Hiring Guide

Hire a
Fractional CMO

Complete guide to finding, vetting, and hiring the perfect fractional Chief Marketing Officer for your business.

2-4 Weeks

To Hire

90 Days

To Impact

100+

Candidates

Browse CMO Candidates See Hiring Process

5-10

Candidates to Interview

3-6 Months

Minimum Engagement

£700-1.4k

Day Rate Range

30 Days

Standard Notice

Sourcing

Where to Find Fractional CMOs

Five proven channels for finding pre-vetted, experienced fractional marketing leaders.

🎯

Fractional Job Boards

Platforms like Fractional.Quest with pre-vetted fractional executives actively looking for engagements.

Pros:

Pre-screened candidates, fast matching, transparent rates

Best For:

Companies wanting quality candidates quickly

💼

LinkedIn Search

Search for CMOs using hashtags #FractionalCMO, #PortfolioCMO, or "Fractional CMO" in titles.

Pros:

Large pool, direct outreach, can research background

Best For:

Companies with time to source and screen

🤝

Fractional Executive Networks

Agencies and networks (Exec, Bolster, Chief) that match companies with fractional executives.

Pros:

Curated matches, support through process, quality guarantee

Best For:

Companies wanting managed recruitment

🌟

VC & Founder Referrals

Ask your investors, advisors, or founder network who they've used or heard of.

Pros:

Trusted recommendations, proven track records

Best For:

Seed to Series B startups with strong networks

👥

Marketing Communities

Slack groups (Marketing Ops, GTM), Pavilion, or industry-specific communities.

Pros:

Active practitioners, can observe expertise publicly

Best For:

Finding niche specialists (PLG, B2B SaaS, etc.)

🎤

Fractional CMO Events

Attend SaaStr, GTM conferences, or fractional executive meetups.

Pros:

Meet in person, assess cultural fit, network effect

Best For:

Companies attending conferences anyway

Pro Tip: Use multiple channels in parallel. Post on job boards while asking for referrals. The best fractional CMOs are often working with 2-3 companies and may not be actively looking—referrals help you reach them.

Evaluation Criteria

What to Look For in a Fractional CMO

Not all experienced marketers make good fractional CMOs. Here's what separates the best from the rest.

1. Relevant Industry & Stage Experience

Have they scaled companies at your stage? A CMO who took a Series D company from £50M to £200M won't know how to build 0-to-1 demand gen at a pre-seed startup. Look for experience scaling companies from £1M to £10M ARR if that's where you are.

✅ Look For

Portfolio of 3-5 similar companies, measurable growth metrics, knowledge of your GTM motion

🚩 Red Flag

Only worked at big brands or only at tiny startups (if you're mid-market)

2. Channel & Tactical Expertise

Do they know the channels that matter for your business? A brand marketing expert won't help you build PLG or performance marketing. Ensure their channel expertise matches your needs.

✅ Look For

Deep knowledge of 2-3 core channels, proven ability to drive pipeline/revenue, hands-on execution experience

🚩 Red Flag

Generalist who hasn't specialized in any channel or GTM motion

3. Proven Track Record with Data

Can they articulate measurable results? Great fractional CMOs talk in numbers: "Reduced CAC from £4.2k to £1.8k," "Scaled MQLs from 100 to 450/month," "Drove £2.4M incremental pipeline." Vague claims like "improved brand awareness" are red flags.

✅ Look For

Specific metrics (CAC, LTV, pipeline, conversion rates), before/after results, attribution modeling experience

🚩 Red Flag

Can't cite specific numbers or only talks about activities, not outcomes

4. Team Leadership Experience

Have they built and led marketing teams? A fractional CMO needs to hire, mentor, and manage people—not just execute tactics themselves. They should have hired at least 5-10 marketers and managed teams of 3-15 people.

✅ Look For

Built teams from scratch, hiring process expertise, coaching/mentorship stories, structured 1-on-1s

🚩 Red Flag

Never managed people or only managed 1-2 direct reports

5. Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making

Can they make hard prioritization calls? Great CMOs say "no" to good ideas because better ones exist. They should be able to build a strategy, allocate budgets, and justify decisions with data and logic.

✅ Look For

Clear POV on what won't work, frameworks for prioritization, comfort with ambiguity

🚩 Red Flag

Says "yes" to everything or can't explain why they'd prioritize X over Y

6. Fractional Working Model Fit

Do they know how to work fractionally? This requires discipline, clear communication, and asynchronous collaboration. Ask how they manage multiple clients, stay organized, and make impact in 2 days/week.

✅ Look For

Works with 2-4 companies currently, systems for time management, clear communication cadence

🚩 Red Flag

First fractional engagement or working with 6+ companies (spread too thin)

Interview Guide

Interview Questions to Ask

These questions separate strategic CMOs from tactical marketers. Use them to assess expertise, results, and fit.

