Interim HR Manager
Navigate complex people challenges with experienced temporary HR leadership for restructures, TUPE transfers, and HR transformation projects
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Key Takeaways
- 1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
- 2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
- 3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
- 4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
- 5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods
An interim HR manager is an experienced human resources professional who provides temporary leadership for organisations during transitions, complex people projects, or gaps in permanent HR staffing. They bring specialist expertise in employment law, organisational change, and people management—delivering results-focused HR leadership without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.
What is an Interim HR Manager?
Quick Definition
An interim HR manager is a senior HR professional (typically CIPD Level 7 qualified) who takes on temporary HR leadership roles, usually for 3-12 months. They manage HR operations, lead change programmes, and handle complex employee relations matters. Unlike HR consultants who advise on specific issues, they embed within your organisation, manage HR teams, and take full operational accountability for the people function.
Day Rates for Interim HR Managers in the UK
Interim HR managers in the UK typically charge between £400-700 per day. Rates depend on seniority, sector expertise, and project complexity. Generalist HR management sits at £400-550, while specialists in restructuring, TUPE, or complex employee relations command £550-700. London and South East rates are typically 15-20% higher than regional roles. Those with specific sector expertise (financial services, healthcare, manufacturing) may charge premiums. Most work 3-5 days per week, with many comfortable working hybrid or even fully remote for operational HR management.
Typical Interim HR Manager Engagements
Common scenarios include covering for a departing HR manager while recruiting a replacement (3-6 months), leading a restructure or redundancy programme (2-4 months), managing a TUPE transfer (3-6 months before and after), implementing a new HRIS system (4-8 months), or building out HR infrastructure in a growing SME (6-12 months). The flexibility to scale up or down makes interims ideal for project-based work with defined deliverables.
Cost Comparison
Fractional vs Full-Time Executive
Your Potential Savings
£180k+
Time Allocation
How fractional executives spend their time
UK Fractional Executive Day Rates
Compare day rates across C-suite roles
Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time
Choose the right engagement model
| Aspect | Fractional | Interim | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days/week | 4-5 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Duration | Ongoing/flexible | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Annual Cost | £50-150k | £150-300k | £200-400k+ |
| Best For | SMEs, startups, scale-ups | Crisis, transitions | Large enterprises |
| Flexibility | ★★★ High | ★★☆ Medium | ★☆☆ Low |
Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.
Calculate Your Day Rate
Calculate Your Potential Income
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Most interim HR managers hold CIPD Level 7 (Chartered Member or Fellow) or equivalent. Many have employment law qualifications or specific certifications in areas like mediation, coaching, or change management. Experience is often more important than qualifications—15-20 years in HR with exposure to complex situations is typical.
Industry Resources & Authority Links
Related Pages
The Fractional Executive Trend
Industry data on the rise of fractional leadership
of executives who moved to fractional work report higher job satisfaction
Source: Harvard Business Review ↗Platform Stats
Founder's background
📊 Exec Market Snapshot
💰 Exec Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK Exec roles.
