For experienced professionals in supply chain, logistics, procurement and commercial operations
Contracting can offer freedom, variety, and control – but it’s not the same as permanent employment. This guide helps you navigate the shift with clarity and confidence.
You’ve built solid experience – you know how to lead teams, manage change, and deliver results. But for one reason or another, you’re now exploring interim work. Maybe you want more flexibility. Maybe you’re between roles. Maybe you’re ready for a change – and a traditional permanent path just isn’t appealing right now.
Whatever’s brought you here, stepping into the world of contracting or freelancing isn’t just a fallback – it can be a strategic career move. But it does require a shift in mindset, messaging, and structure.
This guide will help you understand what interim work really involves, what you’ll need to succeed, and how to approach it with purpose – not panic.
At mid-career level, interim roles are typically project-based or fixed-term contracts - usually 3 to 12 months. You’re not joining the business to settle in or climb the ladder. You’re there to deliver. Fast.
That might mean:
In short: you’re brought in when there’s a need - and you’re expected to get up to speed quickly, work independently, and deliver outcomes.
Contracting isn’t just about filling gaps. For many professionals, it’s a way to take back control of how, and where, they work.
Here are some common drivers:
And sometimes? It’s simply the right opportunity at the right time.
1. A Shift in Positioning
Permanent candidates are judged on potential and long-term fit. Interim candidates are judged on capability and speed.
You need to position yourself as someone who can:
This shift needs to come through in your CV, interviews, and conversations.
2. A Practical Setup
Depending on the contract structure, you may need to:
If this is your first contract, a specialist recruiter or umbrella company can help guide you through the process - but the more you understand, the better prepared you’ll be.
3. A Focused, Outcome-Led CV
Contracting requires a different approach to CV writing. Employers want to see:
Make it easy for hiring managers to see your value at a glance. Use bullet points that lead with impact, not just responsibility.
4. Confidence in Your Interview Style
Contract interviews are shorter, sharper, and more direct. You’ll likely be asked:
You don’t need to oversell yourself - just be clear, honest, and capable. Demonstrate that you’re adaptable, focused, and easy to work with.
One of the biggest shifts is psychological. Contracting is a different way of working - and thinking.
You need to be:
You’re not building tenure - you’re building a reputation for impact.
The more visible and proactive you are, the easier it becomes to stay in work.
Start with:
Momentum builds - but only if you stay engaged.
Interim work isn’t just a plan B – it can be the smartest move of your career. You’ll gain exposure, build resilience, grow your network, and sharpen your ability to deliver real results under pressure.
It’s not for everyone – but for the right mindset, it offers a level of freedom, variety, and challenge that permanent roles can’t always match.
And once you prove you can deliver? The next contract tends to find you.