What is a Fractional CMO?

A Fractional CMO is a highly experienced marketing executive working part-time for a company. The main mission of this Fractional Field Marketing Manager is to lead the company's marketing strategy and team according to the company's goals, but on a part-time basis, depending on the agreed hours with the company (usually between 10-15 hours per week).

Advantages of Hiring a Fractional CMO

Provides an external and fresh strategic vision similar to consulting, which can get diluted when working full-time within the company.
Time-efficient: Goes straight to the point and is practical since decisions have to be made within a set number of hours.
Financial savings: Companies can gain the expertise of a high-level executive without incurring the full cost of a salary, benefits, and other expenses associated with a full-time employee.
Tailored commitment and resource efficiency: Companies can scale the time and involvement of the Fractional CMO according to changing needs and goals.
Flexibility to end collaboration at any time, as the Fractional CMO is an independent contractor and operates under the terms of a previously signed commercial contract.

When is it Ideal to Hire a Fractional CMO?

Early-stage company: If your company is in an early stage (SME or startup) and needs high-level marketing talent without the budget or commitment for full-time roles.
Strategic guidance for current CMO or VP of Marketing: If your company has a CMO or VP of Marketing who needs strategic guidance from someone experienced.
Leadership during transitions: If your CMO leaves and the company needs marketing leadership during the transition.
Building a marketing team: When you need to build a marketing team and require a high-level marketing director to guide and assemble the team.
Part-time requirement: If your company does not need a full-time CMO and can manage with a part-time one.

How many hours per week does the Fractional CMO?

It depends. On average, about 10-15 hours per week are usually sufficient. However, at the beginning of the collaboration, when developing and implementing the marketing plan and setting up the team, the hours can increase to 20-25 hours per week or as needed. Ideally, the number of hours should be flexible based on the company's needs.

Does the Fractional CMO lead the marketing team operations?

Definetely. Along with strategy, and measurement of results, this is the main function of the Fractional CMO.

Does a Fractional CMO handle operational marketing as well?

Should not. A Fractional Iberia CMO focus only on strategy and task supervision and leading the marketing team members or freelancers responsible for operational execution.

Does the Fractional CMO have objectives and incentives? To whom do they report?

Absolutely. They will report the results according to the agreements made in the commercial contract. Typically, they report to the CEO or the VP of Marketing.

Does the Fractional CMO participate in company meetings, all-hands meetings, and quarterly meetings?

Ideally, yes. The Fractional CMO will have signed confidentiality agreements like any other employee and participate in all global meetings.

Conclusion

A Fractional CMO provides companies with the experience and strategic direction needed to grow and compete in the market, without the financial burden of a full-time executive.