FAQ | Management Consultants | Executive Contractors

What is the process for getting started?

If you’re considering an interim executive or business advisor, we would be happy to discuss your needs with you and recommend a solution. Once the scope of work is confirmed and the contractor(s) assigned, a services agreement is executed between Osborne Interim Management and you the client. Should the scope of work change or an extension be required, both parties will agree to the written revision.

How does Osborne Interim Management source and validate executive for its clients?

Most of our executive consultants are referred to us by present or former clients, current and past Principals and by executive search firms and transition firms. They must be able to demonstrate extensive business experience and have a lengthy record of achievements. A series of interviews are conducted with members of the Practice. Background and reference checks are completed. The executive who becomes a member of our interim management team must adhere to our professional and practice standards and, especially, to maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Osborne Interim Management’s undertakings with its clients.

What happens if we are not satisfied with the work being performed?

Osborne Interim Management provides management oversight for all its client work. If any issues develop we will rectify them to your satisfaction and in accordance with our services agreement. If, for whatever reason, the assigned consultant is unable to complete the work, or you are unhappy with her/his performance, we will find another resource from within our firm or, with your permission, bring in a sub-contractor to work under our guidance. In more complex assignments that may involve more than one business consultant, Osborne Interim Management will provide an internal project manager who will serve as the client’s single point of contact throughout.

How long does it take to put an interim executive or business advisor in place?

With Osborne Interim Management’s network of Principals and Senior Advisors, we pride ourselves in being able to source the right individual(s) and commence work within two weeks from the point of initial discussion with our client. If we do not have the right resource available we will declare that up front and recommend an alternative solution.

What are your rates and how often do you invoice?

Our rates vary depending on the scope of the work, the length/term of the assignment and whether or not there is travel involved. Once you factor in all the supplemental costs associated with full-time employment, an interim manager is a very cost effective and more flexible alternative for many organizations depending on the situation. You only pay for work undertaken and completed. We typically invoice every two weeks to coincide with your payroll cycle, but different arrangements can be made for project management and hourly consulting.

There is a wide range of professions represented within Osborne Interim Management’s practice membership, and a corresponding range in professional fees. The duration of the assignment and the qualifications required have an influence on the rates invoiced. These rates make an interim manager equivalent to the cost of a full-time executive when the applicable payroll taxes, benefit package, performance bonus, recruitment and severance costs are taken into account.

With our specialized consultants and business advisors the rate varies depending on the scope and duration of the project and can be delivered on a per diem or hourly basis.

Can I expect a return on the money I spend on an interim manager?

Yes. Interims are with your organization for a short time (usually 3 to 6 months) and are expected to produce results that will have value for your business over time. These expectations are laid out in the contract. Your interim manager can assist you in quantifying and tracking the benefits that will accrue to the delivery of the interim assignment.

How does an interim fit into the organization? Do I treat him/her like an employee, or like a consultant?

In some ways, the interim manager needs to fit into the existing management team like any other employee. An interim may be called upon to lead, manage or supervise other employees as part of the assignment and needs the kind of access to company information and company communications that is necessary for any executive to perform her or his duties. The interim, like an employee, should have a clear reporting path to the company’s top level of management for feedback and accountability. As a contractor, the interim is guided by the terms of reference defined in the contract.

What if we want to hire your consultant as a permanent employee?

Our consultants have made a career choice to operate independently and be marketed under the Osborne Interim Management umbrella. However, occasionally a situation evolves over time and both the client and the executive wish to expand their relationship. Osborne Interim Management has a supportive mechanism in place both within the client services and interim’s agreement which facilitates this process in a fashion that is fair for all.

“Following the sudden departure of our CEO, Osborne responded immediately with a very qualified interim senior executive on site within days. He was able to hit the ground running, reassuring staff and implementing business processes that greatly assisted our operation. He reached out to stakeholders within the greater Habitat community and communicated recommendations to the Board. Osborne also assigned another executive with experience in recruitment to assist us in attracting and triaging talent for the full time CEO position. The end result was the hiring of a dynamic new leader transitioned in with Osborne’s support. I would highly recommend Osborne Interim Management to any organization finding itself in a similar situation.”

