Fractional Data Leadership
Senior data leadership on a part-time basis. Get strategic direction without committing to a $300k+ full-time hire.
Context
The leadership gap
You have data engineers. Maybe a few analysts. What you don't have is someone who can connect data work to business outcomes, make architectural decisions, and build a team that scales.
A full-time Head of Data or Chief Data Officer costs $250-400k+ annually. For many companies, that's not the right investment yet. Fractional leadership gives you the strategic guidance without the full-time commitment.
Scope
What fractional leadership includes
Strategic Direction
Define data strategy, set priorities, and ensure data work aligns with business goals. Regular check-ins with leadership.
- Quarterly roadmap planning
- Business alignment sessions
- KPI and metrics definition
- Executive reporting
Team Building
Help you hire the right people and set them up for success. Interview support, role definition, onboarding guidance.
- Job descriptions and leveling
- Interview process design
- Technical interviews (pair)
- Team structure planning
Technical Oversight
Review architecture decisions, guide technical direction, and ensure the team is building things right.
- Architecture review
- Code and design reviews
- Technical mentorship
- Best practices guidance
Vendor Management
Navigate tool selection and vendor negotiations. Someone in your corner who understands the technical reality.
- Tool evaluation and selection
- Contract negotiation support
- Build vs buy decisions
- Cost optimization review
Models
How we work together
Advisory
4-8 hours/month
Monthly strategy sessions, async availability for decisions, quarterly planning. Good for companies with capable teams that need direction.
- Monthly strategy call
- Async Slack/email support
- Document review
Embedded
1-2 days/week
Regular presence in team meetings, active participation in architecture, ongoing mentorship. Best for building new capabilities.
- Weekly team participation
- Architecture involvement
- Hiring support
- Direct mentorship
Interim
3-4 days/week
Temporary full leadership role while you search for a permanent hire. Full accountability, defined transition plan.
- Full team leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Hiring the replacement
- Knowledge transfer
Fit
When fractional leadership makes sense
Good fit
- ✓
You have data people but no clear direction
- ✓
You're scaling and need to build the team right
- ✓
Making big vendor or architecture decisions
- ✓
Leadership gap while hiring full-time
Not a fit
- ✕
You need someone full-time writing code
- ✕
You have no data team at all yet
- ✕
You need a specific project delivered
- ✕
Looking for permanent outsourcing
Need data leadership without the full-time commitment?
Let's discuss what kind of support would help most.