Fractional COO
Fractional COO support for businesses that need experienced help running the business, but not another full-time executive.
When the business has outgrown founder-led operations but isn't ready for a full-time COO, fractional leadership can fill the gap. I work inside the operation to create structure, improve visibility, drive priorities forward and help the leadership team turn plans into execution.
TELL ME WHAT'S NOT WORKINGWhat a fractional COO actually is
A fractional COO is experienced help running the business, without the full-time executive hire. It makes sense when you need someone who has run operations before, working inside your business on the things that matter most right now.
I'm much more interested in implementation than recommendations. I'm not going to hand you a deck with 40 things you should do and disappear. If we decide something needs to change, I can help build it, implement it and make sure it actually works.
Signs you may need one
- Everything still comes back to the founder.
- Priorities that cross teams aren't moving.
- Growth has outpaced your processes.
- Leadership lacks consistent KPIs or a steady weekly rhythm.
- Teams are working hard but ownership is unclear.
- You need experienced help running the business but don't need a full-time COO.
Not sure what level of help you need?
You don't need to figure that out before we talk. Tell me what's going on, and I'll tell you what I think makes sense.
Fractional COO
$3,500 to $10,000+/month
For: You need an experienced operator in the business without hiring a full-time COO.
Where you land depends on how involved I am:
- Advisor, from $3,500/month: regular working sessions on priorities, KPIs and decisions. Your team does the work.
- Operating Partner, $4,500 to $7,500/month: I own important projects and drive them to done.
- Embedded, $7,500 to $10,000+/month: I join the leadership team, run the meeting rhythm and hold accountability across teams.
3-month minimum. Same invoice every month, and hours flex across the quarter.
Talk about fractional supportFractional COO vs. full-time COO
Fractional COO
- Part-time, flexible executive capacity
- Lower fixed cost
- Best when operational complexity requires leadership but not a full-time executive seat
- Scope and capacity based on current business needs
Full-time COO
- Dedicated executive role
- Full-time compensation plus benefits
- Best when the business requires continuous executive leadership across the organization
You may not need a COO at all.
Sometimes the right answer is an advisor, a project, or a focused sprint. Tell me what's going on and we'll work out which one fits.