GLOSSARY

Collective term for the highest-ranking executives in an organization: CEO, CFO, COO, CHRO, CIO, CMO, CPO, CDO, etc. The "C" stands for "Chief."

A C-level professional (CFO, CHRO, CIO, etc.) who works part-time or on a recurring basis for one or several organizations simultaneously. Ideal for companies that need senior leadership but not a full-time hire.

The French-language term for interim management, widely used in Switzerland and France. It refers to placing a senior professional in a leadership role to manage a specific period of change, vacancy or crisis.

Delegating a specific business function (HR, finance, IT, legal) or task to an external expert rather than building an in-house team. Offers flexibility and cost control for non-core or temporary needs.

The strategic redesign of how an organization deploys its human capital, often triggered by digitalization, AI adoption, mergers or shifts in business model. Includes reskilling, restructuring and new ways of working.

A structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams and organizations from a current state to a desired future state. Covers restructuring, mergers, digital transformation, cultural shifts and organizational redesign.

A Chief Human Resources Officer deployed on a temporary basis, typically to manage an HR transformation, cover a vacancy, lead a restructuring or set up an HR function from scratch.

In Swiss business practice, a formal engagement between a client and an external service provider for a defined scope and duration. At The Links, a mandate typically involves placing one or more experts within a client organization.

The average daily rate charged by an independent consultant or interim manager. In Switzerland, TJMs for C-suite interim managers typically range from CHF 1,500 to CHF 3,500 depending on seniority and specialization.

A curated network of verified professionals that an organization can tap into for specific mandates. The Links functions as an expert hub connecting Swiss companies with over 1,000 pre-vetted specialists.

A temporary assignment where an experienced manager takes on an operational role within an organization for a defined period, typically 3 to 12 months. Unlike consulting, the interim manager has direct decision-making authority and is accountable for results.

A model where organizations access specialized professionals as needed, without permanent employment contracts. The Links operates this model, mobilizing vetted experts within 48 hours.

The service of matching organizations with the right external professional for a specific need, including sourcing, screening, validating and proposing candidates. Not a staffing agency — a talent broker acts as a strategic advisor.