James Wright – Board Chair, Habitat for Humanity-Red Deer
“On the strength of my association with [two of its Principals], I would be pleased to retain the services of Osborne again in the future. I would further recommend the services of Osborne to any private or public sector organization who may find themselves in need of your company’s services.”

Ken McCormack – General Manager, BC Milk Marketing Board
“Osborne provided our organization with insightful and efficient personnel for our accounting records, processes and reports. During their tenure, they improved reporting accuracy and made numerous changes in process for organizational effectiveness. I would highly recommend the Osborne solution.”

COO, Not-for-Profit
“In a financial crisis, Osborne provided us with immediate and focused advice. With their collective high level of experience, they quickly grasped the situation and built a strong, useful action plan. Our company survived the crisis and reached a record level of profitability in only a few short months. With continued follow up, they demonstrated a true desire to see us succeed. Western Biodiesel would not hesitate to use Osborne again for focused business advice.”

Dean Cockshutt – President and CEO, Western Biodiesel Inc.
“Mark Olson has completed his work as Interim CEO for Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation. This is his third assignment as an interim CEO for a not-for-profit organization that I am involved with as a Director, so I am familiar with his work. The fact that I have engaged him twice more after the first speaks volumes. You can count on a good result.”

Andy Crooks – Chairman of the Board, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation
“We engaged Osborne Interim Management to redesign our outdated website, wanting to modernize the design and make it easier to read and understand. Working with little direction and with a short time frame, Osborne was able to produce a dynamic, fresh and user-friendly website on time and under budget.”

David Dial – VP Corporate Services, Next Hydrogen
“We needed interim leadership during a time of transition and Osborne’s Principal exceeded our expectations. He was able to garner both staff and funder support and ensure continued excellence in program delivery. He also found a very dynamic new executive director for us. I would highly recommend Osborne’s services to other organizations.”

Krystyna Williamson – Board Chair, Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth
“We contracted Osborne Interim Management to help transition our Foundation into the future with stronger processes, plans and leadership. We were very pleased with the results and would highly recommend their work.”

Reiny Kristel – Board Chair, Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation
“We engaged Osborne Interim Management to assess the capacity of our Canadian Operations in the wake of ambitious five year growth plans. Not only did the Osborne Principals deliver a thorough report, but they provided us with valuable tools to undertake ongoing analysis and forecasting based on a number of Canadian market variables.”

Elias Partyka – Director of Global Marketing, Gowan Company, Yuma Arizona
“Osborne was referred to us by a trusted client and they did not disappoint. They assigned a Principal to act as interim COO who did a very good job in a short period of time considering we handed him some fairly complex projects. We would not hesitate to use Osborne Interim Management again or recommend them to another business.”

Dale Franko – Managing Director, Moodys Gartner Tax Law LLP
“The interim management resources we brought in for a short time provided an organized overview of our HR functionality, helped to achieve a couple of senior level executive transitions without disruption and generally helped us to build a stronger organization going forward. We feel better prepared for next steps now.”

Peter Joe – CEO, Sunrise Soya Foods
“Osborne clearly communicated a process they would undertake in creating our marketing plan and then proceeded to meet all our expectations, on time and on budget.”

Kate Stenson – Community Food Program Supervisor, Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association
“After an exhaustive and inclusive recruiting process led by Osborne we were pleased to find a local Calgarian in our own backyard to take on the position of President and CEO. We were impressed by the quality and experience of applicants that applied, which made our decision even more challenging. I would personally like to thank (Osborne Principal) Mark Olson for his first class leadership over the last eight months.”

Cory Hetherington – Chair, Simon House Recovery Centre
“Over the course of five years we used Osborne’s interim management services in the areas of marketing, IT, human resources, finance and overall executive advisement. Their work has been a key to the overall development of our business.”

