Overview
Many growing businesses reach a point where they need senior leadership in finance, operations or sales, but cannot yet justify, or do not yet need, a full-time executive. A fractional director fills that gap. They are an experienced executive who works with your business part-time, often for a set number of days each month, bringing the judgement and capability of a seasoned leader at a fraction of the cost of a permanent hire.
Our Fractional Director Services give you access to experienced Chief Financial Officers, Chief Operating Officers and Chief Sales Officers who have led and grown businesses themselves. They work alongside your founders and team, attend board meetings where appropriate, and build the systems, processes and plans you need for the next stage of growth.
Want to know more about the model? Read our guides on what a fractional CSO does and fractional sales leadership, or estimate costs with our fractional cost calculator.
Who it’s for
- SMEs and scale-ups that need senior leadership but not a full-time executive.
- Founders who are stretched across too many functions and need experienced support.
- Businesses preparing for fundraising that need investor-grade financial planning and reporting.
- Companies going through a period of change, such as rapid growth, restructuring or expansion into new markets.
- Firms covering a gap while they recruit a permanent executive.
- Investor-backed businesses that need to strengthen reporting to their board and shareholders.
What’s included
Every engagement is tailored, but typical areas of support for each role include:
- Fractional CFO: financial strategy, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, board and investor reporting, fundraising preparation, finance team leadership and relationships with banks, auditors and advisers.
- Fractional COO: operating model design, process improvement, scaling operations, supplier and partner management, systems implementation, KPIs and operational risk.
- Fractional CSO: sales strategy, pipeline and forecasting discipline, sales team structure and incentives, go-to-market planning, key account strategy and sales reporting to the board.
- A named fractional director matched to your sector, stage and priorities.
- An agreed number of days per month, with flexibility to adjust as needs change.
- Attendance at board or leadership meetings, as agreed.
- Regular check-ins with BoardroomUK to make sure the engagement is delivering value.
How it works
- Discovery call: we discuss your business, your challenges and which leadership role would make the biggest difference.
- Scoping: we agree the role, objectives, time commitment and success measures for the first months.
- Matching: we introduce one or more suitable fractional directors and arrange conversations so you can judge the fit.
- Onboarding: your fractional director reviews the business, meets the team and agrees a 90-day plan with you.
- Delivery: they work with you on an agreed schedule, reporting progress against the plan.
- Review: we review the engagement regularly and adjust the days, focus or role as your business evolves.
Deliverables
Deliverables depend on the role and objectives, but commonly include:
- A 90-day plan with clear priorities and success measures.
- Financial models, budgets and cash flow forecasts (CFO).
- Board packs and management information that support better decisions.
- Operating procedures, process maps and KPI dashboards (COO).
- Sales strategy, pipeline reporting and team structure recommendations (CSO).
- Regular progress updates to founders and the board.
Pricing starts from £1,500 per month excluding VAT, depending on the role and the number of days required. Your proposal will confirm the monthly fee and notice period before you commit. If your needs change, the engagement can be scaled up, down or into a permanent hire.
Frequently asked questions
How many days a month does a fractional director work?
It depends on your needs. Some businesses need a day or two a month for board-level oversight, while others need several days a week during a period of change. We agree the time commitment with you during scoping and can adjust it later.
Is a fractional director a member of the board?
Not necessarily. A fractional executive can attend board meetings without being formally appointed as a director, or can be appointed to the board if that suits your governance needs. If they are appointed, they take on the legal duties of a director, so we help you think through the right arrangement.
Can a fractional role become permanent?
Yes. Some businesses use a fractional director until they are ready for a full-time hire. In those cases, the fractional director can help define the permanent role and support the recruitment and handover.
