Fractional COO Jobs UK
Find Fractional COO roles across the UK. Lead operations strategy, scale processes, and drive operational excellence on a part-time basis. £800-£1,300 day rates.
💰 Fractional COO Earnings Calculator
Monthly Earnings
£11,500
Annual Earnings
£138,000
📊 The Fractional COO Market in the UK
Fractional COO jobs represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the UK\'s fractional executive market. As companies navigate the complexities of scaling operations, the demand for experienced COO leadership without full-time commitment has exploded, creating exceptional opportunities for senior operations professionals seeking flexible, high-impact work.
The role of a Fractional COO emerged from a critical gap in the market: scale-ups and SMEs reaching £2-10M revenue need sophisticated operational leadership to build scalable processes, implement systems, and professionalise operations—but the £135,000-£220,000 full-time COO salary represents a significant investment. A Fractional COO provides the same strategic operations expertise at a day rate structure, working 2-3 days per week and delivering focused value on the priorities that matter most: process optimisation, system implementation, team structuring, and operational scaling.
💰 Fractional COO Salary & Day Rates in the UK
Fractional COO day rates in the UK vary based on experience, industry, and company stage. Market data from recruitment agencies, LinkedIn salary insights, and fractional talent platforms shows the following compensation ranges:
- £700-£900/day: Entry-level fractional COO roles (10-15 years experience, SMEs, agencies)
- £900-£1,100/day: Standard UK fractional COO rates (15+ years, scale-ups, tech companies)
- £1,100-£1,300/day: Senior fractional COO (20+ years, FinTech, London-based, Series A+)
- £140,000-£240,000/year: Total annual earnings for 2-3 clients at 3 days/week
For context, a full-time COO in London typically earns £135,000-£220,000 base salary (Glassdoor, 2024), making the fractional model financially attractive for both companies (lower fixed costs, access to senior talent) and executives (higher total earnings through portfolio approach, intellectual variety, reduced burnout).
The portfolio career model is particularly compelling for Fractional COOs. A typical engagement structure might involve Client A (FinTech scale-up, 3 days/week, £1,100/day), Client B (E-commerce brand, 2 days/week, £950/day), generating £190k+ annually. This diversification provides not only financial upside but also intellectual stimulation—one day you\'re optimising supply chain logistics for an E-commerce business, the next you\'re implementing OKRs and building operational dashboards for a SaaS company. The variety prevents the operational monotony that can affect full-time COO roles while maintaining strategic impact.
🎯 Industries Hiring Fractional COOs
Fractional COO demand is strongest in sectors experiencing rapid growth where operational scaling challenges emerge before companies can justify full-time COO salaries:
💻 SaaS & B2B Software
Leading sector for COO demand. SaaS companies scaling from £2M to £10M ARR need operational infrastructure—customer success processes, revenue operations, team scaling frameworks, and system integrations. Average day rate: £1,000-£1,200.
🛍️ E-commerce & D2C
E-commerce brands require sophisticated operations expertise—supply chain optimisation, fulfilment scaling, inventory management, 3PL relationships, and international logistics. Fractional COOs deliver immediate value. Average day rate: £850-£1,100.
🏥 HealthTech & Medtech
Healthcare companies face complex operational requirements—MHRA compliance, clinical governance, NHS procurement processes, and regulated service delivery. Fractional COOs with healthcare experience command premium rates. Average day rate: £1,000-£1,250.
🏦 FinTech & Financial Services
FinTech companies need operational leaders who understand FCA compliance, financial controls, risk management frameworks, and banking operational processes. London-based FinTech COO roles offer premium pricing. Average day rate: £1,100-£1,300.
🚀 Why Companies Hire Fractional COOs
The decision to hire a Fractional COO typically emerges at specific inflection points where operational complexity begins to constrain growth:
- Scaling Challenges: Companies at £2-5M revenue experiencing operational bottlenecks—manual processes breaking down, team capacity maxed out, customer experience degrading, and founders stuck in operational firefighting rather than strategic leadership.
