Fractional COO Opportunity
Fractional COO / Part-Time Operations Director — London at Fractional Quest
About This Role
About This Fractional COO Opportunity in London
We are seeking an experienced Fractional COO (also known as a Part-Time Operations Director) to provide strategic operational leadership to high-growth companies across London. This is a portfolio role offering 1-3 days per week, with remote and hybrid working options available.
According to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), operational leadership is the critical enabler for scaling businesses. London's diverse economy creates exceptional demand for experienced operations executives who can drive efficiency and growth.
What Does an Operations Director Do in a Fractional Capacity?
As a Part-Time COO, you will translate strategy into execution and build scalable operational foundations. The Institute of Directors (IOD) recognises that fractional operational leadership allows companies to access senior expertise during critical growth phases.
Key responsibilities include operational strategy and process optimization, team structure and organizational design, KPI frameworks and performance management, supply chain and vendor management, systems implementation and digital transformation, and cross-functional coordination at board level.
Day Rates in London
This role offers day rates of £850-£1,400 depending on sector complexity and experience. According to Glassdoor UK, fractional COOs working 2-3 days per week can achieve annual earnings of £170,000-£280,000.
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) reports that operational excellence is increasingly seen as a competitive differentiator, driving demand for senior operations talent.
Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates will have 15+ years in operations leadership with experience scaling businesses from £5M to £50M+ revenue. Experience as an Operations Director or COO with P&L responsibility is essential.
Familiarity with APM project management standards and lean/agile methodologies is valuable for driving continuous improvement.
Working Arrangements
This role offers flexible working based in London. Around 60% of fractional operations roles now offer hybrid arrangements. Whether based in Canary Wharf, the City, or elsewhere in London, this role can be structured to suit your preferences.
London Sectors Seeking Part-Time COOs
- SaaS & Tech Scale-Ups — Scaling operations, customer success, Series A-C growth (£900-£1,400/day)
- E-commerce & Logistics — Fulfilment optimization, supply chain, marketplace operations
- Professional Services — Delivery excellence, utilization, project governance
- Manufacturing & Distribution — Lean operations, quality management, ERP implementation
- HealthTech — Clinical operations, regulatory compliance, NHS partnerships
The UK Market for Operations Leadership
The ScaleUp Institute highlights operational capability as the number one constraint for UK scale-up growth. Full-time COO salaries in London range from £140,000-£220,000+.
The fractional model provides companies with experienced operations leadership at 30-50% of full-time cost while enabling professionals to apply their expertise across multiple businesses.
How to Apply for Fractional COO Roles
If you are an experienced operations leader seeking Part-Time Operations Director opportunities in London and the UK, register your interest through Fractional Quest.
Browse more opportunities: All Fractional COO Jobs UK | London Operations Jobs | Remote Fractional Jobs | COO Salary Guide | What is a Fractional COO?
Job Details
- Company
- Fractional Quest
- Location
- London, England
- Compensation
- £850-£1,400/day
- Posted
- 28 Jan 2026
About This Role
A Fractional COO provides part-time operational leadership to businesses needing to scale efficiently. They focus on process optimization, team structure, operational excellence, and turning strategy into execution.
Day Rates (UK Market)
Based on UK market rates for Fractional COO roles working 2-3 days per week
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Fractional COO do?▼
A Fractional COO provides part-time operational leadership including process optimization, team structure, KPI frameworks, and scaling operations.
How much does a Fractional COO cost?▼
Fractional COOs typically charge £850-£1,400 per day in the UK.
When should I hire a Fractional COO?▼
Consider a Fractional COO when your business is growing but operations are becoming a bottleneck—common at £3-30M revenue.
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