The Rise of Contract and Interim Roles: What It Means for Employers and Executives

The world of work is changing—and so are hiring strategies. As organizations across Canada adapt to evolving market demands, the need for agility, speed, and specialized talent has never been greater. In response, more companies are moving away from traditional long-term hiring models and embracing the flexibility of contract and interim roles, especially at the executive level.

This shift marks a growing trend in the way businesses manage change, growth, and uncertainty. Whether it’s navigating a leadership transition, overseeing a major financial initiative, or bridging the gap during parental leave, interim professionals are becoming an essential part of the workforce.

At BJRC Recruiting, we’ve seen firsthand how impactful short-term hires can be. As a recruitment firm specializing in executive placements for finance, accounting, legal, and compliance roles, we help companies find experienced professionals who can step in with confidence and deliver results from day one.

Why Companies Are Embracing Contract and Interim Talent

Businesses today face more complexity than ever before due to rapid technological change, regulatory pressures, shifting workforce expectations, and economic uncertainty. In this environment, speed and adaptability are critical. Contract and interim roles provide companies with a way to bring in high-level expertise without the long-term commitment.

Some of the most common reasons companies engage interim talent include:

• Bridging leadership gaps during transitions or extended leaves 
• Managing project-based work, such as system implementations or audits 
• Supporting organizational change through restructuring or M&A activity 
• Accessing specialized skills for short-term initiatives that don’t justify a permanent hire 

This hiring model allows firms to be more responsive to immediate needs, reduce hiring timelines, and stay on track with strategic priorities—even in times of change.

The Benefits of Interim Hiring for Employers

Short-term doesn’t mean short on value. Interim professionals bring a wealth of experience, fresh perspective, and a laser focus on results. Here are some key advantages:

Speed and agility

Interim hires can often be onboarded in a matter of days or weeks, compared to the longer timelines associated with full-time executive searches. This is particularly beneficial when a key leader departs unexpectedly or when immediate action is required.

Reduced risk

Hiring on a contract basis gives employers the flexibility to evaluate the fit before committing long-term. In some cases, interim roles even lead to permanent opportunities when both parties are aligned.

Deep expertise

Interim executives are typically seasoned professionals with proven track records. Many have worked in diverse environments and bring a broad skill set to the table, making them ideal for fast-paced or high-stakes assignments.

Cost efficiency

While senior interim professionals may command competitive rates, the overall investment is often more cost-effective than a permanent hire—especially when factoring in benefits, bonuses, and long-term overhead.

The Value of Interim Roles for Executives

This rise in interim work isn’t just good for employers—it also creates exciting opportunities for professionals.

Executives seeking flexibility, variety, or new challenges are increasingly turning to contract roles as a way to leverage their expertise in meaningful ways. Interim work allows professionals to:

• Build diverse experience across industries and companies 
• Maintain career momentum between permanent roles 
• Take on high-impact projects with a defined scope and timeline 
• Enjoy greater control over their schedules and workload 

For many senior professionals, this model offers a fresh approach to career growth—one that’s dynamic, fulfilling, and aligned with their evolving lifestyle goals.

How BJRC Recruiting Supports Interim and Contract Searches

At BJRC Recruiting, we understand that finding the right interim or contract professional is just as important as a permanent hire. The person stepping into a temporary role still needs to bring the right experience, leadership presence, and ability to adapt quickly to a new environment.

Our firm works closely with both employers and executives to ensure the right match for every engagement. Our process includes:

• A deep understanding of the business need, including project goals, timelines, and success metrics 
• Access to a curated network of experienced interim professionals across finance, accounting, legal, and compliance functions 
• A streamlined search and vetting process to ensure fast placements without compromising on quality 
• Ongoing support to both the employer and the professional throughout the assignment 

Whether you need a controller to lead a year-end close, a compliance consultant to guide a regulatory review, or a legal executive to cover a parental leave, our team delivers professionals who are ready to hit the ground running.

Looking Ahead: Interim Talent as a Strategic Advantage

As interim roles become a permanent fixture in the workforce, companies that embrace this model will be better positioned to stay agile and competitive. These hires are no longer just stopgap solutions—they’re strategic tools for growth, transformation, and continuity.

By working with a recruitment firm like BJRC Recruiting, businesses gain access to a flexible hiring solution without sacrificing the quality or expertise of their team. In an environment where needs shift quickly and expectations are high, interim talent provides the stability and leadership required to keep moving forward.

If your organization is considering interim or contract support for an upcoming project or transition, connect with BJRC Recruiting.