What is a Fractional Chief of Staff?
A Fractional Chief of Staff provides strategic operational support to CEOs and founders, helping execute key initiatives without the full-time commitment.
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
A Fractional Chief of Staff is a strategic operator who supports CEOs and founders on a part-time basis. They serve as a force multiplier for executives, handling critical initiatives, cross-functional coordination, and strategic projects that would otherwise consume leadership bandwidth.
What Does a Fractional Chief of Staff Do?
A Fractional Chief of Staff acts as an extension of the CEO, taking ownership of strategic initiatives and ensuring execution across the organization. Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic initiative management
- Board and investor relations support
- Cross-functional project leadership
- Executive communications
- Leadership team coordination
- Special projects and M&A due diligence
When to Hire a Fractional Chief of Staff
A Fractional Chief of Staff is ideal when:
- CEO bandwidth is the primary growth constraint
- Critical projects need senior ownership but don't justify a full-time hire
- The organization is going through transformation or scaling
- You need help preparing for board meetings, fundraising, or exit
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 Fractional Chief of Staff is a part-time strategic operator who supports CEOs and founders with critical initiatives, cross-functional coordination, and executive projects without the commitment of a full-time hire.
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
📊 Exec Market Snapshot
💰 Exec Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK Exec roles.
