Business moves fast. Really fast. But sometimes things just can’t keep up.
Even the best companies run into problems. Maybe it’s a supply chain that can’t handle sudden spikes in demand. Or maybe packaging costs are rising for no good reason. Sometimes, the systems are just outdated. Other times, there’s no clear leadership in place to fix them.
That’s where an interim executive steps in.
These professionals are brought in for a fixed time, usually between three to twelve months, with one clear goal: fix what’s broken, improve what’s working, and get results quickly. No fluff, no waiting around.
Interim executives aren’t sitting in meetings for weeks trying to understand what’s going on. They come in, identify the problem fast, and start making changes right away.
What Does an Interim Executive Do?
An interim executive is someone who steps in to lead when you need them most. They come equipped with extensive experience. They’ve seen messy operations before and cleaned them up. They walk in with fresh eyes, not weighed down by company politics or stuck doing things “the way we’ve always done it.”
They don’t just advise. They execute.
In supply chain and packaging roles, they’re often brought in to fix delays, reduce costs, improve forecasting, or help launch new tools that make things run more smoothly.
They talk to people on the ground. They walk the floor. They check the numbers. Then, they build a plan that works.
Why Supply Chain Innovation Matters More Than Ever
Supply chains today are more complex than they’ve ever been. It’s not just about shipping goods anymore. It’s about timing. It’s about flexibility. It’s about costs. And yes, it’s about sustainability too.
If your supply chain isn’t agile, you’re going to fall behind.
Sharper Forecasting
Interim executives often bring with them better forecasting tools. Instead of guessing, they help companies use real data—like past sales, weather patterns, or even regional events—to plan smarter.
This means fewer stockouts. Less dead inventory. Fewer headaches.
Forecasting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared. And with the right tools, that’s possible.
Supplier Performance That Actually Delivers
Good suppliers keep things moving. Bad ones create chaos. An interim executive takes the time to review vendor performance, renegotiate contracts, and, if needed, look for better partners.
They often build scorecards—real dashboards—that track how suppliers are performing. Are they on time? Are they consistent? Are returns becoming an issue?
With better insights, you get better relationships and better results.
Shipping Smarter, Not Just Cheaper
Logistics is so much more than shipping boxes. It’s about space, timing, and money.
An interim executive might restructure shipping schedules. Combine smaller shipments into full loads. Switch to more local vendors to save time and fuel. Even something as simple as reorganizing your loading docks can save hours every week.
Sometimes small moves add up to big wins.
Packaging: The Silent Cost Center
Packaging seems small—until it isn’t.
It’s one of those areas people forget to optimize. But when it’s done wrong, it leads to product damage, higher costs, and annoyed customers. That’s why interim executives don’t treat it like an afterthought.
Right-Size Everything
Using the wrong size box? That wasted space adds up.
You’re paying more for materials, more for shipping, and wasting filler. A good interim executive can step in and help you right-size your packaging. They might even work with your packaging vendors to redesign what you’re using entirely.
It’s not about being fancy. It’s about being smart.
Switch to Better Materials
Biodegradable, recyclable, reusable—these aren’t just buzzwords.
They’re options that could save money, reduce your environmental impact, and improve your reputation. Interim executives know which materials make sense for your business and which ones just sound good on paper.
Add Automation Where It Makes Sense
Hand-packing every order? That gets slow, fast.
An interim executive may suggest automation tools. Think machines that seal boxes, print labels, or scan for accuracy. These upgrades don’t just save time. They also reduce returns and customer complaints.
If you’re scaling quickly, this is a must.
More Customization, Less Delay
In industries like beauty or food, customization is key. Labels change often. SKUs rotate.
A smart interim executive might help you design modular packaging that adapts. Instead of rebuilding your whole packaging system every quarter, you build once and tweak when you need it.
That kind of flexibility is what keeps you ahead of the competition.
What a 6-Month Interim Project Might Look Like
Here’s a quick breakdown of what an interim executive might do in six months:
Month 1: Understand the Situation
They start by listening. Walking the floor. Meeting the team. Reviewing the data. They look for inefficiencies. They map out the current state of things. Nothing is changed yet, but the groundwork is being laid.
Months 2–3: Quick Wins First
Next, they identify easy fixes. Maybe it’s reorganizing a warehouse. Or getting rid of double handling in fulfillment. These seemingly small wins build trust and show early results.
Months 4–5: Bigger Fixes
This is where the heavy lifting happens. After spending the time to identify weak areas and implement some quick fixes, an interim executive will start to go after the bigger things like launching new software, renegotiating contracts, rolling out automation, or start training teams on better workflows.
Month 6: Handoff and Training
No one wants things to fall apart once they’re gone. Your interim exec has been embedded and invested in your business for the last six months. Strong interim executive focus on a successful handoff. They write up standard processes. They train the team, and often their permanent replacement. Most importantly, they make sure improvements last and give you the best return on your investment.
Why This Approach Works
Here’s why interim executives are becoming more common:
- They move fast. They’re ready when you need them—no months-long onboarding.
- They bring outside experience. No blind spots from being too close to the problem.
- They’re cost-effective. You pay for what you need, not a full-time C-level salary.
- They keep politics out. They’re not aiming for a promotion. They’re there to do a job.
They’re hired to fix, not to fit in.
Results That Matter
Companies that use interim executives often see these outcomes:
- Lower packaging and shipping costs—often by 10–30%
- Fewer fulfillment errors
- Shorter lead times for new product launches
- Improved team morale thanks to simpler processes
One company saved six figures just by switching packaging vendors and optimizing box sizes. Another improved its on-time deliveries by 20% with a cleaner route plan.
The impact is measurable. And it shows up fast.
Choosing the Right Interim Executive
Not every interim executive will be the right fit for your operation. Here’s what to look for:
- Experience in supply chain or packaging operations—not just general management
- A hands-on style—no ivory tower leaders
- Strong communication skills—especially with floor teams
- Quick learners—they need to pick up your systems fast
Ask for examples. See what they’ve done. Don’t settle for buzzwords. Be specific.
When to Bring One In
You don’t need to wait for a crisis. Here are smart moments to call in an interim executive:
- You’re growing too fast, and systems are cracking under the pressure
- You’ve lost a senior leader and need to bridge a critical gap
- You’re launching in a new region or with a new product
- You want expert help, but not a full-time hire
Sometimes, the best time to act is before things break.
Make the Most of Their Time
Want the engagement to go well? Here’s what you can do:
- Set clear expectations from the start
- Give them full access—don’t hold back data or people
- Check in regularly without micromanaging
- Start cross-training your team early so nothing is lost
The better prepared you are, the more they can help.
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
