Hire a fractional COO — install operating rhythm, hit plan
A fractional COO is a senior operator who installs the systems, rhythm, and accountability that let a scaling company hit plan. Get a vetted shortlist in 48 hours.
- • Shortlist in 48 hours
- • No 25–30% placement fee
- • Vetted C-suite and VP operators
- • Fractional, interim, or advisory
When to hire a fractional COO
Most companies hire a fractional COO when the founder or existing team can no longer own the operations function at executive depth. Common triggers:
- The founder is trapped in day-to-day operations
- You are hitting revenue but missing plan, deadlines, or margin
- You have functional leaders but no one running the operating cadence
- You are integrating an acquisition or reorganizing
- You need to prepare the org for a diligence process
What a fractional COO owns
A fractional COO operates as your accountable Chief Operating Officer on a part-time basis. Typical scope:
- — Operating cadence — quarterly planning, weekly reviews, KPI system
- — Cross-functional accountability, RACI, and org design
- — Vendor, tools, and cost rationalization
- — Hiring plan, comp bands, and manager coaching
- — Systems and process automation
- — M&A integration or reorg execution
Engagement models
Fractional (ongoing)
1–3 days per week on a recurring basis. Best when you need executive judgment in the business every week, but not a full-time hire yet.
Interim (full-time, fixed term)
Full-time coverage for 3–9 months. Best for a vacancy, a fundraise, an M&A event, or a turnaround.
Project / advisory
Scoped engagement (10–40 hours) tied to a specific deliverable — a plan, a system, a hire, a diligence.
How much does a fractional COO cost?
Frequently asked questions
- What does a fractional COO do?
- A fractional COO installs operating rhythm and cross-functional accountability on a part-time basis. They own planning, KPIs, hiring plan, and vendor/tooling decisions — usually 2 days per week.
- How much does a fractional COO cost?
- Fractional COO rates typically run $200–$450 per hour, or $8,000–$20,000 per month. Most retainers land around $10k–$16k for two days per week.
- Fractional COO vs Chief of Staff?
- A fractional COO is a full peer of the CEO with authority over functional leaders. A Chief of Staff supports the CEO and coordinates without owning P&L. COOs cost more and act with more independence.
- When does a startup need a fractional COO?
- Common triggers: founder can't get out of ops, missed plan two quarters in a row, or a growth-stage reorg. Usually starts around $2M ARR.
- How quickly can I hire a fractional COO?
- RecruitFractional delivers a shortlist within 48 hours. Most engagements start inside two weeks.
Ready to hire your COO?
Post your role or request a curated shortlist — most companies get one inside 48 hours.