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Executive GuideFractional
Fractional
CHRO
What is a Fractional CHRO? The complete UK guide to Chief Human Resources Officers on a part-time basis.
10/mo
Monthly Searches
£1,100-£1,300
Day Rate
0+
Live HR Roles
Definition
What is a Fractional CHRO?
A Fractional CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) is an experienced executive-level HR leader who provides strategic people leadership on a part-time basis—typically 2-3 days per week. They sit on your leadership team, own the entire people function, and drive culture and organisational transformation at 40-50% less cost than a full-time CHRO.
The CHRO (also called Chief People Officer or CPO) is the most senior HR role in an organisation. They report directly to the CEO, sit on the executive team, and are responsible for all aspects of people strategy—culture, talent, organisational effectiveness, and HR operations.
In the UK market, "CHRO" terminology is more common at larger organisations (200+ employees) and US-influenced companies. Many UK businesses use "HR Director" or "People Director" for similar roles. The key distinction is that CHROs focus on board-level strategic work rather than operational HR management.
CHRO vs HR Director
| Factor | Fractional CHRO | Fractional HR Director |
|---|---|---|
| Day Rate | £1,100-£1,300 | £900-£1,100 |
| Experience | 18+ years, multiple CHRO roles | 12-18 years, senior HR roles |
| Company Size | 100-500+ employees | 30-150 employees |
| Focus | Board strategy, culture, org design | Building HR, operations, ER |
| Board Interaction | Regular board member | Occasional updates |
| Best For | Transformation, M&A, executive alignment | Building HR function, day-to-day leadership |
Responsibilities
What Does a Fractional CHRO Do?
1. Strategic People Planning
- • Develop long-term people strategy aligned with business strategy
- • Create workforce planning and organisational design
- • Design leadership team structure and succession planning
- • Present people strategy to board and investors
2. Culture & Transformation
- • Lead culture transformation initiatives
- • Shape and reinforce company values at scale
- • Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy
- • Manage change during M&A, restructuring, or rapid growth
3. Executive Team Development
- • Coach CEO and executive team on people matters
- • Lead executive hiring and onboarding
- • Facilitate leadership team effectiveness
- • Manage executive compensation and incentives
4. Board & Investor Relations
- • Present people metrics and strategy to board
- • Support investor due diligence on people matters
- • Advise on people implications of strategic decisions
- • Manage board-level compensation decisions
5. Organisational Effectiveness
- • Design organisational structure for scale
- • Lead major restructuring and change programmes
- • Implement talent management and succession frameworks
- • Drive employee engagement at enterprise level
Use Cases
When to Hire a Fractional CHRO
100-500 Employees
You've grown beyond where an HR Director can handle strategic needs. You need board-level thinking on people matters, but can't justify £200k+ for full-time CHRO.
PE-Backed Portfolio Company
Private equity investors often mandate senior HR leadership across portfolio companies. Fractional CHROs can work across multiple portfolio companies efficiently.
Major Transformation
Going through M&A integration, significant restructuring, culture change, or preparing for exit? These require CHRO-level expertise for a defined period.
Preparing for IPO or Sale
Exit preparation requires professional people infrastructure, governance, and documentation that meets institutional standards.
CHRO Vacancy During Transition
Your CHRO left and you need senior coverage while recruiting replacement. Fractional CHROs can maintain momentum and even help hire their successor.
Costs
Fractional CHRO Costs
Cost Comparison
Fractional CHRO (2 days/week)
- • Day rate £1,200 × 2 days × 52 weeks: £124,800
- • No employer NI: £0
- • No pension/benefits: £0
- Total: £124,800/year
Full-Time CHRO
- • Salary + bonus: £180,000-£250,000
- • Employer NI + pension: £30,000-£40,000
- • Benefits + equity: £20,000-£50,000
- Total: £230,000-£340,000/year
Savings: £105,000-£215,000 annually (46-63%)
Fractional CMO Earnings
Calculate Your Potential Income
£950
£700Avg: £950£1400
2.5 days
1 day5 days
2 clients
14
Weekly
£4,750
Monthly
£20,568
Annual
£228,000
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CMO UK average day rate: £950.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions. Consult with a qualified accountant for accurate financial planning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A Fractional CHRO handles executive-level people leadership: strategic people planning, culture transformation, executive team development, board reporting, organisational design, M&A people integration, and executive hiring. They sit on the leadership team and own the entire people function at a strategic level.
Fractional CHROs in the UK typically charge £1,100-£1,300 per day. For 2 days/week, expect to pay £9,500-£11,300 monthly (£114,000-£135,000 annually). This is 40-50% less than a full-time CHRO at £200,000-£300,000+ total compensation.
CHROs focus on board-level strategy, executive team alignment, culture transformation, and organisational design. HR Directors focus on building and running HR operations. CHROs are typically 10-15% more expensive and suited to larger, more complex organisations (100+ employees).
Hire a CHRO if: you have 100+ employees, need board-level strategic thinking, are going through major transformation (M&A, restructure, culture change), or preparing for exit. Hire an HR Director if: you have 30-100 employees and need hands-on HR leadership and infrastructure building.
Fractional CHROs typically have 18-25+ years HR experience with 8+ years in CHRO, CPO, or Group HR Director roles. Most hold CIPD Level 7 and have led HR through significant growth, M&A, or transformation at companies with 200-1000+ employees.
Find a Fractional CHRO
Access executive-level people leadership without full-time cost.