8 Best COO Headhunters UK 2026
Ranked comparison of the best COO headhunters for fractional, interim, and permanent Chief Operating Officer appointments.
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Odgers Berndtson
COO, Operations
Global executive search with dedicated COO and operations practice. Strong in FTSE and PE-backed businesses.
Spencer Stuart
COO, Board Operations
Top-tier COO headhunter with deep PE relationships and operational transformation expertise.
Korn Ferry
COO, C-Suite
Global leader with proprietary operational leadership assessment capabilities.
Russell Reynolds
Global COO
Premium COO headhunter for multinational operations leadership roles.
Heidrick & Struggles
Transformation COO
Strong operational transformation practice with global reach.
Boyden
COO, MD
Global executive search with strong mid-market COO practice.
Stanton Chase
International COO
International executive search with strong operational leadership networks.
About These Rankings
Fee percentages are industry estimates. Executive search firms do not publicly disclose their fee structures. Industry-standard retained search fees typically range from 25-35% of first-year compensation for C-level roles. See MERJE's guide and TGS's pricing guide for industry context.
Placement times are estimates based on industry norms and publicly stated timelines where available. Actual timelines vary significantly based on role complexity, market conditions, and candidate availability. We recommend confirming current rates and timelines directly with each provider.
Rankings are based on our editorial assessment considering value, speed, specialisation, and market reputation. Fractional Quest is operated by the same team that produces this content — we've ranked ourselves #1 based on our pricing model, not independent verification.
Key Takeaways
- 1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
- 2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
- 3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
- 4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
- 5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods
Why Use a Specialist COO Headhunter?
The COO role is critical for operational excellence and business scalability. Today's Chief Operating Officers drive efficiency, lead transformation programmes, and ensure businesses can deliver on their strategic ambitions. Finding operational leaders with the right sector expertise requires specialist knowledge.
Cost Comparison
Fractional vs Full-Time Executive
Your Potential Savings
£180k+
Time Allocation
How fractional executives spend their time
UK Fractional Executive Day Rates
Compare day rates across C-suite roles
Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time
Choose the right engagement model
| Aspect | Fractional | Interim | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days/week | 4-5 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Duration | Ongoing/flexible | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Annual Cost | £50-150k | £150-300k | £200-400k+ |
| Best For | SMEs, startups, scale-ups | Crisis, transitions | Large enterprises |
| Flexibility | ★★★ High | ★★☆ Medium | ★☆☆ Low |
Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.
Calculate Your Day Rate
Calculate Your Potential Income
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.
Related Executive Roles
Complementary leadership for your organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
COO headhunter fees typically range from 25-35% of first-year compensation for retained search. Fractional COO placements may have lower flat fees around 10-15%.
Related Pages
The Fractional Executive Trend
Industry data on the rise of fractional leadership
of executives who moved to fractional work report higher job satisfaction
Source: Harvard Business Review ↗Platform Stats
Founder's background
📊 COO Market Snapshot
💰 COO Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK COO roles.
