Jesús Cabañas Díez is an expert in supply chain and strategic sourcing. Over the past decade, he has built a successful interim career in Spain, helping companies solve their toughest challenges.
In our ongoing #Way2InterimManagement series, we sat down with Jesús to learn about his journey from corporate leadership to freelance impact— and what it takes to succeed when you’re brought in to make a difference fast.
Engineering foundations
Jesús Cabañas Díez began his career with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and a master of science in energy. Instead of working as an engineer, however, Jesus took a non-traditional route. He applied energy and technology concepts in industrial environments as a supply chain professional.
Over the first few decades of his career, Jesús climbed the ranks through various roles in the chemical and automotive sectors, first in Madrid, and then in Paris. His time at Valeo —the French supplier of components and systems for carmakers — was particularly formative. Jesús was promoted to high-level positions, like procurement manager, category buyer, and purchasing quality director.
"At Valeo, I had the opportunity to move through different leadership roles surrounding procurement. That is where I became an expert in global sourcing."
After 12 years with Valeo, including six spent in Paris, Jesús returned to Madrid. There, he found an opportunity to apply his knowledge in an entirely new sector.
Embracing the renewable energy boom
In 2005, Jesús joined LM Wind Power, now part of General Electric. This was just as the renewable energy sector was taking off.
"It was for personal reasons that I decided to move back to Spain, but it happened to be lucky timing. To jump into the start of the wind energy industry in Spain was an incredible opportunity."
At LM Wind Power, Jesús was responsible for the procurement of blade-making materials for three factories in southern Europe.
"When I first joined the team, we were making 25-meter blades for windmills. Today, the industry produces 100-meter blades. The pace of innovation was incredible and I was excited to be a part of it."
After seven productive years with LM Wind Power, Spain’s economy hit turbulence and many jobs disappeared. Facing a major crossroads at age 50, Jesús chose not to chase another corporate post. Instead, he made a bold pivot.
Finding interim management
Faced with uncertainty but armed with experience, Jesús considered going independent.
"At that age and career stage, I had the knowledge to freelance, but consulting didn't quite fit my way of working. A consultant comes into a company and makes an assessment of a situation, then hands over a PowerPoint and leaves. But an interim manager is committed to making sure what was in the PowerPoint is implemented and made effective in the company. That's what I am good at. "
After assessing his skills and work style, interim management rose as the perfect fit for the next stage of Jesús's career.
"My 12 years in the automotive industry really made me confident I could handle interim management. The automotive industry is very demanding in term of handling stress and delivering results under pressure. I like to think of that time as my interim management schooling, in a way. It prepared me to solve tough situations quickly."
To assist with the business side of freelancing, Jesús decided to also invest in formal education from IESE, a well-renowned business school in Madrid. IESE gave him the tools to run his small business effectively and helped him expand his professional network for landing interim assignments.
"My first few years as an interim manager were tough, but for 10 years now I have been in a really good position. I am very happy with how my interim career has developed.”
The toughest challenges an interim manager will face
With his engineering background, Jesús approaches projects with logic and structure. But he’s learned that technical skills alone aren’t enough in interim assignments.
"I prefer structured decision-making, but I’ve learned that soft skills and political navigation are just as important. Company politics can be challenging, but a straightforward approach builds trust and efficiency."
In over a decade as an interim manager, Jesús has secured and completed a range of assignments. While each assignment has its unique challenges, Jesús says the toughest are those where companies are in 'Chapter 11'— forced to restructure to avoid bankruptcy.
"In Chapter 11, there is a lack of profit and lack of cash. As part of turning things around, you have to lay people off. This is a necessary but emotionally distressing part of those assignments."
To overcome the emotional burden of leading a company through this level of turnaround, Jesús tries to focus on the bigger picture and lead with future growth in mind.
"Last year, I had an assignment in a small company. It was a 100-person factory in northern Spain where we had to lay off 20% of the people. When I was talking with the unions, I had to explain things logically. If we kept 100% of the workers, then in a few months the factory would be shut and everyone would lose their jobs. By firing 20%, 80% of the workers would be maintained and the company would have the resources to build itself up again."
The workers understood the logic behind Jesús's solutions and the turnaround process went forward. Less than one year after completing this interim assignment, Jesús is happy to hear good news from the company.
"I had a conversation last week with a colleague at that factory. It has now been about 10 months since I left, and he told me that they are running well and they are starting to make a profit. For me, this makes me feel useful. It motivates me for future projects knowing that I contributed to building that company and community up again."
The state of interim management in Spain
While interim management is well-established in countries like the UK, Jesús notes that it remains relatively unknown among Spain’s small and medium-sized companies.
"Most opportunities here come from multinational corporations that are already familiar with the concept of interim management. Spanish SMEs are still catching up and part of my mission is to show them the value of interim managers."
As interim managers complete more assignments, little by little, these smaller companies are getting to know about them. Spanish legislation also has some gaps when it comes to supporting the work and payment of independent professionals. Jesús tries to take time to advocate for broader awareness and better legal frameworks to support interim executives,
Despite primarily working within the Spanish market, Jesús actively networks on an international level— for example, as a member of Best Best Talent Platform. He believes in the potential for increased mobility within the European interim management sector. As the demand for flexible leadership grows, he believes interim managers have a key role to play.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on his career, Jesús finds immense satisfaction in the tangible impact of his work.
"Whether it’s steering companies away from financial distress or optimizing procurement and global sourcing operations, I know that what I do makes a difference."
His advice to aspiring interim managers?
"Interim management is for the challenge-seeker. Be ready to build your own network, continuously learn, and embrace the challenges."
Can your company benefit from an interim professional?
Jesús Cabañas Díez's #Way2InterimManagement gives several examples of how companies can use an interim manager, including for turnaround management and procurement projects.
Is Jesús the expert you are looking for?
At Best Best Talent Platform, we provide ourselves on cultivating a supportive community of C-level experts who are encouraged to make direct relationships with companies and hiring managers. Jesús is a BBTP Member and also an independent talent. To begin working with Jesus, you are welcome to get in touch with him directly using the information below:
Jesús Cabañas Díez
Jesus.Cabanas@iese.net
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesuscabanasdiez/
+34 660 333 326
Do you have an assignment you would like to advertise to a wider audience of interim managers?
Best Best Talent Platform hosts a community of over 1500 experts with various areas of specialty, including board professionals, marketing managers, IT specialists, interim CEOs, and more. If you would like to advertise an assignment on our platform, get in touch with our team. We are always happy to help the best companies find the best talent.
Are you an interim manager with a story to share?
Best Best Talent Platform’s #Way2InterimManagement campaign is an opportunity for BBTP Members to share their experiences and highlight their talents. If you would like to be highlighted in the #Way2InterimManagement campaign, contact BBTP’s Community Manager, Leah Martin: leah.martin@bestbesttalentplatform.com
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