Understanding Part-Time Marketing Executive Roles
The concept of part-time executive work has transformed how companies access senior talent. In marketing, this means getting CMO-level expertise without the £150,000-£250,000+ annual commitment of a full-time hire.
According to the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the demand for flexible marketing leadership has grown significantly as companies recognize that strategic marketing doesn't always require 40+ hours per week.
Part-Time vs Full-Time: The Numbers
- Part-time (2 days/week): £70k-£140k annually
- Full-time CMO: £150k-£250k+ salary + bonus + equity
- Savings: 50-70% cost reduction
- Experience: Often more senior than affordable full-time
Types of Part-Time Marketing Executive Roles
Part-Time CMO
Chief Marketing Officer level - strategy, team, board-level reporting
Part-Time VP Marketing
Demand generation, marketing operations, team leadership
Part-Time Marketing Director
Strategic planning, channel oversight, execution management
When Companies Need Part-Time Marketing Executives
The part-time marketing executive model works particularly well in these scenarios:
Scaling Startups
Post-Series A companies that need marketing leadership but can't justify £200k+ CMO hire yet.
SMEs Without Marketing Leader
Established businesses (£2M-£20M) with marketing teams but no senior leadership.
Specific Expertise Needed
Companies needing specialist skills (PLG, ABM, brand) for a phase rather than permanently.
CEO Stepping Back
Founder-led marketing that needs professionalizing as the CEO focuses elsewhere.
What Part-Time Marketing Executives Do
A part-time marketing executive focuses on high-value strategic activities:
Strategic
- Marketing strategy development
- Positioning and messaging
- Channel prioritization
- Budget planning and ROI
Leadership
- Team management and development
- Agency/vendor oversight
- Hiring and structure
- Process and systems
Board & Stakeholder
- Board-level reporting
- Investor communication
- Cross-functional alignment
- Executive team participation
Execution Oversight
- Campaign strategy (not execution)
- Performance analysis
- Growth initiative leadership
- Key partnership decisions
Finding Part-Time Marketing Executive Roles
If you're a marketing leader looking for part-time work:
- Specialist platforms: Fractional.Quest marketing jobs, Chief Outsiders
- LinkedIn: Search "fractional CMO" or "part-time marketing director"
- VC networks: Connect with investors who place fractional execs in portfolio
- Referrals: Former colleagues, clients, and industry contacts
- Personal brand: Content marketing demonstrating your expertise
The Bottom Line
Part-time marketing executive in summary:
Senior marketing leadership (CMO, VP, Director) on a 1-3 day per week basis, providing strategic direction at 50-70% less cost than full-time. Also called "fractional" marketing executives.