Fractional CEO Opportunity

Advisory CEO Opportunities Across the UK

Advisory CEO roles offer experienced business leaders the opportunity to provide strategic guidance without day-to-day operational responsibilities. These positions are ideal for accomplished CEOs who want to share their expertise as strategic advisors, non-executive directors, or mentors to founders and leadership teams.

What Advisory CEOs Do

As an advisory CEO, you'll typically work 1-4 days per month with each client. Your responsibilities include providing strategic guidance to founders and boards, advising on business strategy and market positioning, helping navigate fundraising, M&A, and major partnerships, mentoring first-time CEOs or founders, and serving as a sounding board for critical business decisions. Advisory roles focus on strategic wisdom rather than operational execution.

UK Market Demand

The demand for experienced CEO advisors continues to grow as founders and boards seek guidance from those who have "been there before." According to EY CEO Outlook, companies increasingly value external strategic input. Harvard Business Review highlights the importance of mentorship for leadership development. The FT Non-Executive Directors' Club reports growing opportunities for portfolio careers among senior executives.

Day Rates for Advisory CEOs

Advisory CEO day rates in the UK typically range from £800-£1,200 per day, reflecting the strategic value of experienced leadership guidance. Board advisory roles or crisis advisory may command premium rates. Many advisory CEOs combine advisory work with NED positions, angel investing, and speaking engagements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Successful advisory CEOs typically have 20+ years of leadership experience with CEO roles at significant scale. You should have experience building and exiting companies, navigating M&A, and working with boards and investors. Strong emotional intelligence is essential—you'll be coaching leaders through difficult decisions. A network of investors, board members, and professional advisors adds significant value.

Industries Seeking Advisory CEOs

Advisory CEO leadership is particularly valuable in:

• Venture-Backed Startups - First-time founders seeking guidance
• Private Equity Portfolio Companies - Leadership support for portfolio CEOs
• Scale-ups - Companies navigating rapid growth challenges
• Family Businesses - Succession planning and professionalisation
• Turnaround Situations - Companies needing strategic direction

How to Find Advisory CEO Roles

The best advisory CEO opportunities come through networks and specialist platforms. Fractional Quest focuses specifically on fractional and advisory executive roles in the UK. The Institute of Directors and Vistage offer networking for CEOs. CEO Magazine and Business Leader provide industry insights.

Getting Started

To explore advisory CEO opportunities, browse our Advisory CEO Jobs UK listings. For more hands-on roles, see our Fractional CEO Jobs and Interim CEO positions. Check our CEO salary guide to understand current market rates.