🎯 Strategy & Experience Questions

"Walk me through how you scaled marketing at [Company X]. What was the before/after?"
Listen for: Specific metrics, challenges overcome, tactical decisions made, timeline
"If you joined us tomorrow, what would your first 30 days look like?"
Listen for: Audit process, stakeholder interviews, quick wins, strategic framework
"How do you prioritize marketing channels when you have limited budget?"
Listen for: Framework for prioritization, comfort saying "no," ICP/buyer journey thinking
"Tell me about a strategy pivot you made mid-execution. What changed and why?"
Listen for: Data-driven decision-making, comfort with failure, clear reasoning

📊 Metrics & Performance Questions

"What marketing KPIs do you track religiously? How do you define success?"
Listen for: Revenue metrics (not vanity), leading vs lagging indicators, attribution models
"How do you approach proving marketing ROI to the CFO or board?"
Listen for: Multi-touch attribution, incrementality testing, clear reporting frameworks
"What CAC and LTV:CAC ratios are healthy for a business like ours?"
Listen for: Benchmarks for your stage/model, understanding of unit economics
"Tell me about a campaign that underperformed. How did you diagnose and fix it?"
Listen for: Analytical rigor, comfort with failure, iteration speed

👥 Team & Leadership Questions

"How would you structure our marketing team? What roles would you hire first?"
Listen for: Alignment with strategy, clear hiring roadmap, build vs buy decisions
"How do you balance managing agencies vs building in-house capabilities?"
Listen for: Agency management experience, clear rationale for outsourcing decisions
"Tell me about a time you coached an underperforming marketer to success."
Listen for: Mentorship approach, feedback frameworks, patience and empathy
"How do you stay effective working 2 days/week vs embedded full-time?"
Listen for: Async communication, clear frameworks, delegation and trust

🔍 Fit & Working Model Questions

"How many companies are you currently working with? How do you manage your time?"
Listen for: 2-4 companies ideal, clear systems, calendar management
"What would success look like for you in the first 90 days here?"
Listen for: Realistic expectations, clear milestones, alignment with your goals
"What red flags would make you walk away from this engagement?"
Listen for: Self-awareness, cultural values, partnership mindset
"Are you open to converting to full-time if we scale significantly?"
Listen for: Flexibility, transparency about preferences, long-term thinking

Process

The Fractional CMO Hiring Process

From first conversation to start date in 2-4 weeks. Here's the proven process.

Brief

Tell us about your needs, company stage, and what you're looking for in a fractional executive.

Match

We curate a shortlist of pre-vetted fractional executives who match your specific requirements.

Meet

Interview your top candidates. We handle scheduling and provide interview frameworks.

Start

Your fractional executive begins within days. We support onboarding and ongoing success.

Brief

Tell us about your needs, company stage, and what you're looking for in a fractional executive.

Match

We curate a shortlist of pre-vetted fractional executives who match your specific requirements.

Meet

Interview your top candidates. We handle scheduling and provide interview frameworks.

Start

Your fractional executive begins within days. We support onboarding and ongoing success.

Timeline Breakdown

Week 1: Define & Source

• Define requirements and budget (Day 1-2)
• Post on job boards, ask for referrals (Day 2-3)
• Review candidates, shortlist 5-10 (Day 4-7)

Week 2-3: Interview & Select

• First-round interviews (30-min calls)
• Second round with case study or deep dive
• Reference checks (2-3 calls)
• Make offer and negotiate terms

Week 4: Onboard & Start

• Contract signing and admin setup
• Share context docs, logins, calendars
• First week: stakeholder interviews
• Begin audit and strategy work

First 90 Days: Deliver

• Month 1: Audit, strategy, quick wins
• Month 2: Build systems, launch campaigns
• Month 3: Scale, hire, measure results
• Decide to extend or part ways

Contracts

Contract Terms & Structure

Standard terms for fractional CMO engagements. Adapt based on your needs and the candidate's preferences.

Standard Contract Template

Engagement Model

Day rate: £700-£1,400 per day (based on experience)
Commitment: 1-3 days per week (specify exact days)
Monthly retainer option: £3,000-£5,500 for predictable billing

Term & Notice

Initial term: 3-month trial period
Renewal: Auto-renew to 12-month rolling contract after trial
Notice period: 30 days either side (standard)

Scope of Work

Responsibilities: Marketing strategy, team leadership, budget management, performance reporting
Deliverables: Monthly strategy reviews, quarterly OKRs, weekly async updates
Exclusions: Hands-on execution (unless scoped separately), attending all meetings

IP & Confidentiality

IP ownership: Company owns all work product
Confidentiality: Standard NDA terms, survives termination
Non-compete: Usually not applicable (fractional works with multiple companies)

Payment Terms

Invoicing: Monthly in arrears or bi-weekly
Payment terms: Net 15 or Net 30
Expenses: Pre-approved expenses reimbursed separately

Optional: Equity

Advisory shares: 0.1-0.25% for long-term engagements (12+ months)
Vesting: Quarterly or annual vesting
Cash reduction: If equity included, day rate may reduce 10-15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically 2-4 weeks from first conversations to start date. This includes: defining requirements (1-3 days), sourcing candidates (3-7 days), interviews (1-2 weeks), and onboarding (1 week). Much faster than the 3-6 months required for full-time CMO recruitment.

