Interim Head of Product recruitment
If you are looking for an Interim Head of Product job and would like to know what skills you need, and what salaries are on offer, you will find a complete guide below.
If you’re an employer looking to recruit an Interim Head of Product please see our interim recruitment page or click the button below to speak to us directly.
Other interim Product Management roles we recruit for
- Interim Product Manager
- Interim Senior Product Manager
- Interim Director of Product
- Interim Chief Product Officer
What does an Interim Head of Product do?
An Interim Head of Product serves as a bridge between the product team and the organisation’s executive leadership. Their primary goal is to ensure strategic alignment, operational efficiency and the successful delivery of product initiatives.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute product strategies that align with the overall company vision, ensuring that product goals contribute to broader business objectives.Team Management
Lead, mentor and inspire product managers and cross-functional teams to achieve their full potential. Ensure that everyone is aligned and motivated.Market Analysis
Conduct market research to understand user needs, identify opportunities and analyse trends that can inform product development.Stakeholder Collaboration
Work closely with executives, engineers, designers, marketers and other departments to align on product goals and strategies.Product Roadmap Oversight
Manage and prioritise the product roadmap, ensuring that the most valuable features are delivered on time and within budget. Read our guide to 5 steps to creating a product roadmap
Why hire an Interim Head of Product ?
Bridging leadership gaps
When your organisation is in the process of searching for a permanent Head of Product, an interim leader can fill the gap, ensuring that product initiatives continue without interruption and teams remain stable and productive.Accelerating product timelines
If your company is preparing for a critical product launch or needs to speed up development to meet market demands, an Interim Head of Product brings the expertise and leadership to fast-track timelines and deliver results efficiently.Providing expert strategic input
During periods of change, such as a company reorganisation or pivot, an experienced interim executive can offer fresh, unbiased insights into product strategy and help realign goals to the company’s vision and market needs.Managing high-stakes transitions
If your organisation is undergoing a merger, acquisition or major transformation, an Interim Head of Product can manage complex product strategies and integrations, ensuring that all product-related initiatives are handled seamlessly.Stabilising teams during uncertainty
Periods of uncertainty or turnover can affect team morale and productivity. An interim leader can provide stability, clear direction, and motivation, helping the team stay focused and cohesive during a challenging time.
What skills does an Interim Head of Product need?
Leadership & Communication Skills
The ability to inspire and lead product teams, coupled with exceptional communication skills to articulate product vision and strategy.
Strategic Thinking
A strong capacity for developing long-term product strategies that are both visionary and practical.
Problem-Solving Skills
The capability to address and resolve complex product challenges efficiently, often with creative solutions.
Technical Knowledge
A good understanding of product development processes and technologies, even if not deeply technical.
Market Research & Analysis
Proficiency in data analysis and interpreting market trends to inform product decisions.
Project Management
Experience managing projects, including timelines, budgets and resource allocation.
Agile Methodologies
Familiarity with agile development practices to adapt quickly to changes and drive product success.
What is the difference between Interim and Fractional Head of Product?
Interim Head of Product
- Definition: An Interim Head of Product is brought in full-time for a set period, typically during a transitional phase, such as when a company is searching for a permanent product leader or when an organization needs an experienced leader to manage a major product launch or strategic pivot.
- Commitment: Typically works full-time, immersing deeply in the company’s culture, processes, and strategic initiatives.
- Focus: Often tasked with stabilising teams, accelerating product delivery, or executing short-term strategies. They become temporary but integral members of the organisation.
Fractional Head of Product
- Definition: A Fractional Head of Product, on the other hand, works on a part-time or consulting basis. They provide strategic guidance and oversight without the full-time commitment, making them ideal for smaller organisations or start-ups that may not need or afford a full-time Head of Product.
- Commitment: Works part-time, often splitting their time between multiple clients or projects. They may work a few days per week or a certain number of hours, depending on the agreement.
- Focus: Primarily provides high-level strategic direction, mentors junior product managers, and helps organisations set a long-term product vision. They focus on maximising efficiency and outcomes within limited working hours.
