8 Best CPO Recruitment Agencies & CPO Executive Search Firms UK 2026
Ranked comparison of the best CPO headhunters for fractional, interim, and permanent Chief Product Officer appointments.
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Erevena
Product Leadership
Specialist technology and product leadership recruiter. Strong in VC-backed scale-ups.
Riviera Partners
CPO, VP Product
Product leadership specialists with deep Silicon Valley and European networks.
Odgers Berndtson
CPO, Digital
Global executive search with growing product leadership practice.
Spencer Stuart
CPO, Chief Digital
Top-tier product and digital leadership practice.
Heidrick & Struggles
Global CPO
Strong product and technology practice with global reach.
Korn Ferry
CPO, C-Suite
Global leader with product leadership assessment capabilities.
Harvey Nash
Product Directors
Technology-focused recruiter with growing product leadership practice.
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 CPO Headhunter?
The CPO role sits at the intersection of technology, design, and business strategy. As a leading **CPO recruitment agency**, we understand what makes exceptional Chief Product Officers. Our **CPO executive search** team specialises in finding product leaders who drive innovation and deliver results.
Whether you need **CPO recruiters** for a permanent placement or **CPO headhunters** for interim leadership, our **Chief Product Officer headhunters** have the expertise to identify top talent. We are among the most trusted **CPO executive search firms** in the UK, with a proven track record of successful placements.
CPO Recruitment Agency Services
As specialist **CPO recruiters**, we offer comprehensive **CPO recruitment agency** services tailored to your needs. Our **CPO executive search** process identifies leaders who excel in product strategy, team building, and stakeholder management.
Our **Chief Product Officer headhunter fee** structure is transparent and competitive. Unlike traditional **CPO headhunters** charging 30-35%, we offer flexible engagement models starting from 10-15% for fractional placements. When you **hire CPO** talent through our **CPO recruitment agency**, you benefit from:
• Access to passive candidates not on the market • Rigorous assessment of product leadership capabilities • Fast placement times (2-4 weeks for interim, 8-12 weeks for permanent) • Guaranteed replacement if not satisfied
Our **CPO executive search firms** division has placed Chief Product Officers at companies ranging from Series A startups to FTSE 100 enterprises.
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
A CPO recruitment agency specialises in finding and placing Chief Product Officers. CPO recruiters understand product strategy, user experience, and technical requirements. Our CPO executive search team has deep networks in the product community.
Industry Resources & Authority Links
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
📊 CPO Market Snapshot
💰 CPO Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK CPO roles.
