Fractional CPO Jobs
Part-time and portfolio product leadership roles for experienced CPOs and Product Directors.
Fractional CPO Market Statistics
Growth in fractional CPO demand since 2019
Source: LinkedIn Talent Insights
Of seed-Series A startups using fractional product leadership
Source: Product School Survey 2024
Typical savings vs full-time CPO hire
Source: Mind the Product Report
Of fractional CPO roles are remote or remote-first
Source: Fractional Quest Market Analysis
Why Fractional CPO Jobs Are Booming
Fractional CPO jobs have exploded as startups and scale-ups recognize the need for experienced product leadership without the £180k+ full-time cost. From pre-product-market-fit startups to Series B companies, the fractional CPO model delivers product strategy and execution excellence.
For experienced product leaders, fractional CPO jobs offer the ultimate portfolio career—combining variety, remote flexibility, and premium day rates. Shape product strategy across multiple companies, mentor product teams, and build diverse portfolios spanning B2B SaaS to consumer products.
The product-led growth movement has made fractional CPO expertise more valuable than ever. Whether you're a former startup CPO, VP Product at a public company, or senior PM ready for leadership, the fractional 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 CPO Day Rates
Typical daily rates for fractional executives. Hover over bars for details.
Fractional CPO Jobs by Region
United Kingdom
London leads as Europe's product hub. Growing scenes in Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh. Strong fintech, healthtech, and B2B SaaS demand.
United States
The largest market globally. Premium rates from SF, NYC, Austin, and LA startups. PLG and AI product experience highly valued.
Europe
Berlin, Amsterdam, and Stockholm have thriving product communities. English typically sufficient, local language a plus for consumer products.
Remote/Global
80% of fractional CPO roles are remote-first. Product leadership suits async collaboration. Time zone flexibility valuable for global opportunities.
Specialist Fractional CPO Roles
PLG CPO
£1,300-£1,800/dayProduct-led growth specialists for self-serve SaaS products. Highest demand category.
AI Product Leader
£1,400-£2,000/dayLeading AI/ML product strategy and integration for traditional companies.
0→1 CPO
£1,000-£1,500/dayPre-PMF specialists helping founders validate and build initial products.
Platform CPO
£1,200-£1,700/dayPlatform and API product strategy for developer-focused companies.
The Future of Fractional CPO Careers
The fractional CPO market is projected to grow 25%+ annually through 2030, driven by continued startup formation, the importance of product excellence for company success, and the normalization of portfolio careers in product.
Key trends include: AI product expertise becoming essential for fractional CPOs, growing demand for leaders who can implement PLG strategies, and increasing opportunities in B2B vertical SaaS and climate tech.
Industry Resources & Professional Bodies
Mind the Product
Product community
www.mindtheproduct.com
Product School
Product education
www.productschool.com
SVPG
Silicon Valley Product Group
www.svpg.com
Reforge
Growth and product programs
www.reforge.com
Lenny's Newsletter
Product insights
www.lennysnewsletter.com
ProductPlan
Product management resources
www.productplan.com
Pragmatic Institute
Product training
www.pragmaticinstitute.com
Product Coalition
Product community
productcoalition.com
Fractional Jobs Fractional CPO: FAQs
Common questions about fractional jobs Fractional CPO
What experience do I need to become a fractional CPO?▼
Most fractional CPO roles require 10-12+ years of product experience with at least 3-5 years in senior leadership (CPO, VP Product, Head of Product). Track record of successful product launches, team building, and product strategy is essential. Deep expertise in a methodology (PLG, Jobs-to-be-Done) or domain (AI, fintech) adds significant value.
How much can I earn as a fractional CPO?▼
Fractional CPO day rates typically range from £800-£1,600 in the UK and $1,600-$2,500 in the US. Working 2-3 days per week across multiple clients, annual earnings of £200,000-£400,000+ are achievable. AI and PLG specialists can command premium rates.
How do I find fractional CPO jobs?▼
The best approaches are: specialist platforms like Fractional Quest, VC networks and portfolio introductions, product communities (Mind the Product, ProductTank), LinkedIn thought leadership on product strategy, and referrals from other fractional executives.
Can I do fractional CPO work fully remote?▼
Yes, approximately 80% of fractional CPO roles are remote or remote-first. Product leadership suits distributed work with modern collaboration tools. Some on-site presence may be expected for team offsites, user research, or board presentations.
What's the typical fractional CPO engagement?▼
Engagements typically start at 3-6 months with 2-3 days per week commitment. Many evolve into longer advisory relationships. Some fractional CPOs maintain 2-3 concurrent clients; others prefer deeper engagement with one primary company.
Should I take equity in fractional CPO roles?▼
Many fractional CPO roles offer equity alongside day rate, especially at early-stage startups. Consider risk/reward balance—equity can be valuable upside but shouldn't replace fair cash compensation. Typical equity ranges from 0.25-1% depending on stage and commitment.
Explore More CPO 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 CPO
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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