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Hire a Fractional CIO to transform your IT. Senior IT leadership, digital transformation expertise, and enterprise systems strategy—at a fraction of full-time cost.
A Fractional CIO (Chief Information Officer) is an experienced IT executive who works with your company on a part-time basis—typically 1-3 days per week. You get strategic IT leadership, digital transformation expertise, and enterprise systems management without the commitment and cost of a full-time hire.
Unlike IT managers who focus on day-to-day operations, a fractional CIO provides strategic leadership. They align technology with business objectives, lead digital transformation initiatives, and ensure your IT investments deliver value.
"A fractional CIO ensures technology enables your business rather than constraining it."
Many companies confuse the CIO and CTO roles. A CTO focuses on product technology—the technology that your customers interact with. A CIO focuses on enterprise technology—the internal systems, infrastructure, and IT operations that run your business.
SaaS companies typically need a CTO for their product and may also need a CIO as they scale their internal operations. Traditional businesses often need a CIO but not a CTO.
Core responsibilities your fractional CIO will own
Develop IT strategy aligned with business objectives. Create technology roadmaps that support growth and efficiency.
Lead digital transformation initiatives. Modernise legacy systems, implement new technologies, and drive digital adoption.
Oversee enterprise systems—ERP, CRM, HRIS, and business applications. Ensure systems work together and serve the business.
Manage IT infrastructure—cloud, networks, hardware, and end-user computing. Ensure reliability, performance, and security.
Establish IT governance frameworks. Define policies, standards, and processes that ensure IT operates effectively.
Manage technology vendors and contracts. Negotiate deals, oversee implementations, and ensure vendor accountability.
Control IT spending and demonstrate ROI. Ensure technology investments deliver business value.
Systems can't scale, processes are manual, and IT is a bottleneck rather than an enabler. Time for strategic IT leadership.
Before crisisNeed to modernise legacy systems, move to cloud, or implement new digital capabilities. Requires experienced leadership.
At project inceptionGrowing rapidly and need enterprise systems—ERP, CRM, HRIS. Need someone to select, implement, and integrate them.
Before implementationSpending too much on IT with unclear ROI. Need strategic oversight to optimise spend and demonstrate value.
ASAPNeed to meet compliance requirements or improve security posture. Requires senior leadership to drive programmes.
6+ months before deadlinesAcquiring or merging with companies. Need IT leadership to assess, plan, and execute technology integration.
During due diligence| Feature | Fractional CIO | Interim CIO | Full-Time CIO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commitment | 1-3 days/week | Full-time (temporary) | Full-time (permanent) |
| Duration | Ongoing (6+ months typical) | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Cost | £3,000-£6,000/week | £8,000-£12,000/week | £150,000-£250,000/year + benefits |
| Focus | Strategic + operational | Gap-fill or transformation | All responsibilities |
| Flexibility | Scale up/down as needed | Fixed term contract | Limited flexibility |
| Best For | Growing companies, specific expertise needs | Leadership gaps, major transitions | Large orgs with full-time need |
Tell us about your needs, company stage, and what you're looking for in a fractional executive.
We curate a shortlist of pre-vetted fractional executives who match your specific requirements.
Interview your top candidates. We handle scheduling and provide interview frameworks.
Your fractional executive begins within days. We support onboarding and ongoing success.
Tell us about your needs, company stage, and what you're looking for in a fractional executive.
We curate a shortlist of pre-vetted fractional executives who match your specific requirements.
Interview your top candidates. We handle scheduling and provide interview frameworks.
Your fractional executive begins within days. We support onboarding and ongoing success.
Tell us about your IT challenges and we'll match you with pre-vetted fractional CIOs who have solved them before.