Why Fractional Operation Support Makes Sense for Small Businesses

Running a small or solo business usually means wearing every hat – strategy, operations, client service, admin, and everything in between. Eventually, even the most capable founder hits a limit. There’s only so much time, energy, and ChatGPT (no judgement) can do for you.

As more business owners are looking for ways to stay lean and viable, there’s a clear move away from the traditional model of building large teams, towards a more flexible, lower-risk approach. Enter the rise of fractional leadership: high-level expertise, minus the hefty price tag or HR hassle.

In New Zealand or Australia, hiring a full-time operations leader can cost upwards of $150K a year. Partnering with a Fractional Operations Manager gives you the same calibre of strategic support at a fraction of the cost.

What exactly is a Fractional Operations Manager?

A Fractional Operations Manager (sometimes called a Fractional COO, fractional Business Operations Manager, Online Business Manager or Virtual COO) is a contractor who acts as a part-time partner in your business. They step in to build smarter, scalable systems, fine-tune your tools and processes, and turn your broader vision into an actionable roadmap. You get their experience without the risk that comes with hiring.

5 Reasons to hire a Fractional Operations Manager

1. Cost efficiency
One of the biggest wins of a fractional COO is cost. You get the high-level operational expertise, minus the six-figure price tag. You only pay for the time and services you need, making it scalable and sustainable as your business grows.

2. Expertise that moves fast
Fractional Operations Managers bring years of operational experience across different industries. They can quickly step in, spot the bottlenecks, and build better systems, offering proven strategies that actually stick.

3. Flexibility that fits your season
Whether you’re starting out, scaling, restructuring, or need short-term support, a fractional COO adapts to your specific needs, and only for the time you need them.

4. A fresh, objective eye
When you’re deep in the day-to-day, it’s easy to miss the inefficiencies hiding in plain sight. A fractional COO brings an outside perspective to help you see what’s not working and what could run better.

5. Space to focus on growth
When you’re no longer stuck in the weeds of operations, you get to focus on what actually moves your business forward which means growth, innovation, and more time spent in your zone of genius.

Some of the ways I can help you as a Fractional Operations Manager

Not all Fractional Operations Managers are built the same (and thats a good thing). It’s all about finding the right partner for your particular needs and way of working.

My approach is flexible, kind, and tailored – never one-size-fits-all. I meet you and your business where you are, providing support that matches your pace, priorities, and style. My aim is to help you stay organised, focused, and confident as we work through it together.

Here are some of the ways I commonly help my clients:

Turning big ideas into clear, trackable action plans Setting up simple, easy-to-use systems and processes
Creating dashboards that bring visibility to your operations
Ensuring you have the right documents and frameworks to grow, hire, or scale with confidence
Demystifying the scary or complicated business stuff so you feel in control
Providing accountability and ongoing support to keep you on track
Helping clarify priorities and decision-making
Coaching you through operational challenges and changes

It’s all about finding the right partner for your needs—so your support feels empowering, not overwhelming. If you’re ready for support that’s tailored to you and your business, let’s chat.