Joep Afman - Managing Consultant Interim Solutions, Nomilk2day Interim
In just three years, Nomilk2day Interim has grown from a side service to a full-fledged label with two recruitment professionals, each with their own specialization. Managing Consultant Joep Afman shares his insights on the growing demand for interim services, trends in the sector, and how Nomilk2day is adapting to these changes.
Joep Afman - Managing Consultant Interim Solutions
One thing Joep and his colleague Robert have in common is drive. And that's a good thing, because speed is crucial when placing interim managers. The same drive is also evident in the development of the interim label, which was launched in 2020 by Robert Sedney and expanded with Joep.
Joep, how do you explain the rapid growth?
“It is the result of the focus we have placed on interim ourselves and an increasing demand for interim services from our existing and new clients. In the past ten years, the market has grown rapidly. Working as an interim professional has become more attractive, as there is a high chance of finding a suitable assignment quickly. As a result, we receive many inquiries from people looking to explore this path.”
Can anyone start as an interim professional?
“In principle, anyone in the Netherlands can start as an interim professional. However, there are several important elements to consider. Firstly, you need to have the experience and skills that are required and possibly scarce. Additionally, the work should suit your personality. You must enjoy entering a dynamic environment and bringing it to calm waters until a permanent employee takes over. It is up to us to find that specialist who has the knowledge and passion and makes a difference. In the past few months, I have spoken to at least 400 interim professionals. We know the experienced specialists in the field personally.”
What trends are you currently seeing in the interim market, especially in the sectors where you are active?
“We are noticing some notable trends. The demand for quality managers is steadily increasing, partly due to the growing pressure from certifications and audits faced by companies. This makes tight control from supply chain management, QA, and QHSE increasingly relevant. There is also an urgent need for professionals in operations, such as in process and project management. There is currently a shortage of talented professionals in supply chain planning, particularly in forecasting and demand.
Another area where we are often engaged is sales and marketing, including business development and product and category management. In the agriculture, food, and industry sectors, many companies are facing significant changes. They often opt for experienced interim managers to guide them through these challenges. As you can see, interim solutions are being used more and more frequently.”
What kind of challenges are those? Do you have an example?
“Take, for example, the energy crisis, which has a significant impact on the horticulture sector. An external expert can make rational decisions to address these challenges. Additionally, we carry out HR assignments where an interim manager acts on behalf of an agricultural cooperative to mediate and negotiate between unions and members. These are substantial projects with a huge impact on the respective organization. We are also skilled in filling in for maternity leave, sickness, and other temporary situations. For instance, in HR, Finance, and IT.”
What sets you apart?
What sets Nomilk2day apart is the focus on providing total solutions for clients. Many other parties either focus on recruitment and selection or on interim services; we do both within established sectors. The great advantage of this is that we deploy interim managers directly to address issues while simultaneously working behind the scenes to find permanent solutions. This seamless collaboration between interim and Recruitment & Selection leads to efficiency and delivers maximum value for our clients. Because practical matters such as notice periods and induction periods smoothly transition, the work continues uninterrupted.
Are you a decisive Interim Manager or is your organization looking for an interim professional who can tackle business challenges head-on?
Contact us: Joep Afman (Managing Consultant) and Robert Sedney (Managing Director).