- System Implementation: Businesses ready to professionalise operations by implementing ERP systems, CRM platforms, project management tools, or operational dashboards need experienced guidance. Fractional COOs bring implementation expertise without the risk of a bad full-time hire.
- International Expansion: UK companies expanding to EU or US markets require operational playbooks for new geographies—hiring processes, compliance frameworks, supplier relationships, and logistics networks. Fractional COOs with international experience accelerate market entry.
- Post-Funding Growth: After Series A or Series B funding, investors often mandate operational improvement. Fractional COOs help companies build the operational foundations needed to reach next-stage milestones—scalable processes, clear KPIs, operational efficiency.
- Team Scaling: Companies rapidly hiring (20 to 50 to 100 employees) need organisational design expertise—department structuring, reporting lines, role clarity, onboarding processes, and performance management frameworks.
What differentiates an effective Fractional COO from a consultant is accountability and execution focus. A Fractional COO integrates into the leadership team, owns operational KPIs, makes decisions, and drives implementation. They don\'t just provide recommendations—they build the systems, train the teams, and deliver measurable operational improvements. This hands-on accountability is why companies pay premium day rates and why Fractional COO engagements often extend 18-24 months as companies scale through multiple operational phases.
⚙️ Core Operations Skills
Process Optimisation
CriticalMap and streamline workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, implement lean methodologies, continuous improvement
Systems & Tools Implementation
EssentialSelect and deploy ERP, CRM, project management, and automation platforms. Manage integrations.
Operational Scaling
High DemandBuild scalable processes, standard operating procedures, and infrastructure to support 10x growth
Team & Resource Management
CriticalOrganisational design, resource allocation, capacity planning, hiring frameworks, performance management
Supply Chain & Logistics
Sector-Specific3PL relationships, inventory management, fulfilment optimisation, international logistics (E-commerce)
Compliance & Risk Management
GrowingRegulatory compliance, quality assurance, risk frameworks, audit processes (HealthTech, FinTech)
Latest Fractional COO Jobs
View all roles →Fractional COO
Tech Scale-up
London, UK • Hybrid
Fast-growing tech company seeking a Fractional COO to streamline operations, implement systems, and support international expansion.
Commitment
2-3 days/week
Day Rate
GBP 900 - 1,200/day
Location
London, UK
Posted
1 days ago
Fractional COO
E-commerce Brand
Manchester, UK • Remote
D2C brand seeking a Fractional COO to optimise fulfilment, supply chain, and operational efficiency during rapid growth.
Commitment
2 days/week
Day Rate
GBP 800 - 1,000/day
Location
Manchester, UK
Posted
2 days ago
Fractional COO
Professional Services Firm
London, UK • Hybrid
Growing consultancy seeking a Fractional COO to professionalise operations, implement project management systems, and improve delivery.
Commitment
2 days/week
Day Rate
GBP 850 - 1,100/day
Location
London, UK
Posted
3 days ago
Fractional COO
HealthTech Company
Cambridge, UK • Hybrid
HealthTech company seeking a Fractional COO to build operational infrastructure, ensure compliance, and scale service delivery.
Commitment
2-3 days/week
Day Rate
GBP 900 - 1,150/day
Location
Cambridge, UK
Posted
2 days ago
Fractional COO
Creative Agency
Bristol, UK • Hybrid
Award-winning creative agency seeking a Fractional COO to improve resource planning, project profitability, and operational processes.
Commitment
1-2 days/week
Day Rate
GBP 700 - 900/day
Location
Bristol, UK
Posted
4 days ago
Fractional COO
FinTech Startup
London, UK • Hybrid
FinTech startup seeking a Fractional COO to build operational foundations, vendor management, and regulatory compliance processes.
