Understanding Executive Roles: Fractional, Interim, and Lower-Level Executives
What is a Fractional or Interim Executive?
A fractional executive is a highly experienced leader who works with a company on a part-time, contract, or project basis rather than as a full-time employee. These professionals bring C-suite expertise—such as CEO, CFO, CMO, CTO, or COO—without the long-term commitment and cost of a full-time hire. They are often used by startups, small-to-medium-sized businesses, and growing companies that need leadership but may not have the budget or need for a full-time executive.
An interim executive is similar but is typically brought in for a defined period to fill an urgent leadership gap, such as during a leadership transition, crisis management, restructuring, or major strategic shift.
Fractional and interim executives can quickly integrate into a business, assess challenges, and implement strategies without the learning curve that a new full-time hire might require.
Benefits of Hiring a Fractional Executive
Cost-Effective Leadership
Hiring a full-time C-suite executive can be expensive, often requiring six-figure salaries, benefits, and bonuses.
A fractional executive provides top-tier leadership at a fraction of the cost, making them ideal for businesses that need expertise without a major financial commitment.
Immediate Impact
Fractional executives bring deep industry experience and can quickly diagnose problems and implement solutions without a lengthy onboarding period.
Since they often work with multiple companies, they have broad perspectives and best practices that can be applied immediately.
Flexibility and Scalability
Companies can scale up or down their fractional executive’s involvement as needed, whether it’s a few hours a week or several days per month.
They can focus on short-term projects, crisis management, or ongoing strategic planning without the need for a permanent hire.
Specialized Expertise
Businesses gain access to highly specialized knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing, technology, operations, or sales.
They can fill knowledge gaps and provide expert guidance for specific challenges, such as fundraising, digital transformation, or market expansion.
Fresh Perspective and Objectivity
Unlike full-time employees who may be deeply ingrained in company culture, fractional executives provide an outside perspective that helps identify inefficiencies and challenge the status quo.
Their unbiased insights can lead to smarter decision-making and innovation.
Stronger Business Growth and Execution
Many companies struggle with execution and strategy alignment—a fractional executive ensures that key initiatives are properly planned, executed, and measured.
They help drive growth by improving processes, optimizing operations, and building high-performing teams.
Bridge Leadership Gaps
If a company is in transition—whether due to an executive leaving, a merger, or restructuring—a fractional or interim executive ensures continuity in leadership and prevents disruption.
They can mentor internal talent and help find and onboard a permanent hire.
Stronger Network and Resources
- Many fractional executives bring a strong network of industry connections, investors, vendors, and talent, giving businesses access to resources they wouldn’t otherwise have.
C-Suite Executive Roles and Responsibilities
Lower-Level Executive Roles and Responsibilities
Pricing Packages by Engagement Term
Below are pricing structures based on hourly rates, monthly costs, and long-term engagements for both C-suite and lower-level executives. These rates reflect industry averages for fractional (part-time) executives working on a contract basis.
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
$6K - $15K
$15K - $40K
$30K - $75K
$60K - $150K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
$5K - $12K
$12K - $35K
$24K - $65K
$50K - $125K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
CMO (Chief Marketing Officer)
$4K - $10K
$10K - $28K
$20K - $55K
$40K - $110K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
$5K - $12K
$12K - $32K
$24K - $60K
$50K - $120K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
COO (Chief Operating Officer)
$4K - $10K
$10K - $28K
$20K - $55K
$40K - $110K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
General Manager (GM)
$3K - $6K
$6K - $16K
$12K - $30K
$24K - $60K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
General Sales Manager (GSM)
$3K - $6K
$6K - $14K
$11K - $28K
$22K - $55K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
Vice President (VP)
$3K - $8K
$8K - $18K
$15K - $35K
$30K - $70K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
Director
$3K - $6K
$6K - $15K
$12K - $28K
$24K - $55K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
Regional/District Manager
$2K - $6K
$6 - $14K
$11K - $27K
$22K - $54K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
Branch Manager
$2k - $4K
$4K - $10K
$8K - $20K
$16K - $40K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
Department Manager
$2k - $4k
$4k - $9K
$7K - $18K
$14K - $36K
Our Basic Plan includes a detailed business plan and an SFPR (Steps for Progress)—a clear, actionable roadmap to launch or grow your business successfully.
Average Cost of Hiring Fractional Executives
C-Suite Executives
Lower-Level Executives
