What is a management mandate and when do I need it?

A management mandate is a professional service where external experts assume the operational management of a company. It is particularly useful for start-ups, international companies without local presence, or during temporary leadership gaps.

In the complex Swiss business world, a professional management mandate can be decisive for company success. Here is everything you need to know about it:

Definition and scope of a management mandate:

Core functions:

• Operational management: Daily operations and strategic decisions
• Compliance management: Adherence to all legal requirements
• Financial responsibility: Budgeting, controlling and financial planning
• Personnel management: Leadership and development of employees
• Stakeholder communication: Contact with investors, customers and partners
• Risk management: Identification and minimization of business risks

Legal foundations:

• Commercial register entry: As managing director or board member
• Power of representation: Authorization for legal acts
• Liability and responsibility: Personal liability under Swiss law
• Duty of care: Professional business management according to best practices

When is a management mandate useful?

Start-ups and new ventures:

• Lack of local expertise: International founders without Swiss knowledge
• Capital efficiency: No full-time management required
• Compliance security: Adherence to all regulatory requirements
• Network access: Professional contacts and market knowledge
• Time savings: Focus on core business instead of administration

International companies:

• Swiss subsidiary: Local presence without own employees
• Market entry: Testing phase before larger investments
• Regulatory compliance: Adherence to local laws and regulations
• Cost optimization: Reduced fixed costs compared to own staff
• Flexibility: Scalable solution according to business development

Existing companies:

• Interim management: Transition solutions during personnel changes
• Restructuring: Professional support in crisis situations
• Special projects: Expertise for specific initiatives
• Expansion: Support during growth phases
• Succession planning: Transition period during ownership changes

Advantages of a professional management mandate:

Operational advantages:

• Immediate availability: No recruitment and onboarding time
• Professional expertise: Experienced executives with industry knowledge
• Objective perspective: External view on business processes
• Efficiency improvement: Optimization of procedures and structures
• Quality assurance: High standards in all business areas

Financial advantages:

• Cost predictability: Fixed monthly fees instead of variable personnel costs
• No additional costs: No social insurance, vacation compensation
• Scalability: Adaptation to business volume
• ROI optimization: Professional management increases company value
• Tax advantages: Fully deductible business expenses

Management mandate at Findea.ch:

Our service spectrum:

• Full mandate assumption: Complete business management
• Partial mandates: Specific areas or projects
• Interim management: Temporary management solutions
• Advisory mandates: Strategic support
• Compliance management: Legal security

Industry expertise:

• Technology and software: Start-ups and scale-ups
• Fintech and blockchain: Regulated financial services
• E-commerce: Online trading and marketplaces
• Consulting: Consulting firms and service providers
• Manufacturing: Production and distribution

Selection criteria for the right partner:

Technical qualifications:

• Industry experience: Specific knowledge of your market
• Management expertise: Proven success in business leadership
• Swiss market knowledge: Understanding of local specificities
• International experience: Global perspective and networks
• Digital competence: Modern tools and technologies

Costs and pricing:

Typical cost structures:

• Monthly packages: CHF 5,000-25,000 depending on scope
• Project-based fees: CHF 150-300 per hour
• Success-based compensation: Bonus upon goal achievement
• Equity participation: Possible with start-ups
• Mixed models: Combination of different elements

Conclusion: A professional management mandate can be a strategically wise decision for many companies. It offers flexibility, expertise and cost efficiency while ensuring the highest standards in business management.