Fractional Head of Product
Fractional Head of Product
vs an interim leader
People often mix up interim and fractional, but they work differently. An interim fills a vacant seat full-time, usually during a transition or crisis. A fractional leader works part-time on an ongoing basis. The choice depends on whether you need a temporary full-time replacement or ongoing part-time leadership.
Why fractional works
Built for the long term
Fractional is a deliberate leadership model. Our job is to build systems and capability that outlast the engagement, which is different from keeping a seat warm.
More cost-effective for part-time needs
If you need 2–3 days per week of senior leadership, fractional is much cheaper than a full-time interim on a day rate of £800–£1,500.
Flexible engagement length
Fractional engagements scale with your needs. Interims typically have a defined end date tied to a recruitment process, which can create misaligned incentives.
Strategic as well as operational
We manage the day-to-day, but we also set strategy and build frameworks your team keeps using after the engagement ends.
When a interim might be better
- •Full-time availability. An interim is there every day, which matters if you've lost a key leader and need someone to fully step into the role immediately.
- •Complete role coverage. For roles that need five days a week of attention, such as managing a large team, handling a crisis or covering parental leave, an interim provides full coverage.
- •Familiar model for boards and investors. Boards and investors understand interim leadership immediately. It's a well-established model for transition periods.
Choose fractional when
When you need strategic senior leadership on an ongoing basis but don't need (or can't afford) someone full-time. When the goal is to build capability as well as fill a gap.
Choose a interim when
When a key leader has left suddenly and you need someone to fully step into the role while you recruit a replacement. When the role needs full-time attention for a defined period.