Key Differences
- Time Commitment: Interim Heads of Product are fully committed for a temporary but intensive period, whereas Fractional Heads of Product work part-time and provide strategic value on a limited schedule.
- Engagement Level: Interim leaders are more immersed in daily operations, while fractional leaders focus on high-level strategy and mentorship.
- Use Cases: Interim roles are suited for larger projects or transitions, while fractional roles are best for smaller companies needing expert guidance without the cost of a full-time executive.
Typical Interview Questions for an Interim Head of Product
Typical interview questions can include:
Product Strategy & Vision
- How do you approach developing and executing a product strategy?
- Can you share an example of a time when you had to pivot a product’s direction? What led to this decision and what was the outcome?
Leadership & Team Management
- How do you keep your team motivated during periods of transition or uncertainty?
- What’s your approach to resolving conflicts between product managers and other departments?
Technical & Market Insights
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and technological advancements?
- Can you walk us through how you analyse a new market for product opportunities and risks?
Project Management & Execution
- Describe your process for prioritising features and managing a product roadmap.
- How do you ensure that product launches are successful, both internally and externally?
For more examples read our guide to 28 interim product interview questions to ask your Interim Product candidates.
Interim Head of Product day rate?
An Interim Head of Product’s day rate would be in the region of £650 – £800 depending on the scope of responsibilities, industry and the individual’s experience.
Interim Head of Product job description example
Job Title: Interim Head of Product
Location: [Specify Location or Remote]
Duration: [Specify Duration, e.g., 6 months]
Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Interim Head of Product to lead our product team, manage our product strategies and deliver outstanding results during this crucial period. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in product management, strategic leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a strategic product vision.
- Lead and manage a team of product managers and other stakeholders.
- Analyse market trends and adjust product strategies accordingly.
- Oversee the product development process from ideation to release.
- Communicate and align product goals with senior management.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, or a related field; MBA preferred.
- 8-10+ years of experience in product management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience in successfully launching and managing products.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
- Ability to manage budgets, allocate resources, and mitigate risks effectively.
- Deep understanding of market research and agile methodologies
Tips for becoming an Interim Head of Product
- Build a strong network: Networking can open doors to interim roles. Engage with other product leaders and recruiters.
- Showcase your skills: Develop a personal brand that highlights your ability to adapt, lead and deliver results quickly.
- Gain diverse experience: Working across different industries or with various products can make you a more attractive candidate.
FAQs
- How long does an Interim Head of Product typically stay at a company?
- Similar to other interim roles such as Interim Chief Product Officer the duration for which an Interim Head of Product stays can vary widely. Generally, it ranges from 3 to 12 months, depending on the company’s needs. For example, they may stay until a permanent Head of Product is hired or until a specific product initiative is completed. The timeframe may be extended if strategic projects or unforeseen challenges arise that require continued leadership.
- What are the benefits of hiring an Interim Head of Product instead of rushing to fill a permanent role?
- Hiring an Interim Head of Product allows a company to maintain momentum and stability during a period of transition. This approach gives the company time to search for the best permanent candidate without sacrificing product quality or strategic initiatives. Additionally, interim leaders bring fresh perspectives and often have extensive experience across different industries, which can add unique value and drive innovation.
- How does an Interim Head of Product integrate quickly into an organisation?
- Interim Heads of Product are highly skilled at integrating swiftly into new teams and environments. They begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the current product landscape, engaging key stakeholders, and understanding the company’s culture and objectives. Their ability to adapt quickly and effectively is a hallmark of their role and they often come prepared with frameworks for rapid team alignment and execution.
- How does IR35 legislation impact hiring an Interim Head of Product in the UK?
- IR35 is a tax legislation affecting contractors, which can impact how an Interim Head of Product is engaged. If a contractor falls within IR35 rules, they may be treated as an employee for tax purposes, meaning the hiring company may need to handle tax and National Insurance contributions differently. Companies often seek legal or financial advice to ensure compliance and may adjust engagement terms based on whether the role is inside or outside IR35.
