Introduction
An interim Chief Operating Officer provides executive-level operational leadership for a defined period, usually three to nine months. They step in during transitions, crises, or scaling phases to ensure business continuity and performance.
Unlike a fractional COO, who typically works part-time over an extended period, an interim COO is embedded full-time and carries full executive authority during their tenure. They are the bridge between what the company is today and what it needs to become before a permanent leader steps in.
Key distinctions:
Interim COO vs Full-Time COO: Interim COOs provide immediate leadership without a long-term employment commitment, and companies avoid the cost of full-time benefits.
Interim COO vs Fractional COO: Fractional COOs support ongoing strategic operations part-time, while interim COOs take full control during a defined leadership gap.
Interim COO vs Consultant: Consultants advise, interim COOs execute. They own operations, budgets, and results
In practice, a consumer brand in the middle of a supply chain overhaul might bring in an interim COO for six months to stabilize operations, implement systems, and prepare the organization for the next phase of scale.
What Does an Interim COO Do?
The interim COO’s role centers on restoring clarity, structure, and performance during times of uncertainty. Their work often includes:
Stabilizing Operations
Assess current systems, team structure, talent, and KPIs.
Identify operational bottlenecks and critical risks.
Implement quick wins to maintain delivery and customer satisfaction.
Leading Through Transition
Manage the operations team and cross-functional alignment during leadership changes.
Preserve/improve team morale and continuity while maintaining accountability.
Prepare the organization for a seamless handoff to the next permanent COO, and in many cases help the organization to find the next permanent COO.
Driving Strategic Change
Redesign processes and systems that are breaking under growth.
Assess vendor partners and supply chain capabilities
Uplevel skillsets of team members.
Provide the financial reporting and operational insights that CEOs, CFOs, and investors rely on for fundraising preparation and for running the business effectively.
Execute turnaround or restructuring initiatives when companies are under pressure.
Building the Foundation for Long-Term Success
Establish scalable operating models, performance metrics, and dashboards.
Hire, mentor, or reorganize key team members.
Document best practices and institutional knowledge for the next leader.
Benefits of Hiring an Interim COO
For companies in transition, waiting to find the perfect permanent hire can be costly. Operational breakdowns compound quickly through revenue leaks, cultural instability, missed growth targets, and team burnout.
Key benefits:
Continuity during transition: Keeps operations stable while leadership searches continue.
Rapid deployment: Interim COOs can be in-seat within days or weeks, avoiding long executive search timelines.
Objectivity: Brings an outside perspective without legacy bias.
Leadership under pressure: Ideal for crises, restructures, or pivots.
Smooth handoff: Builds systems and documentation to ensure long-term stability after departure.
Ready to execute on day one: Seasoned operators who can immediately assess the situation, make decisions, and keep the business moving.
When Should a Company Bring in an Interim COO?
An interim COO is most valuable when:
A COO or key operational leader departs unexpectedly and continuity is critical.
The company is preparing for a major transition such as fundraising, acquisition, or reorganization.
There is urgent operational instability affecting customers, delivery, or financial performance.
The CEO or founder is temporarily covering operations and needs relief to refocus on strategy, revenue growth, fundraising, or market development.
The company is scaling rapidly and needs experienced leadership to establish structure before hiring a permanent COO.
How Long Does an Interim COO Engagement Last?
Most interim COO assignments range from three to nine months depending on the company’s needs.
Short-term (1–3 months): Crisis stabilization, turnaround, or interim coverage during executive search.
Mid-term (4–6 months): Organizational redesign, process optimization, or fundraising readiness.
Long-term (6–9+ months): Transformation projects, team rebuilds, or full operational relaunch.
How Much Does an Interim COO Cost?
Costs depend on experience level, company size, and complexity of the engagement. Interim COOs typically bill:
Monthly retainers: $25,000 to $50,000 per month for full-time commitment.
Project-based engagements: $50,000 to $150,000 or more for defined outcomes.
While the investment can seem substantial, the alternative, prolonged operational disruption or leadership gaps, often costs far more in lost revenue, retention, and valuation.
Interim COO vs Alternative Solutions
Why Choose SIZE for Interim COO Leadership
Most firms treat interim operations leadership as an emergency backfill. At SIZE, we see it as a strategic inflection point: an opportunity to stabilize, evolve, and prepare for sustainable growth.
Our approach combines:
Deep operational expertise: Access to proven executives who have scaled companies across multiple industries.
Speed to placement: Interim leadership who can step in within days, not months.
Full leadership integration: Advisors who lead teams, own outcomes, and prepare organizations for their next phase.
Alignment with investors and founders: Every engagement is built around measurable outcomes and enterprise value creation.
Get Started with Interim COO Leadership
If your company is navigating operational disruption, leadership turnover, or the need for short-term stability during rapid growth, an interim COO can make the difference between losing momentum and accelerating through transition.
Book a consultation today to connect with the SIZE team and get matched with the right operational leader for your company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an interim COO and what do they do?
An interim COO is a senior operational executive who temporarily leads a company’s operations during transitions, stabilizing systems and preparing the organization for its next stage of growth.
When should a company hire an interim COO?
When experiencing leadership turnover, rapid scaling, or operational challenges that require immediate, full-time executive attention.
How long does an interim COO stay?
Typical engagements last three to nine months, depending on company needs and objectives.
How is an interim COO different from a fractional COO?
Interim COOs are full-time temporary leaders who manage operations directly. Fractional COOs are part-time, ongoing partners focused on scalable systems and long-term strategy.
Where can I find an interim COO?
SIZE connects founders and investors with vetted interim executives and fractional executives from top companies who understand the unique challenges of scaling under pressure.
Book a Call to discuss interim COO leadership with SIZE.