What is a Fractional SDR?
A Fractional SDR provides expert outbound lead generation and pipeline development on a part-time basis, perfect for startups building their sales engine.
Key Takeaways
- 1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
- 2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
- 3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
- 4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
- 5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods
What is a Fractional SDR?
Quick Definition
A Fractional SDR (Sales Development Representative) is a sales professional who handles outbound prospecting, lead qualification, and pipeline generation on a part-time basis. They identify and engage potential customers, booking meetings for Account Executives, typically working 2-4 days per week for one or more companies.
Fractional SDRs are ideal for startups and SMEs that need professional outbound capability without hiring full-time. According to the Institute of Sales Management, the SDR role has become increasingly flexible, with fractional arrangements growing rapidly in the UK market.
What Does a Fractional SDR Do?
Fractional SDRs drive pipeline growth through targeted outbound activities:
- Outbound prospecting via email, phone, and LinkedIn
- Lead qualification against Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)
- Meeting booking for Account Executives
- CRM management and data hygiene
- Sequence and cadence optimisation
- Market research and account mapping
- Sales tool management (Outreach, Salesloft, Apollo)
Fractional SDR vs Full-Time SDR vs Outsourced SDR Agency
Fractional SDRs work directly for your company on a part-time basis, embedded in your team. Full-time SDRs are dedicated employees. Outsourced SDR agencies provide lead generation as a service. Fractional offers more control and brand alignment than agencies, at lower cost than full-time hires.
Cost Comparison
Fractional vs Full-Time Executive
Your Potential Savings
£180k+
Time Allocation
How fractional executives spend their time
UK Fractional Executive Day Rates
Compare day rates across C-suite roles
Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time
Choose the right engagement model
| Aspect | Fractional | Interim | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days/week | 4-5 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Duration | Ongoing/flexible | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Annual Cost | £50-150k | £150-300k | £200-400k+ |
| Best For | SMEs, startups, scale-ups | Crisis, transitions | Large enterprises |
| Flexibility | ★★★ High | ★★☆ Medium | ★☆☆ Low |
Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.
Calculate Your Day Rate
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.
Related Executive Roles
Complementary leadership for your organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
A Fractional SDR works directly for your company, using your email domain, attending your meetings, and fully embedding in your sales process. Outsourced agencies work externally, often for multiple clients simultaneously, with less brand alignment. Fractional SDRs provide more control and typically higher quality conversations.
Industry Resources & Authority Links
Resource
Industry resource
www.ismprofessional.com
Resource
Industry resource
www.cim.co.uk
Resource
Industry resource
www.scaleupinstitute.org.uk
Resource
Industry resource
technation.io
Resource
Industry resource
www.saastr.com
Resource
Industry resource
www.saleshacker.com
Resource
Industry resource
www.gov.uk
Resource
Industry resource
www.managers.org.uk
Related Pages
The Fractional Executive Trend
Industry data on the rise of fractional leadership
of executives who moved to fractional work report higher job satisfaction
Source: Harvard Business Review ↗Platform Stats
Founder's background
📊 Exec Market Snapshot
💰 Exec Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK Exec roles.
