[ Compare ]
Fractional vs interim COO.
Same seat, different shapes. Fractional is part-time and ongoing. Interim is full-time and short. A consultant is neither.
[ 01 ]
At a glance
The table.
| Fractional COO | Interim COO | Ops consultant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 1-3 days / week | Full time | Project-based |
| Engagement | 3-12 months | 3-9 months | 4-12 weeks |
| Cost / month | €6k - €15k | €25k - €45k | €15k - €40k |
| Ownership | Outcome | Outcome | Recommendations |
| Embedded | Yes, on team | Yes, full time | No, outside |
| Best for | Scale-ups, founder-led, PE | Vacant COO seat | Defined diagnostic |
| Exit | Hands ops to team | Hands to permanent COO | Delivers report |
[ 02 ]
Decision
Pick the right one.
[ 01 ]
Pick fractional
You need leverage, not a body in a chair. The team exists but the engine is missing. Budget under €15k/mo.
[ 02 ]
Pick interim
The COO seat is vacant tomorrow. Crisis or transition. Need a full-time human on payroll for 6 months.
[ 03 ]
Pick consultant
You know what is broken. You need a third party to write the playbook. Execution stays with you.
[ Next step ]
Unsure which seat you need?
30 minutes. I will tell you which one fits and why.