Fractional CISO Jobs
Part-time and portfolio security leadership roles for experienced CISOs and Security Directors.
Fractional CISO Market Statistics
Growth in fractional CISO demand since 2019
Source: ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study
Global cybersecurity workforce shortage
Source: ISC2 2024 Report
Of fractional CISO engagements driven by compliance needs
Source: Fractional Quest Market Analysis
Of fractional CISO roles offer remote or hybrid working
Source: CISO Network Survey
Why Fractional CISO Jobs Are Critical
Fractional CISO jobs have grown exponentially as cyber threats increase and regulatory requirements multiply. With a global shortage of 3.4 million security professionals, the fractional CISO model provides experienced security leadership to organizations that can't attract or afford full-time CISOs.
For experienced security leaders, fractional CISO jobs offer lucrative portfolio careers—combining high demand, premium day rates, and variety. Lead security programs across multiple organizations, achieve compliance certifications, and build diverse security leadership portfolios.
Regulatory pressure from GDPR, SOC2, ISO 27001, and sector-specific requirements (FCA, PCI-DSS) has made fractional CISO expertise essential. Whether you're CISSP, CISM, or CREST certified, the fractional security market 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 CISO Day Rates
Typical daily rates for fractional executives. Hover over bars for details.
Fractional CISO Jobs by Sector
Financial Services
FCA-regulated firms have highest demand for fractional CISOs. Senior Manager & Certification Regime (SM&CR) requirements driving governance needs.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
NHS supplier requirements and patient data protection driving healthcare sector demand. DSPT and Cyber Essentials Plus mandatory for many.
Technology & SaaS
SOC2 and ISO 27001 requirements for enterprise sales driving tech company demand. Customer security questionnaires requiring CISO oversight.
Critical Infrastructure
NIS Regulations and sector-specific requirements creating demand. OT/ICS security experience commands premium rates.
Specialist Fractional CISO Roles
vCISO (Virtual CISO)
£900-£1,400/dayOngoing security leadership for multiple SMEs. Often 1-2 days per client per week.
Compliance CISO
£1,000-£1,500/daySOC2, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS certification specialists. Project-based with clear deliverables.
FCA Security Lead
£1,300-£1,800/dayFinancial services security specialists with regulatory expertise.
Incident Response Lead
£1,500-£2,500/dayCrisis management and breach response specialists. Premium rates for urgent engagements.
The Future of Fractional CISO Careers
The fractional CISO market is projected to grow 30%+ annually through 2030, driven by the persistent cybersecurity skills shortage, increasing regulatory requirements, and the rising cost of cyber incidents.
Key trends include: AI-driven threats requiring experienced security leadership, supply chain security becoming board-level concern, and increasing demand for CISOs who can communicate risk to non-technical executives.
Industry Resources & Professional Bodies
NCSC
National Cyber Security Centre
www.ncsc.gov.uk
ISC2
CISSP certification body
www.isc2.org
ISACA
CISM/CRISC certifications
www.isaca.org
CREST
UK security accreditation
www.crest-approved.org
ICO
UK data protection
ico.org.uk
FCA
Financial regulation
www.fca.org.uk
SANS Institute
Security training
www.sans.org
CSO Online
Security leadership insights
www.csoonline.com
Fractional Jobs Fractional CISO: FAQs
Common questions about fractional jobs Fractional CISO
What certifications do I need to become a fractional CISO?▼
Most fractional CISO roles expect CISSP, CISM, or equivalent certification plus 10-15+ years of security experience including leadership roles. Sector-specific certifications (CREST for penetration testing firms, PCIP for payments) add value. Board-level communication skills are essential.
How much can I earn as a fractional CISO?▼
Fractional CISO day rates typically range from £900-£1,800 in the UK and $1,500-$2,500 in the US. Working across multiple clients, annual earnings of £200,000-£400,000+ are achievable. Financial services and incident response command premium rates.
How do I find fractional CISO jobs?▼
The best approaches are: specialist platforms like Fractional Quest, ISACA and ISC2 chapter networks, MSP and security consultancy referrals, LinkedIn presence showcasing compliance achievements, and VC networks seeking portfolio company security leadership.
Can fractional CISO work be done remotely?▼
Approximately 70% of fractional CISO roles are remote or hybrid. Security leadership suits remote work for strategy and governance. Some on-site presence expected for audits, board presentations, and incident response. Regulated sectors may have data residency considerations.
What's the typical fractional CISO engagement?▼
Engagements vary widely: compliance projects (3-6 months, intensive), ongoing vCISO retainers (1-2 days/week, 12+ months), or incident response (days to weeks, urgent). Many fractional CISOs maintain 3-5 concurrent clients at different intensities.
What's the difference between vCISO and fractional CISO?▼
The terms are often used interchangeably. 'vCISO' (Virtual CISO) typically implies remote-first, ongoing retainer arrangements. 'Fractional CISO' may include more on-site engagement. Both describe part-time, outsourced security leadership rather than full-time employment.
Explore More CISO 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 CISO
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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