Tasha Schmaltz – General Manager, DynAgra Corp
“Osborne Interim was able to provide us with a Principal who helped guide us through a technology start-up. His extensive business experience complemented the technical expertise we bring to the table and he continues to provide support and assistance to allow us to smoothly bring our product to market.”

David Lloyd – COO, FREDsense Technologies
“Our experience with Osborne Interim Management was great. We were challenged to provide information that made our business plan much stronger and we are very happy with the final document.”

Stephen Learey – Executive Director, Strathcona Health Society
“With Osborne’s assistance, we validated our business concept in the marketplace and identified potential partners for our social enterprise, giving us more than a kickstart at launch. They listened to our goals and objectives, completed all work on time, and exceeded our expectations and the plan scope. We would recommend their services without reservation.”

Garth Johnson – CEO, Meticulon
“The Osborne Principals our business has engaged have delivered important support to our business in a number of areas and provided excellent value.”

Barry Schmitt – President, Barr-Ag
“Osborne Interim Management provided invaluable assistance to us as we merged three different operating entities into the new 4-H Alberta. Mark Olson as Interim CEO of the 4-H Foundation and Judy Williams as communications strategist played a significant role in our transformation and I would highly recommend their/Osborne’s services.”

Kim McConnell – Former Interim CEO, 4-H Alberta
“For organizations looking for interim executive support, I would highly recommend Osborne Interim Management. They provided us with a quality CFO until we could hire a full-time replacement for this position. It was a seamless, effective process.”

Sandip Lalli – CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce
“I would recommend Osborne Interim Management’s approach for any organization looking to add coaching and mentorship into their workplace for senior and mid-management staff.”

Randy Williams – President, Premiere Suites Western
“Our new social enterprise was in need of a strategic sales and marketing plan that would provide a market focus and give us a road map to be able to achieve both a social and economic return on behalf of our stakeholders. Osborne Interim Management hit the ground running and the Principal was able to deliver exactly what we were looking for within 30 days.”

Peter Atkins – Business Development Manager, SeedWorks Inc.
“The Calgary International Film Festival contracted Osborne to develop, with senior management support, a capacity expansion plan that was strategic, specific and attainable. Osborne delivered on all counts and on schedule; receiving unanimous Board approval to move forward in the plan’s execution. I would not hesitate in recommending the Osborne team.”

Stephen Schroeder – Executive Director, Calgary International Film Festival
“We’ve been using Osborne Interim Management as an executive resource for over seven years now, in finance, operations and marketing. They’ve been very responsive to our needs and have delivered executives that work very well with our management team.”

Tim Wiens – CEO, O & T Farms
“We are really happy with our decision to use Osborne to help with our company’s expansion plans. Being a small business with limited experience, it was a great relief to have someone else put together plans and forecasting that I was simply not able to do. I was surprised by the attention to detail and how much interest the Principal took in learning our business model and practises. I would highly recommend their services to any business, and look forward to a continued relationship.”

Jessica Sparrow – President, Foxy Kickboxing
“I would recommend Osborne as a contract/interim management resource for future consideration for Vancouver Coastal Health or any other organization who may require Osborne’s services.”

Carol Gillam – Executive Director-Primary Care, Vancouver Coastal Health
“We engaged Osborne to undertake a thorough assessment of our business and the marketplace which involved interviewing multiple stakeholders in the development of a five year strategic plan. We were more than pleased with the results and wouldn’t hesitate to refer the quality of their work to others.”

Dave Hansen – President & CEO, CANTERRA SEEDS
“We were at an inflexion point, wanting to take a successful single-chapter networking group to the next level. The Osborne Principal worked with us to develop a strategic plan and much more; management guidance, a pricing model and a strong tactical approach that has put us well on the path. We would highly recommend Osborne’s services to other organizations.”

