What is a Fractional CHRO?
A fractional CHRO provides human resources leadership on a contract basis. Learn more about how to become a fractional CHRO and executive consultant.
May 9th, 2025
A fractional CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) is a highly experienced executive who provides strategic HR leadership to organizations on a part-time, contract, or project basis---rather than as a permanent employee.
Basically, in a world of newly hybrid workplaces, widening skills gaps, and constant organizational changes, fractional CHROs are more important than ever. Since they're not tied to any company specifically, they have the flexibility to swoop in and help organizations across industries navigate change and manage their most important assets: people.
That's why we're seeing "a massive, massive wave" of CHROs leaving their high-stress corporate jobs to go fractional.
Fractional CHRO meaning
Chances are, you've got the "CHRO" part down pat. (Just in case, CHROs are C-suite leaders who oversee an organization's human resources operation, including talent acquisition, development training, and succession planning.) But what does "fractional" mean, exactly? A fractional executive is someone who provides the same services as a traditional executive, but on a fractional (part-time or as-needed) basis.
Put the two together and you get a fractional CHRO: a modern, flexible solution for organizations seeking senior HR leadership without the commitment and expense of a full-time executive.
What qualifications does a fractional CHRO need?
Like full-time CHROs, fractional CHRO needs a blend of advanced education, professional certification, and real-world HR leadership experience. In fact, many fractional CHROs were previously full-time CHROs. The difference is, as fractional executives, they have the freedom to build more flexible and manageable schedules.
For example, here's a look at what a fractional CHRO's resume might contain
- Education: A bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, and a master's degree in business administration or HR management.
- Experience: Leadership positions in HR management, organizational development, and strategic planning.
- Certifications: Recognition as a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
- Skills: Strategic thinking, leadership, project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
How can I become a fractional CHRO?
Looking to leave that full-time life for greener pastures? You're not alone. According to SHRM, CHROs' top personal challenges are work/life integration, workload management, and figuring out their next career steps. Many also struggle with HR budget constraints or limited resources in their organizations.
That's where going fractional can help. Follow these steps to start building a career as a fractional CHRO and sharing your expertise across organizations:
- Define your niche: Identify industries or business types where your HR experience and skills can be most valuable.
- Build your brand: Develop a strong personal brand by showcasing your expertise through a professional website, thought leadership content, and platforms like LinkedIn.
- Develop your network: Attend industry events and join professional associations to connect with other HR leaders and potential clients.
- Gain consulting experience: Work as an HR consultant to hone your advisory skills and understand the unique needs of different organizations.
- Establish your fractional terms: Set clear service offerings, and determine your preferences for pricing and scheduling.
How many hours does a fractional CHRO work?
Fractional CHROs usually don't work on a standard schedule---that's the whole point of going fractional, after all. Instead of working 9-5, or more realistically 5-9, for one company, fractional executives can choose the structure that works for them.
That means a fractional CHRO might work as little as 10 hours per month for some clients, and several days per week for others, depending on the project scope and business demands. The model is intentionally flexible, allowing organizations to scale HR leadership up or down as needed.
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Chief of Staff who frees up 20 hrs/wk for early-stage founders and CEOs so they can focus on growth
What kinds of companies need fractional CHROs?
Fractional CHROs can be quickly hired and onboarded, bringing their vast experience to make an immediate impact. Meaning, they can be a great solution for organizations of all sizes and industries with different HR needs.
The types of companies that might benefit most from fractional people leaders include:
- Startups and small businesses: They might not have the budget for a full-time CHRO but still need expert HR leadership to build out their processes and hire new talent.
- Growth-phase companies: They might need help restructuring HR policies, managing a rapidly growing workforce, and scaling their HR tools across the organization.
- Companies in transition: Navigating mergers, acquisitions, and reorgs can be tricky. In the face of these changes, companies might require temporary, high-level HR leadership to guide them.
- Businesses tackling specific projects: Need to update systems for compliance regulations? Build a pipeline of successors? Implement a new AI tool? CHROs can help.
- Investment seekers: Organizations looking to attract investors can bring on a fractional CHRO to streamline HR operations and demonstrate their value.
How can I find fractional CHRO jobs?
When you're working on a fractional basis, finding the right opportunities can be its own part-time job. And it's not always as simple as searching for full-time HR positions. When it comes down to it, fractional CHROs have a few different options for finding their next client:
- Search job boards: Scour Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Upwork for fractional job listings. And remember to update your profile and resume with keywords like "fractional CHRO" to increase visibility. (Just watch out for AI bots.)
- Leverage your network: Tap into existing connections and ask for referrals. See if anyone can recommend you for part-time or project-based HR support.
- Make cold calls: Hit the digital pavement and pitch yourself to organizations who could use your services. Send cold emails, slip in those DMs, and maybe even schedule some phone calls or Zooms.
- Use an executive recruitment platform: Save yourself from sending dead-end InMail messages and rewriting cover letters. Let an executive recruitment platform like Go Fractional do the leg work for you---so you can do the actual HR work you were trained to do.
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Ready to start your journey as a fractional CHRO? Go Fractional connects you with well-matched clients, and takes care of the tough stuff like proposals and contracts, giving you more time to focus on your business.
How much do fractional CHROs earn?
Fractional CHRO pay depends on many factors, like each CHRO's experience and the scope of work they're taking on.
In general, however, fractional CHROs might bill their clients according to different pay structures like:
- Hourly rates: Charge clients for a certain number of hours each week or month.
- Project rates: Set a go-to rate for managing specific HR-related tasks and initiatives.
- Monthly retainers: Provide continuous, on-demand HR leadership for a reliable monthly fee.
Through Go Fractional, for example, CHROs charge, on average:
- $100-300 per hour
- $1,000-6,000 per week
- $2,00-24,000 per month
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- Head of People
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How can I find a fractional CHRO for my company?
Executives aren't the only ones who benefit from the fractional hiring model. Organizations can go fractional to unlock high-level leadership without the full-time price tag or commitment. That means you can access all the same services but without budgeting for salary, bonuses, and benefits.
As consultants, fractional CHROs also bring fresh, diverse perspectives from their experience working with a range of organizations. So they can be just the solution for businesses that need expert oversight during growth or transition phases.
Interested in finding your own fractional CHRO? Go Fractional makes it easy with a curated network of thoroughly vetted talent. Just set your criteria and connect with your top candidates. Once you make your choice, we'll handle the paperwork. So you can start working with your new executive and driving results.
Start browsing: Hire a fractional CHRO for your business.
