensitive information while working to clearly position healthcare services.
In the manufacturing and industrial sectors, B2B marketing expertise is important, with an emphasis on technical content, trade shows and building long-term customer relationships. Interim managers here often need to build internal support for marketing investments in traditionally sales-driven organizations. Knowledge of international trade, distribution chains and technical specifications is an important complement to general marketing skills.
The future of interim marketing management in various industries
The demand for temporary marketing expertise is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. With increasing digitalization and the need for specialist knowledge, more and more organizations are opting for the flexibility and expertise offered by interim managers.
An important development is the shift to result-oriented work. Instead of time registration, we see that more and more interim assignments are based on concrete deliverables and KPIs. This trend is in line with the changing regulations surrounding independent professionals, such as the upcoming changes to the DBA Act from 2025.
We also see that the lines between marketing, technology and data continue to blur. Interim marketing managers increasingly need to have technical knowledge, be able to work data-driven and understand how to leverage marketing technology. This combination of skills makes them valuable to organizations looking to respond quickly to changing market conditions.
It is expected that sectors facing rapid digital changes in particular will continue to rely on interim marketing managers in the coming years. The ability to flexibly switch between different business cultures and quickly achieve results remains an important added value of these professionals.
At WerfSelect, we understand the unique challenges that organizations have in finding the right interim marketing expertise. Our in-depth knowledge of the job market and focus on marketing, communications and sales allows us to bring clients and interim professionals together in a way that creates value for both parties. We not only ensure the right match based on expertise and company culture, but also guide the process so that the collaboration takes place within the right legal frameworks.