Commitment
3 days/week
Day Rate
GBP 950 - 1,200/day
Location
London, UK
Posted
1 days ago
🏢 Fractional COO Opportunities by Company Stage
Seed & Pre-Series A
Build operational foundations, implement first systems, establish processes for scaling
Typical Rate
£700-£900/day
Series A
Scale operations, professionalise processes, implement advanced systems, structure teams
Typical Rate
£900-£1,100/day
Series B+
International expansion, complex operations, multi-team coordination, advanced analytics
Typical Rate
£1,100-£1,300/day
Established & SME
Operational transformation, efficiency improvement, digital transformation, change management
Typical Rate
£850-£1,150/day
💼 What Does a Fractional COO Actually Do?
Operations Strategy
- •Design operational roadmap
- •Build scalable processes
- •Align ops with business goals
- •Capacity planning
Systems & Tools
- •Select and implement ERP/CRM
- •Automation and integrations
- •Operational dashboards
- •Tech stack optimisation
Process Optimisation
- •Map and streamline workflows
- •Eliminate bottlenecks
- •Lean methodologies
- •Continuous improvement
Team & Resources
- •Organisational design
- •Resource allocation
- •Hiring frameworks
- •Performance management
Scaling Operations
- •Build for 10x growth
- •Standard operating procedures
- •Quality assurance
- •Operational metrics
Operational Reporting
- •KPI frameworks
- •Executive dashboards
- •Board reporting
- •Data-driven decision making
📍 Fractional COO Jobs by Location
London
FinTech, SaaS, and scale-up operations leadership in London's tech hubs.
View London roles →Manchester
E-commerce, MediaTech, and professional services operational roles.
View Manchester roles →Edinburgh
FinTech and renewable energy operations opportunities in Scotland.
View Edinburgh roles →Cambridge
DeepTech, BioTech, and academic spinout operational scaling.
View Cambridge roles →Bristol
Creative tech, agencies, and sustainable business operations.
View Bristol roles →Remote UK
Fully remote COO roles with quarterly travel. SaaS and digital-first companies.
View Remote UK roles →💬 Fractional COO Success Stories
Rachel Stevens
Fractional COO
“After 15 years in full-time COO roles at scale-ups, transitioning to fractional work transformed my career. I work with a HealthTech company (3 days/week) optimising clinical operations, an E-commerce brand (2 days/week) scaling fulfilment, and a SaaS startup (flexible) building revenue operations. The diversity keeps me intellectually engaged while delivering operational impact across three industries simultaneously.”
Experience
18 years
Active Clients
3 companies
Annual Earnings
£185k/year
Specialties
HealthTech, E-commerce, Operations Scaling
David Chen
Fractional COO
“As a Fractional COO, I can focus exclusively on the strategic operations work I love—process design, system implementation, and team structuring—without getting bogged down in day-to-day operational firefighting. My current clients are a Series A FinTech (3 days/week, £1,150/day) where I'm building operational compliance frameworks, and a professional services firm (2 days/week, £950/day) implementing project management systems. The fractional model is perfect for senior operators.”
Experience
20 years
Active Clients
2 companies
Annual Earnings
£210k/year
Specialties
FinTech, Process Optimisation, Compliance
Sophie Williams
Fractional COO
“I transitioned to fractional COO work after scaling two companies from 20 to 200+ employees. Now I leverage that operational playbook across multiple businesses—two scale-ups (2-3 days/week each), one turnaround (flexible), and one advisory board role. The ability to pattern-match across companies accelerates impact. I can identify operational bottlenecks instantly and apply proven frameworks from previous scaling experiences. Fractional work offers better earnings and far more variety than a single full-time role.”
Experience
16 years
Active Clients
4 companies
Annual Earnings
£195k/year
Specialties
Team Scaling, Turnarounds, SaaS Operations
❓ Fractional COO Jobs UK: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Fractional COO?
A Fractional COO is an experienced operations executive who provides strategic operations leadership on a part-time basis, typically working 2-3 days per week. They optimise processes, implement systems, scale operations, and build operational infrastructure while working with multiple companies simultaneously, bringing 15+ years of operational expertise without the full-time salary commitment.
How much does a Fractional COO earn in the UK?
