Everything a Business Owner Needs to Know When Hiring a Fractional COO
What Is a Fractional COO and Does Your Business Need One?
If your business is growing faster than your systems can handle, or if you’re stuck working in the weeds instead of on your vision it may be time for outside leadership support. But hiring a full-time Chief Operating Officer (COO) can be expensive and premature for many small or midsize businesses.
That’s where a fractional COO comes in.
A Fractional COO is a highly experienced operations executive who works with your business part-time or on a contract basis. They bring the strategic oversight, systems thinking, and leadership of a full-time executive without the cost or long-term commitment.
Why Hire a Fractional COO? Key Benefits
1. Cost-Efficiency
Gain access to senior-level expertise without the $250K+ annual salary of a full-time COO. Fractional COOs typically work on a monthly or hourly basis making this a scalable investment.
2. Scalable Systems
Fractional COOs design and implement processes that support growth, helping your business scale without chaos.
3. Operational Excellence
From uncovering bottlenecks to optimizing workflows, they streamline your operations to increase profitability and long-term sustainability.
4. Leadership Support
They free up your CEO to focus on strategy, innovation, and business development while ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly.
When Is the Right Time to Hire a Fractional COO?
You likely need a fractional COO if:
• You’re struggling to scale efficiently
• Internal processes are disorganized or inconsistent
• The CEO is buried in daily operations
• You’re preparing for a major shift (growth, merger, restructuring)
What Does a Fractional COO Cost?
Fractional COO pricing varies by scope and experience level, but here’s a general breakdown:
• Monthly Retainers: $3,000 to $20,000
• Hourly Rates: $150 to $500/hour
Compared to the six-figure commitment of a full-time executive, a fractional COO offers a more accessible and lower-risk solution for growing companies.
How to Prepare Before You Hire
Before engaging a fractional COO, get clear on the following:
1. What problems are you solving? (Improve delivery operations, reduce overhead, boost team accountability…)
2. What does success look like? (Launch a new location, reduce lead time by 30%, implement a CRM system…)
3. How much involvement do you need? (Ongoing weekly support, short-term engagement, or interim leadership…)
Final Thoughts: Fueling Growth Without Overhead
Hiring a fractional COO isn’t just about plugging a leadership gap, it’s about driving results with intention. The right partner brings order to chaos, empowers your team, and positions your business for long-term success.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At ATLATL Business Solutions, we help growth-minded business owners find the right fractional leadership to organize, optimize, and scale their operations. Whether you need interim support or long-term guidance, we’ll help you build the engine that powers your vision.
👉 Book a Discovery Call or visit us at atlatlbusinesssolutions.com to learn more.
