With the ever-changing nature of the food industry, brought about by acquisitions, mergers and the increasing demands of the retailer there is a growing need for specialists, particularly among interim managers who are increasingly being deployed to overcome skill shortages.

Interim managers may be needed for technical audits or to write particular customer product specifications. Closures and relocations bring their own resource imbalance, as well as the usual reasons such as: maternity cover and the "interim with a view to permanent" trend (the try before you buy option!).

This can be a very lucrative way to earn a living if you do decide to make it a career choice, indeed some people think that interim managers are overpaid. However, when companies have a skill shortage and their need is immediate, getting someone with a proven track record, who can hit the ground running and bring about a solution quickly is worth every penny. A good interim manager can be a great value option.

What people need to understand is that the life of an interim manager does come at a price for the individual as well. You need to be flexible to potentially work away from home. There could be gaps between assignments and you need to be prepared to establish yourself quickly in a company. The hours could be longer than usual to fit an assignment into a given timeframe and the pressure is really on to deliver.

On the upside it broadens your experience with clients and disciplines immensely and gives you the flexibility to fit work around personal circumstances.

So, as an employer it makes good sense to have a proven interim professional who can bring a wealth of experience with no preconceived ideas or internal politics and who can focus on the demands of your business.

As a candidate, if you are fed up with the usual repetitive routines, need the stimulation of constant challenges and want to be in control of your working life, then interim management is certainly worth considering.