What Exactly is a Fractional COO???
Well?!?! What Exactly Is a Fractional COO???
A Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a seasoned operations executive who works with your business on a part-time or contract basis. Instead of committing to a full-time role, a fractional COO offers their expertise for just a few days per week or a limited number of hours, giving you access to executive-level leadership without the cost of a full-time hire.
This flexible model is ideal for small and mid-sized businesses that need high-level strategic support but aren’t ready (or able) to bring on a full-time executive. Unlike an interim COO, who fills in temporarily during a transition, a fractional COO is typically brought in on an ongoing, part-time basis.
What Makes a Fractional COO Different?
• Time Commitment: They work part-time often just a few hours or days per week.
• Cost Structure: You avoid six-figure salaries, benefits, and bonuses while still gaining high-level insight and leadership.
• Flexibility: They can ramp up or down based on your business needs.
• Multiple Clients: Fractional COOs often serve several companies at once, prioritizing based on scope and need.
• Strategic Focus: Their role centers on systems, leadership, and execution helping you scale faster and smarter.
At ATLATL Business Solutions, we describe it this way: a fractional COO is your on-demand operations guru—“Chief Operating Officer for hire”—who helps you grow without breaking the bank.
Benefits of Hiring a Fractional COO
1. Cost-Effective Executive Leadership
Gain C-suite experience and results at a fraction of the full-time cost, no benefits, equity, or long-term overhead.
2. Scalable Support
Whether you’re launching a new division, restructuring, or preparing to grow, a fractional COO adapts to your pace and budget.
3. Operational Clarity
They help you streamline workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and create systems that drive accountability.
4. Leadership Development
Fractional COOs coach your managers, improve communication cadence, and implement decision-making frameworks.
5. Strategic Execution
Bridge the gap between high-level vision and tactical results. They align strategy with execution so your team gets traction.
What Does a Fractional COO Do?
• Build and implement operational systems
• Define and measure KPIs and accountability structures
• Align team roles and responsibilities with business goals
• Solve bottlenecks in project delivery or production flow
• Create and execute 90-day strategic plans
• Oversee departments like sales, service, ops, or HR
• Coach leadership team members for better communication and alignment
When Should You Consider Hiring One?
You should consider a fractional COO if:
• You’re overwhelmed running day-to-day operations
• Your business is growing but your systems are not
• You need leadership but can’t justify a full-time executive
• You’re preparing for a major transition, acquisition, or restructure
• Your team is busy, but not moving in sync
Challenges to Keep in Mind
• Limited Availability: Fractional COOs serve multiple clients, so their time must be managed with clear priorities.
• Cultural Fit: They’re not always embedded like a full-time team member, so onboarding and communication are critical.
• Authority Boundaries: Make sure roles and decision-making power are clearly defined.
Why Fractional COOs Are on the Rise
• Remote work has normalized flexible leadership roles.
• Startups and scaling companies want results, not bloated executive teams.
• C-suite professionals are embracing “portfolio careers,” offering expertise across multiple clients.
• It’s a smart way to get strategic guidance without long-term risk.
Is a Fractional COO Right for You?
If you’re ready to scale but lack operational bandwidth, or if your current systems are holding you back, a fractional COO could be exactly what your business needs. They bring clarity, momentum, and systems that support your long-term vision without a full-time price tag.
Work with a Fractional COO That Understands the Trades
At ATLATL Business Solutions, we specialize in helping blue-collar and manufacturing businesses build systems, teams, and leadership structures that scale. We match you with fractional COOs who understand your industry—and your urgency.
Let’s talk about your operations. → Book a free discovery call
