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Fractional CSO

Hire a fractional Chief Strategy Officer — senior strategy on tap

A fractional CSO owns corporate strategy, M&A, and new-market entry work on a part-time basis. 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 CSO

Most companies hire a fractional CSO when the founder or existing team can no longer own the strategy function at executive depth. Common triggers:

  • You are considering an acquisition, partnership, or geographic expansion
  • Board wants a 3-year strategic plan and none exists
  • You need someone to run a strategic review without hiring McKinsey
  • You are moving into a new product line or market segment

What a fractional CSO owns

A fractional CSO operates as your accountable Chief Strategy Officer on a part-time basis. Typical scope:

  • Corporate strategy, 3-year plan, and portfolio review
  • M&A sourcing, diligence, and integration planning
  • New market entry and expansion plan
  • Competitive intelligence and category work
  • Board and investor strategy narrative

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 CSO cost?

Hourly
$250–$600/hr
Monthly retainer
$10k–$25k/mo
Note
Most fractional CSO engagements are project-based rather than ongoing.

Frequently asked questions

What does a fractional CSO do?
A fractional Chief Strategy Officer owns strategic planning, M&A, and market-entry work on a part-time or project basis. They report to the CEO and often work with the board.
How much does a fractional CSO cost?
Fractional CSO engagements typically run $10,000–$25,000 per month or are scoped as fixed-price projects for specific deliverables.

Ready to hire your CSO?

Post your role or request a curated shortlist — most companies get one inside 48 hours.