Fractional CEO Jobs
Part-time and portfolio executive leadership roles for experienced CEOs and Managing Directors.
Fractional CEO Market Statistics
Growth in fractional CEO demand since 2019
Source: LinkedIn Executive Insights
Of PE-backed transitions using interim/fractional CEOs
Source: BVCA Portfolio Survey 2024
Of companies with inadequate succession planning
Source: IOD Governance Report
Of fractional CEO roles offer hybrid arrangements
Source: Fractional Quest Market Analysis
Fractional CEO Fractional Rate Calculator
Calculate Your Potential Income
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.
Why Fractional CEO Jobs Are Emerging
Fractional CEO jobs represent a growing segment of executive leadership, particularly for PE transitions, turnarounds, and scale-ups seeking experienced leadership without long-term commitment. The model delivers board-level strategy and execution capability on a flexible basis.
For experienced chief executives, fractional CEO jobs offer portfolio careers at the highest level—combining significant impact, variety, and premium compensation. Lead multiple organizations, mentor founding teams, and leverage decades of experience across diverse challenges.
The complexity of modern business leadership has made fractional CEO expertise increasingly valuable. Whether you're a former public company CEO, PE-backed executive, or serial entrepreneur, the fractional model offers exceptional opportunities.
Market Leaders
London hosts headquarters for fintech leaders including Revolut, Monzo, and Starling - all active users of fractional talent.
Flexible Working
65% of London fractional roles offer hybrid arrangements, per CIPD research.
Fractional CEO Day Rates
Typical daily rates for fractional executives. Hover over bars for details.
Fractional CEO Jobs by Context
Private Equity Transitions
PE firms increasingly use fractional CEOs during management transitions, post-acquisition integration, or when building out portfolio company leadership teams.
Scale-up Leadership
High-growth companies between Series A and C seeking experienced CEO guidance without diluting equity with expensive full-time hires.
Family Business Transitions
Family businesses navigating succession, professionalisation, or preparation for sale benefit from experienced interim leadership.
Turnaround & Restructuring
Companies in distress requiring experienced leadership to stabilize operations, negotiate with stakeholders, and execute recovery plans.
Specialist Fractional CEO Roles
PE Operating Partner
£1,500-£2,500/dayWorking across multiple portfolio companies providing CEO-level strategic guidance and operational oversight.
Scale-up CEO
£1,200-£1,800/dayLeading high-growth companies through critical scaling phases with hands-on execution.
Turnaround CEO
£1,500-£2,200/dayCrisis leadership, stakeholder management, and business stabilization expertise.
Succession Bridge CEO
£1,300-£1,900/dayLeading organizations through CEO transitions while developing internal successors.
The Future of Fractional CEO Careers
The fractional CEO market is projected to grow as PE activity continues, succession challenges mount in founder-led businesses, and boards recognize the value of experienced interim leadership.
Key trends include: increasing demand for CEOs with digital transformation experience, growing need for leaders who can navigate ESG and stakeholder capitalism, and rising acceptance of portfolio CEO careers among accomplished executives.
Industry Resources & Professional Bodies
IOD
Institute of Directors
www.iod.com
CMI
Chartered Management Institute
www.managers.org.uk
ICSA
Chartered Governance Institute
www.cgi.org.uk
CBI
Confederation of British Industry
www.cbi.org.uk
YPO
Young Presidents' Organization
www.ypo.org
Vistage
CEO peer advisory
www.vistage.com
Harvard Business Review
Leadership insights
hbr.org
McKinsey Leadership
Leadership research
www.mckinsey.com
Fractional Jobs Fractional CEO: FAQs
Common questions about fractional jobs Fractional CEO
What experience do I need to become a fractional CEO?▼
Fractional CEO roles typically require prior CEO, Managing Director, or equivalent experience leading organizations of significant scale (usually £10M+ revenue). Board experience, P&L ownership, and track record of successful outcomes are essential. PE-backed company experience adds significant value.
How much can I earn as a fractional CEO?▼
Fractional CEO day rates typically range from £1,000-£2,000+ in the UK and $2,000-$3,500 in the US. Given the intensity of CEO roles, many fractional CEOs work 3-4 days per week with one primary client, earning £250,000-£450,000+ annually.
How do I find fractional CEO opportunities?▼
The best approaches are: PE and VC networks, executive search firms specializing in interim leadership, IOD and YPO networks, non-executive director networks, and specialist platforms like Fractional Quest. Reputation and referrals are particularly important at CEO level.
Can fractional CEO work be done remotely?▼
Approximately 55% of fractional CEO roles are hybrid. CEO leadership typically requires significant on-site presence for board meetings, leadership team engagement, and stakeholder relationships. Fully remote CEO roles are rare and typically limited to early-stage tech companies.
What's the typical fractional CEO engagement?▼
Engagements typically run 6-18 months with 3-4 days per week commitment. Many are transition-focused (PE acquisition, succession, turnaround) with defined objectives and handoff to permanent leadership. Some evolve into ongoing advisory or board relationships.
How is fractional CEO different from interim CEO?▼
The terms overlap significantly. 'Interim CEO' often implies full-time, temporary leadership during a specific transition. 'Fractional CEO' suggests part-time, potentially longer-term engagement across one or more organizations. In practice, many roles blend elements of both.
Explore More CEO Resources
Discover related guides, job boards, and resources
Case Study
OneUp Productions
Gaming & Esports Production
Fractional GTM LeadThe Challenge
OneUp Productions needed to expand into new international markets but lacked the in-house expertise for go-to-market strategy. They needed senior GTM leadership without the commitment of a full-time hire.
Our Approach
Engaged as Fractional GTM Lead to develop and execute market expansion strategy, working 2-3 days per week alongside the existing leadership team.
Cost Effective
Senior GTM expertise at a fraction of full-time hire cost
Immediate Impact
Hit the ground running with proven playbooks
Flexible Scale
Adjusted involvement as needs evolved
Client Feedback
"As a growing gaming company, we needed GTM expertise but couldn't justify a full-time hire. The fractional model gave us exactly what we needed - senior leadership at a pace and budget that worked for us."
Fractional Executive Insights
Market Overview for Fractional Executives
Building a Portfolio Career in Fractional CEO
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Written by a Practicing Fractional Executive
Dan Keegan
Founder & Fractional GTM Expert
With over 15 years of experience in executive leadership, go-to-market strategy, and business development, Dan brings real-world fractional expertise to help professionals navigate the executive job market.
Dan founded Fractional Quest after working as a fractional executive himself, understanding firsthand the challenges of finding quality opportunities and the value fractional leaders bring to growing businesses.
Prior executive experience includes
Current fractional client