Fractional COO day rates in the UK range from £800 to £1,300 per day, with London FinTech and SaaS roles at the premium end. Working 3 days per week across 2-3 clients, a Fractional COO typically earns £140,000 to £240,000+ annually. Entry-level fractional COOs (10-15 years experience) earn £700-£900/day, while senior operators (20+ years) command £1,100-£1,300/day.
What's the difference between a Fractional COO and an Interim COO?
A Fractional COO works part-time (2-3 days/week) with multiple companies simultaneously on an ongoing basis, focusing on building scalable operations. An Interim COO works full-time with a single company for a fixed period (typically 6-12 months), often filling a temporary gap or managing a specific project. Fractional COOs offer portfolio diversity and strategic focus, while interim COOs provide full-time operational hands-on management.
How many clients does a Fractional COO typically work with?
Most Fractional COOs work with 2-3 companies simultaneously. For example: one primary client at 3 days/week (£1,000/day = £3,000/week), one secondary client at 2 days/week (£900/day = £1,800/week), generating £220k+ annually. Some experienced COOs manage 4 clients with varying time commitments (2 days/week each), though this requires exceptional time management and clear operational boundaries.
What industries hire Fractional COOs in the UK?
The strongest demand comes from SaaS and B2B software (operational scaling, revenue operations), E-commerce and D2C brands (supply chain, fulfilment, logistics), HealthTech and Medtech (compliance, clinical operations), FinTech (regulatory operations, risk management), professional services firms (project management, resource planning), and creative agencies (operational efficiency, profitability). SaaS and E-commerce offer the highest volumes of roles.
What experience do you need to become a Fractional COO?
Successful Fractional COOs typically have 15+ years of operational experience, including 5-8 years in senior operations leadership (COO, VP Operations, Operations Director). Most have scaled companies through significant growth phases (e.g., 20 to 200 employees, £2M to £20M revenue), implemented operational systems, and built teams. Specific operational expertise (supply chain, SaaS operations, healthcare operations) commands premium rates.
What skills are most valuable for Fractional COOs?
Essential skills include process optimisation and workflow design, systems selection and implementation (ERP, CRM, project management), operational scaling and SOP creation, organisational design and team structuring, performance management and KPI frameworks, supply chain and logistics management (E-commerce), compliance and regulatory operations (HealthTech, FinTech), and change management. Technical skills with operational tools (Monday.com, Asana, NetSuite, Salesforce) are increasingly important.
How do Fractional COOs manage multiple clients?
Successful Fractional COOs use strict time-blocking (dedicated days per client), clear communication protocols and boundaries, asynchronous operational documentation, operational playbooks and frameworks that transfer across clients, and focus on strategic operations rather than day-to-day firefighting. Many work Monday-Wednesday with Client A, Thursday-Friday with Client B, maintaining operational separation while leveraging pattern recognition across companies.
Are Fractional COO jobs remote or office-based?
Approximately 70% of Fractional COO roles are hybrid (1-2 days on-site, rest remote), 25% are fully remote with monthly travel, and 5% are office-based. Operations roles often require some on-site presence for team collaboration, process observation, and operational problem-solving. E-commerce and digital-first companies offer more remote flexibility, while HealthTech and manufacturing typically prefer hybrid arrangements.
What's the difference between a Fractional COO and an Operations Consultant?
A Fractional COO is an accountable operational leader integrated into the executive team with responsibility for operational outcomes, KPI ownership, and implementation execution—they make decisions and drive results. An Operations Consultant provides analysis, recommendations, and project-based support but isn't accountable for ongoing operational performance. Fractional COOs are hands-on operators who build and own the operations function, while consultants advise from the outside.
How long do Fractional COO engagements typically last?
Most Fractional COO engagements last 18-24 months, aligning with operational transformation cycles or specific scaling phases (e.g., £2M to £10M revenue). Some relationships extend 3-5 years as companies progress through multiple growth stages. Shorter 6-12 month engagements exist for specific operational projects (system implementation, process transformation, international expansion setup) but are less common.
Can you transition from full-time COO to Fractional COO?