Five main sources: (1) Fractional executive job boards like Fractional.Quest with pre-vetted candidates, (2) LinkedIn using hashtags like #FractionalCMO or #PortfolioCMO, (3) Fractional executive networks and agencies, (4) Referrals from VCs, founders, or other fractional executives, (5) Marketing communities and Slack groups.

Five key criteria: (1) Relevant experience scaling companies at your stage and in your industry, (2) Channel expertise matching your needs (PLG, demand gen, brand, etc.), (3) Proven track record with measurable results, (4) Team leadership and hiring experience, (5) Cultural fit and ability to work fractionally with your team.

Day rates range from £700-£1,400 depending on experience. Most engagements are 1-2 days per week (£3,000-£5,500/month retainer) or 2-3 days per week (£70,000-£140,000 annually). This is 40-60% cheaper than full-time CMOs who cost £150,000-£250,000+ with benefits and equity.

Start with a 3-month trial period with 30 days notice either side. After the trial, extend to 12-month rolling contracts. Key terms: day rate or monthly retainer, expected days per week, notice period (30 days standard), IP ownership (company owns all work), confidentiality, and scope of responsibilities.

Yes, many companies do this as they scale. Common transition points: Series B fundraising, hitting £5M-£10M ARR, or when marketing team grows beyond 10 people. Discuss this upfront—most fractional CMOs are open to conversion if the timing and equity package make sense.

Ready to Hire?

Browse 100+ pre-vetted fractional CMO candidates on Fractional.Quest. Post your role and start interviews this week.

Browse CMO Candidates Post Your Role

Related Resources

Fractional CMO Guide CMO Cost Guide CMO Services CMO Salary Data Fractional Recruitment Agency

Standard Contract Template

Engagement Model

Day rate: £700-£1,400 per day (based on experience)
Commitment: 1-3 days per week (specify exact days)
Monthly retainer option: £3,000-£5,500 for predictable billing

Term & Notice

Initial term: 3-month trial period
Renewal: Auto-renew to 12-month rolling contract after trial
Notice period: 30 days either side (standard)

Scope of Work

Responsibilities: Marketing strategy, team leadership, budget management, performance reporting
Deliverables: Monthly strategy reviews, quarterly OKRs, weekly async updates
Exclusions: Hands-on execution (unless scoped separately), attending all meetings

IP & Confidentiality

IP ownership: Company owns all work product
Confidentiality: Standard NDA terms, survives termination
Non-compete: Usually not applicable (fractional works with multiple companies)

Payment Terms

Invoicing: Monthly in arrears or bi-weekly
Payment terms: Net 15 or Net 30
Expenses: Pre-approved expenses reimbursed separately

Optional: Equity

Advisory shares: 0.1-0.25% for long-term engagements (12+ months)
Vesting: Quarterly or annual vesting
Cash reduction: If equity included, day rate may reduce 10-15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Hire aFractional CMO

Where to Find Fractional CMOs

Fractional Job Boards

LinkedIn Search

Fractional Executive Networks

VC & Founder Referrals

Marketing Communities

Fractional CMO Events

What to Look For in a Fractional CMO

1. Relevant Industry & Stage Experience

2. Channel & Tactical Expertise

3. Proven Track Record with Data

4. Team Leadership Experience

5. Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making

6. Fractional Working Model Fit

Interview Questions to Ask

🎯 Strategy & Experience Questions

📊 Metrics & Performance Questions

👥 Team & Leadership Questions

🔍 Fit & Working Model Questions

The Fractional CMO Hiring Process

Brief

Match

Meet

Start

Brief

Match

Meet

Start

Timeline Breakdown

Week 1: Define & Source

Week 2-3: Interview & Select

Week 4: Onboard & Start

First 90 Days: Deliver

Contract Terms & Structure

Standard Contract Template

Engagement Model

Term & Notice

Scope of Work

IP & Confidentiality

Payment Terms

Optional: Equity

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Hire?

Hire aFractional CMO

Where to Find Fractional CMOs

Fractional Job Boards

LinkedIn Search

Fractional Executive Networks

VC & Founder Referrals

Marketing Communities

Fractional CMO Events

What to Look For in a Fractional CMO

1. Relevant Industry & Stage Experience

2. Channel & Tactical Expertise

3. Proven Track Record with Data

4. Team Leadership Experience

5. Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making

6. Fractional Working Model Fit

Interview Questions to Ask

🎯 Strategy & Experience Questions

📊 Metrics & Performance Questions

👥 Team & Leadership Questions

🔍 Fit & Working Model Questions

The Fractional CMO Hiring Process

Brief

Match

Meet

Start

Brief

Match

Meet

Start

Timeline Breakdown

Week 1: Define & Source

Week 2-3: Interview & Select

Week 4: Onboard & Start

First 90 Days: Deliver

Contract Terms & Structure

Standard Contract Template

Hire a
Fractional CMO

Hire a
Fractional CMO