What a Fractional Strategy Director Does
A fractional strategy director brings structured strategic thinking to growing businesses. Key areas of focus include:
Strategic Planning
- Vision and mission development
- 3-5 year strategic plans
- Annual planning process
- OKR/goal framework design
Market Analysis
- Competitive landscape assessment
- Market sizing and opportunity
- Customer segmentation
- Industry trend analysis
Growth Strategy
- New market entry planning
- Product expansion strategy
- M&A target identification
- Partnership development
Execution Support
- Strategic initiative management
- Board and investor presentations
- Decision support and analysis
- Change management
When to Hire a Fractional Strategy Director
Major Growth Initiative
Planning significant expansion—new markets, products, or business lines—and need structured approach.
Strategic Crossroads
Facing important decisions about direction and need objective analysis and frameworks.
M&A Preparation
Preparing to acquire or be acquired and need strategic due diligence and planning.
Board/Investor Expectations
Board or investors want more rigorous strategic planning than current team can deliver.
Alternative to Consultancy
Need strategic support but can't justify £500k+ for a Big 4 or MBB engagement.
Fractional Strategy Director Costs
Fractional vs Management Consultancy
| Aspect | Fractional Strategy Director | Management Consultancy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | £80,000-£140,000 | £300,000-£1,000,000+ |
| Continuity | Ongoing relationship | Project-based |
| Context | Deep company knowledge | Ramp-up each project |
| Execution | Strategy + implementation | Strategy + handoff |
What to Look for in a Fractional Strategy Director
The best fractional strategists combine analytical rigor with practical business experience:
- Consulting background: Training from top-tier firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG, LEK, etc.)
- Industry experience: In-house strategy roles or relevant sector expertise
- Structured thinking: Frameworks, hypothesis-driven problem-solving
- Communication: Can translate strategy for boards, teams, and investors
- Execution orientation: Not just decks—focused on implementation
Summary: A fractional strategy director provides part-time (1-3 days/week) consulting-quality strategic support at £800-£1,400/day—70-80% less than traditional management consultancy.