Interim Roles

C-suite positions can be challenging and time-consuming to fill. At Merlin, we understand the urgency of finding the right leadership to build and structure your business effectively. That’s why we offer Interim C-suite positions, providing you with access to highly skilled professionals ready to step in and drive your organization forward. With Merlin, you can secure top-tier talent without straining your budget. Let us help you navigate your leadership needs efficiently and affordably.  Merlin recruiters can help with both full-time and interim C-Suite Roles.

C suite interim roles
Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO):

The role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has evolved significantly over the years. Key aspects of the CFOs responsibilities are:

  • Financial Planning and Analysis: This includes tracking cash flow, financial planning, and analyzing the company’s financial strengths & weaknesses
  • Strategic Leadership: Beyond just managing finances, the CFO plays a crucial role by working closely with the CEO and other C-suite executives to make major investment and financing decisions
  • Risk Management: Managing financial risks is a core responsibility which includes overseeing cash management, capital deployment, and compliance with financial rules and regulations
  • Communication: CFO is a key communicator with investors, boards, and other stakeholders
  • Team Leadership: Leading a multitalented and technologically savvy finance team is essential. The CFO models good financial practices and team-building skills across the organization
  • Compliance and Reporting: Ensuring that the company’s financial reports are accurate and completed in a timely fashion. The CFO ensures adherence to financial standards and regulatory requirements

In short, the CFO is a strategic partner in maximizing value creation for the company and plays a crucial role in the long-term success of any company.

Interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior-level executive responsible for overseeing an organization’s information, cyber, and technology security.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of a CISO

  • Strategic Planning: Aligning the organization’s security measures with its overall business objectives by developing a comprehensive security strategy
  • Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks affecting the company’s information assets and implementing appropriate controls to mitigate those risks
  • Security Policy Development: Create and maintain the organization’s security policies to ensure information is handled, protected, and shared appropriately
  • Compliance and Regulation: Ensuring the organization adheres to various laws and standards related to information security, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or industry-specific regulations
Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO):

The CIO plays a crucial role in an organization by overseeing the information technology (IT) department and ensuring that technology aligns with the company’s overall business goals.

Here are some key roles and responsibilities of a CIO:

  • Creating Business Value through technology: Uses technology to create business value and drive growth
  • Developing and Implementing IT Strategy: Responsible for the organization’s technology strategy, ensuring it aligns with business goals
  • Overseeing IT Infrastructure: Includes managing hardware, software, cloud, networks, and data centers to ensure they are reliable, secure, and scalable. CIO also approves purchases of IT equipment and oversee vendor negotiations
  • Establishing IT Policies and Standards: Develop strategies, IT policies, and standards to ensure regulatory requirements are met
  • Managing IT Budget: Ensure cost-effective technology investments
  • Leading IT Teams: Provide guidance to IT and security teams, and hire new team members
Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO):

A COO plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of an organization. By focusing on streamlining operations and improving efficiency, they help save costs and enhance overall performance. Their responsibilities typically include:

  • Analyzing current processes: Finding areas for improvement and implementing best practices. A COO ensures efficient and effective operations across the entire organization
  • Overseeing daily operations: Ensuring all departments, including HR, are functioning efficiently
  • Implementing cost-saving measures: Finding ways to reduce expenses without compromising quality
  • Reporting: Creating and delivering reports to the CEO on critical matters
  • Performance Evaluation: Analyzing reports from subordinates to evaluate employee performance
  • Strategic Planning: Helps the CEO set goals for company growth and plans to achieve them
  • Culture Building: Setting and promoting a healthy organizational culture
  • Coordination: Acting as a bridge between C-level executives and department heads
Interim & Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) Services:

Overview

Our Interim and Virtual CISO (vCISO) services provide experienced cybersecurity leadership on-demand, delivering strategic security guidance, compliance oversight, and risk management without the cost and commitment of a full-time executive. Whether you’re navigating a leadership transition, scaling your security program, or addressing urgent regulatory requirements, our seasoned security professionals step in to protect your organization from evolving threats.

Key Features

  • Strategic Security Leadership: We align your cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives, creating a roadmap that supports growth while mitigating risk. 
  • Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to key frameworks and standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, HIPAA, GDPR) through tailored policies, assessments, and audits. 
  • Incident Response Readiness: Establish or refine your incident response plans, including tabletop exercises and breach simulations. 
  • Governance and Reporting: Deliver regular board-level reports, metrics, and recommendations that drive informed decision-making. 
  • Vendor and Third-Party Risk Oversight: Evaluate and manage third-party cybersecurity risks across your supply chain. 
  • Team Mentoring and Development: Support internal teams through coaching, process improvement, and capability-building. 
  • Scalable Engagement Models: Choose from fully virtual, hybrid, or on-site interim leadership options based on your needs. 

Ideal For

  • Organizations undergoing a CISO transition
  • Startups and mid-size companies needing strategic security leadership
  • Businesses preparing for regulatory audits or certifications
  • Enterprises looking to mature their security posture without expanding headcount 

Why Choose Us ​

With a proven track record across industries, our vCISO professionals bring deep technical expertise, executive-level communication skills, and a pragmatic, business-aligned approach to cybersecurity.