Interim Executives

Interim Executives (General Management, Finance, HR, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology & Commercial Leadership)

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Duration: Typically 6–12 months, depending on the assignment.

Start: Based on client requirements and executive availability

About xNorth

xNorth is an executive leadership firm specializing in Executive Interim Management, with complementary services in Fractional Leadership, Advisory, and Accelerated Search.

We support organizations through turnaround, transformation, growth, and leadership transitions by bringing in experienced executives who take ownership, lead teams, and deliver measurable results.

With established entities in Canada and the United States, xNorth combines direct involvement from partners who are former operators, a practical playbook designed to set each assignment up for success, and support from the xNorth executive community when needed.

Learn more at www.xnorthgroup.com.

Role Overview

We are expanding our roster of accomplished executives to meet increasing client demand for interim leadership across general management, finance, human resources, operations, manufacturing, supply chain, technology, sales, and marketing.

Our clients range from privately owned and private equity-backed businesses to publicly listed companies and not-for-profit organizations. Assignments may involve improving performance, leading a transformation, supporting growth or an acquisition, managing a turnaround, or providing leadership during an executive transition.

Each engagement is aligned with the executive’s expertise, availability, and the client’s priorities.

Scope of the Role

Depending on the assignment, responsibilities may include:

• Assume leadership responsibility for a business, division, function, or critical initiative.
• Assess the situation quickly and identify the most important operational, financial, commercial, and organizational priorities.
• Translate strategic objectives into a practical execution plan with clear actions, owners, and timelines.
• Lead transformation, performance improvement, turnaround, restructuring, or growth initiatives.
• Maintain business continuity and address urgent challenges during periods of transition.
• Support acquisitions, integrations, carve-outs, or the launch of new activities.
• Strengthen team capabilities, coordination, and accountability.
• Establish meaningful performance measures and report on progress, risks, and results.
• Work closely with CEOs, boards, investors, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with xNorth partners throughout the engagement.
• Prepare a structured handover and establish improvements that can be sustained after the assignment.

Candidate Background

• Substantial senior leadership experience as a CEO, President, General Manager, CFO, COO, CHRO, CIO, CTO, CCO, SVP, VP, or equivalent.
• A demonstrated record of delivering measurable business results.
• Experience leading organizations or teams through change, growth, uncertainty, or operational challenges.
• Strong expertise in your functional area, supported by sound financial and commercial judgment.
• Ability to move quickly from assessment to execution and work effectively with limited onboarding.
• Experience building teams, developing capabilities, and establishing clear accountability.
• Effective communication with executive teams, boards, employees, and external partners.
• A practical, adaptable, and results-oriented leadership style.
• Willingness to travel or work on-site according to assignment requirements.
• Previous interim executive experience is welcome but not required. We also welcome established executives transitioning into an interim leadership career.

Why Work with xNorth?

• Direct involvement and support from xNorth partners who are former operators and understand the realities of executive leadership.
• A practical xNorth playbook designed to set you up for success, from onboarding and priority setting to execution and handover.
• Opportunities to apply your experience where it can make a significant business impact.
• Exposure to organizations across different sectors, sizes, and ownership structures.
• Engagements aligned with your expertise, interests, and availability.
• Connection to an experienced executive community and an international network.