Ilona Makar and Debbie Van Camp – Founders and Directors, Calgary Business Women Network
“I want to convey that Osborne would be a valuable resource for entities looking to engage the types of services they offer. I would not hesitate to refer someone to Osborne in the future.”

Heather Gore-Hickman – Trustee & Chair of Audit Committee, Kisoniyaminaw First Nations Heritage Trust Fund
“I have worked with both Mark Olson and Simon Batcup on a number of assignments. I would recommend them to you in any interim management, search mandate, planning mandate or strategic advisory mandate. You will not be disappointed and will regard any and all invoices and costs as both fair and appropriate.”

Andy Crooks – Chairman of the Board, Canadian Constitution Foundation
“Osborne provided us with the interim management and business advisory services we needed at a critical juncture for the company. I would highly recommend them.”

Dr. Kevin Maloney – Board Chair, Line of Fire Inc.
“As a young charity, early guidance from the Osborne Interim Management team provided timely direction as we developed the YouQuest service in support of younger families living with dementia. It was energizing to learn from each team member and very rewarding to feel their personal interest in our progress and future success.”

Myrla Burlman – Co-founder, YouQuest
“On behalf of the Chiniki Nation, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the remarkable work you have done in creating the Chiniki Cultural Centre. Your contribution to bringing our culture to the public, in an authentic and respectful way, has been invaluable. We appreciated your approach and your ability to bring people together in creating this special Centre where our people can celebrate their culture. We take great pride in our traditions, our culture and our history. You have created a place where those traditions can be celebrated and shared.”

Chief Aaron Young – Chiniki First Nation
“I thought I needed someone to run my company while I worked in it. What I really needed was an executive sounding board to advise me in organizational reform and strategic development. Osborne Interim Management helped me identify what my needs were and the Osborne Principal was available on demand to work with both myself and others in the company on plan development and execution. Osborne provided a valuable and cost effective resource.”

Brent Barootes – President & CEO, Partnership Group-Sponsorship Specialists™
“The Osborne Principals assisted us in identifying areas of improvement, then worked with us to make their recommended changes. Their actions have had a positive impact on the way we operate our business.”

Andy McKnight – Partner, Maskell Plenzik & Partners Eng.
“We were able to fill a team lead-mechanical integrity position on our production reliability team with an interim from Osborne. The Principal did an exceptional job for us over the six month contract. It wasn’t only the technical qualifications the Osborne interim brought to the position, but his business/entrepreneurial experience and leadership qualities that created value for the company.”

General Manager, Production Reliability, Canadian Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Company
“We used Osborne to develop improvements to a number of education courses offered by our association. They delivered great work, great ideas for improvement and did it on time and on budget.”

Gary Belgrave – CEO, Radio Marketing Bureau of Canada
“Osborne worked with the Chief Financial Officer of a well-established Western Canadian advertising agency to review financial statements, financial forecasts and associated documentation to provide financial acumen and advice regarding current business challenges and their interrelationship. The Principal encouraged open communication of the various issues and was a sounding board for the executive team to review and clarify financial impacts of organization complexity. The result was we were able to move forward on some difficult decisions.”

CEO, Western Canadian Advertising Agency

Have Questions?

Please contact us if you have any questions about how our team can help.

What is the process for getting started?

How does Osborne Interim Management source and validate executive for its clients?

What happens if we are not satisfied with the work being performed?

How long does it take to put an interim executive or business advisor in place?

What are your rates and how often do you invoice?

Can I expect a return on the money I spend on an interim manager?

How does an interim fit into the organization? Do I treat him/her like an employee, or like a consultant?

What if we want to hire your consultant as a permanent employee?

James Wright – Board Chair, Habitat for Humanity-Red Deer

Ken McCormack – General Manager, BC Milk Marketing Board

COO, Not-for-Profit

Dean Cockshutt – President and CEO, Western Biodiesel Inc.