Yes, this is the most common path to fractional COO work. Former full-time COOs bring operational playbooks, scaling experience, and proven frameworks. The transition typically involves taking one fractional client initially (3 days/week), then adding a second client (2 days/week) once operational rhythms are established. Most successful Fractional COOs have previous full-time COO experience, which provides the depth of operational expertise clients value.
What are typical Fractional COO contract terms?
Fractional COO contracts typically span 12-24 months with 1-3 month notice periods. Contracts specify day rates, minimum monthly days (usually 8-12 days/month), expenses, and scope of operational responsibilities. Some include performance bonuses tied to operational KPIs (e.g., efficiency improvements, cost savings, successful system implementations). Quarterly rolling contracts are common for established relationships, providing flexibility for both parties.
Do Fractional COOs get equity?
Equity in Fractional COO arrangements is less common than CEO roles but does occur, especially with Series A-B startups. Typical equity ranges from 0.25% to 1%, vesting over 24-48 months. Some Fractional COOs negotiate hybrid arrangements: slightly lower day rates (e.g., £800/day) plus equity (0.5-1%) for higher-growth companies with strong exit potential. Equity is most common in FinTech, SaaS, and HealthTech where operational excellence directly impacts company valuation.
How do you find Fractional COO jobs in the UK?
Fractional COO opportunities come through specialist fractional recruitment agencies (Odgers Berndtson, Fractional Exec Talent, Hunter & Bligh), LinkedIn connections and professional networks, fractional talent platforms (Facet, Outvice, Outsized), referrals from other fractional executives or investors, direct outreach to scale-ups in target industries, and personal brand building through operational content and speaking. Many Fractional COOs build demand through thought leadership on operational scaling challenges.
What operational systems should Fractional COOs know?
Essential operational tools include project management platforms (Monday.com, Asana, ClickUp), CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot), ERP systems (NetSuite, Xero, QuickBooks), communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams), documentation (Notion, Confluence), and analytics platforms (Tableau, Looker). Industry-specific systems matter too—supply chain tools for E-commerce (ShipBob, Flexport), compliance systems for HealthTech (Greenlight Guru, MasterControl), and operational dashboards (Geckoboard, Databox).
Can Fractional COOs work with competitors?
Professional Fractional COOs avoid direct competitors in the same market (e.g., two E-commerce brands selling similar products to the same audience). Most work with companies in different industries or at different stages to prevent conflicts. NDAs and information barriers are standard. Clients appreciate portfolio diversity (e.g., one FinTech client, one E-commerce client, one HealthTech client) as it brings fresh operational perspectives without competitive concerns.
What tax implications exist for Fractional COOs in the UK?
Most Fractional COOs operate through limited companies (Ltd), paying themselves a combination of salary (up to personal allowance) and dividends for tax efficiency. IR35 considerations are important—genuine business-to-business contracts with multiple clients, substitution rights, and operational independence typically fall outside IR35. Operating through Ltd allows expenses (travel, systems, professional development) to be tax-deductible. Consult a specialist accountant familiar with fractional executive arrangements.
What's the biggest challenge for Fractional COOs?
The biggest challenge is balancing strategic operational leadership with limited weekly hours. Fractional COOs must resist getting pulled into day-to-day operational firefighting and maintain focus on building scalable systems, implementing processes, and developing operational teams. Setting clear boundaries with clients, delegating operational execution to team members, and using asynchronous communication effectively are critical. Time management across multiple clients while maintaining operational accountability requires discipline and clear prioritisation.
What's the career progression for a Fractional COO?
Fractional COOs typically progress from single-client engagements (3-4 days/week) to 2-3 client portfolios with diverse operational challenges, then to portfolio COO plus advisory board roles or venture partner positions. Some build specialist operational consulting practices focused on specific industries (E-commerce operations, SaaS operational scaling, HealthTech operational compliance) and command premium rates (£1,300-£1,500/day). Others transition into fractional CEO roles or private equity operating partner positions, leveraging operational expertise for value creation.
Find Your Fractional COO Role Today
Browse 80+ operations leadership opportunities across the UK. Scale, optimise, and transform businesses on your terms.