What is a Part-Time COO?
A part-time COO (also called a fractional COO) is a senior operations executive who works with your business on a flexible basis—typically 1-3 days per week. They bring the expertise and strategic capability of a full-time Chief Operating Officer at a fraction of the cost.
According to the Institute of Directors, operations leadership is increasingly being accessed through flexible arrangements, particularly by scaling businesses that need professionalization without premature fixed costs.
The COO Role Explained
What Does a COO Do?
The Chief Operating Officer is the CEO's right hand, responsible for turning strategy into execution. While the CEO focuses on vision, growth, and external relationships, the COO ensures the business runs efficiently day-to-day.
- Operations: Manage daily business operations and processes
- Execution: Turn strategic plans into operational reality
- People: Oversee team performance and organizational structure
- Systems: Implement scalable processes and technology
- Coordination: Align departments and manage cross-functional projects
Part-Time COO Responsibilities
Strategic Operations
- Operational strategy development
- Resource allocation and planning
- KPI frameworks and dashboards
- Capacity planning for growth
- Operational due diligence
Process Excellence
- Process optimization and automation
- Quality management systems
- Workflow standardization
- Continuous improvement programs
- Technology implementation
Team Leadership
- Leadership team development
- Performance management
- Organizational design
- Hiring and team building
- Culture and engagement
Project Delivery
- Major initiative management
- Change management
- Vendor and partner management
- Budget oversight
- Risk management
When Do You Need a Part-Time COO?
CEO is Overwhelmed
The founder/CEO is spending too much time on operations instead of growth, strategy, and external relationships. A part-time COO takes operational burden off their plate.
Rapid Scaling
You're growing fast and operations are becoming chaotic. Processes that worked at 10 people break at 50. A COO brings structure and scalability.
Pre-Investment Professionalization
Preparing for Series A, B, or PE investment? Investors expect professional operations. A COO builds investment-ready infrastructure.
Exit Preparation
Planning to sell the business? Buyers pay premiums for well-run companies with documented processes and systems that don't depend on the founder.
Part-Time COO Costs
| Engagement Level | Time | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Touch | 1 day/week | £3,000-£5,000 | Strategy and oversight |
| Standard | 2 days/week | £5,000-£8,000 | Most scaling companies |
| Intensive | 3 days/week | £8,000-£12,000 | Major transformation |
| Full-Time Comparison | 5 days/week | £15,000-£25,000 | Large organizations |
Part-Time COO vs Other Options
Part-Time COO
- Ongoing strategic leadership
- Part of leadership team
- Builds scalable operations
- Manages and develops team
- Accountable for outcomes
Operations Consultant
- Project-based engagement
- External advisor
- Delivers recommendations
- No team management
- Advises, doesn't own
Operations Manager
- Full-time employee
- Tactical execution
- Less strategic scope
- Lower seniority/cost
- Reports to CEO/COO
Interim COO
- Full-time, temporary
- Specific mandate/crisis
- Higher intensity
- 3-12 month typical
- Transition-focused
What to Look For in a Part-Time COO
- Operational track record: Proven experience scaling operations in similar-stage companies
- Industry relevance: Understanding of your sector's operational challenges
- Systems expertise: Knowledge of modern operational tools and technology
- Leadership skills: Ability to build and develop high-performing teams
- Founder compatibility: Chemistry with CEO and ability to challenge constructively
- Flexibility: Willingness to adapt engagement as needs evolve
Summary: A part-time COO provides experienced operations leadership for 1-3 days per week at £3,000-£12,000/month. Ideal for scaling businesses that need professional operations without full-time executive costs.