Andy Crooks – Chairman of the Board, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation

David Dial – VP Corporate Services, Next Hydrogen

Krystyna Williamson – Board Chair, Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth

“We contracted Osborne Interim Management to help transition our Foundation into the future with stronger processes, plans and leadership. We were very pleased with the results and would highly recommend their work.”

Reiny Kristel – Board Chair, Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation

Elias Partyka – Director of Global Marketing, Gowan Company, Yuma Arizona

Dale Franko – Managing Director, Moodys Gartner Tax Law LLP

Peter Joe – CEO, Sunrise Soya Foods

“Osborne clearly communicated a process they would undertake in creating our marketing plan and then proceeded to meet all our expectations, on time and on budget.”

Kate Stenson – Community Food Program Supervisor, Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association

Cory Hetherington – Chair, Simon House Recovery Centre

“Over the course of five years we used Osborne’s interim management services in the areas of marketing, IT, human resources, finance and overall executive advisement. Their work has been a key to the overall development of our business.”

Tasha Schmaltz – General Manager, DynAgra Corp

David Lloyd – COO, FREDsense Technologies

“Our experience with Osborne Interim Management was great. We were challenged to provide information that made our business plan much stronger and we are very happy with the final document.”

Stephen Learey – Executive Director, Strathcona Health Society

Garth Johnson – CEO, Meticulon

“The Osborne Principals our business has engaged have delivered important support to our business in a number of areas and provided excellent value.”

Barry Schmitt – President, Barr-Ag

Kim McConnell – Former Interim CEO, 4-H Alberta

“For organizations looking for interim executive support, I would highly recommend Osborne Interim Management. They provided us with a quality CFO until we could hire a full-time replacement for this position. It was a seamless, effective process.”

Sandip Lalli – CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce

“I would recommend Osborne Interim Management’s approach for any organization looking to add coaching and mentorship into their workplace for senior and mid-management staff.”

Randy Williams – President, Premiere Suites Western

Peter Atkins – Business Development Manager, SeedWorks Inc.

Stephen Schroeder – Executive Director, Calgary International Film Festival

“We’ve been using Osborne Interim Management as an executive resource for over seven years now, in finance, operations and marketing. They’ve been very responsive to our needs and have delivered executives that work very well with our management team.”

Tim Wiens – CEO, O & T Farms

Jessica Sparrow – President, Foxy Kickboxing

“I would recommend Osborne as a contract/interim management resource for future consideration for Vancouver Coastal Health or any other organization who may require Osborne’s services.”

Carol Gillam – Executive Director-Primary Care, Vancouver Coastal Health

Dave Hansen – President & CEO, CANTERRA SEEDS

Ilona Makar and Debbie Van Camp – Founders and Directors, Calgary Business Women Network

“I want to convey that Osborne would be a valuable resource for entities looking to engage the types of services they offer. I would not hesitate to refer someone to Osborne in the future.”

Heather Gore-Hickman – Trustee & Chair of Audit Committee, Kisoniyaminaw First Nations Heritage Trust Fund

Andy Crooks – Chairman of the Board, Canadian Constitution Foundation

“Osborne provided us with the interim management and business advisory services we needed at a critical juncture for the company. I would highly recommend them.”

Dr. Kevin Maloney – Board Chair, Line of Fire Inc.

Myrla Burlman – Co-founder, YouQuest

Chief Aaron Young – Chiniki First Nation

Brent Barootes – President & CEO, Partnership Group-Sponsorship Specialists™

“The Osborne Principals assisted us in identifying areas of improvement, then worked with us to make their recommended changes. Their actions have had a positive impact on the way we operate our business.”

Andy McKnight – Partner, Maskell Plenzik & Partners Eng.

General Manager, Production Reliability, Canadian Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Company

“We used Osborne to develop improvements to a number of education courses offered by our association. They delivered great work, great ideas for improvement and did it on time and on budget.”

Gary Belgrave – CEO, Radio Marketing Bureau of Canada

CEO, Western Canadian Advertising Agency