Fractional Head of Product
Fractional Head of Product
vs an interim leader
Interim and fractional are often confused, but they're different models. An interim fills a vacant seat full-time, usually during a transition or crisis. Fractional embeds part-time as an ongoing strategic resource. The choice depends on whether you need a temporary full-time replacement or ongoing part-time leadership.
Why fractional works
Designed for ongoing impact, not gap-filling
Fractional is a deliberate leadership model, not a stopgap. We're not keeping the seat warm — we're building systems and capability that outlast the engagement.
More cost-effective for part-time needs
If you need 2–3 days per week of senior leadership, fractional is significantly 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, not just operational
We don't just manage the day-to-day. We bring strategic thinking, build frameworks, and create capability that the team retains 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 genuinely need five days a week of attention — 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, not just 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 genuinely requires full-time attention for a defined period.