Fractional Quest is a UK-based platform that helps companies assemble a fractional C-suite in weeks and lets senior executives find part-time, outside-IR35 leadership roles—all with transparent day rates and a structured vetting process.
What is Fractional Quest?
Fractional Quest is a two-sided marketplace for fractional executive hiring in the UK. Companies submit a brief (role or whole leadership pod) and receive a graded shortlist of vetted operators within days. Executives can browse open fractional roles across CFO, CTO, COO, CMO, CPO, and CHRO functions. The platform runs as a web app; no maker name is stated on the site.
Key Features
- Pod Builder — Select up to six C-suite roles (CFO, CTO, COO, CMO, CPO, CHRO) and see an estimated monthly fractional cost vs. the permanent equivalent (40–60% cheaper, per Fractionus 2026 data).
- Transparent UK day rates (2026) — Published ranges per role: CFO £700–£2,000/day, CTO £800–£2,000/day, COO £800–£1,600/day, CMO £700–£1,300/day, CPO £850–£1,450/day, CHRO £600–£1,200/day.
- Outside IR35 — All placements are structured outside IR35, confirmed before matching.
- 7-step vetting process — Each operator clears identity/credential checks, reference verification, scenario interview with a former C-suite holder, and mandate-fit screening.
- Nationwide UK coverage — Operators are available across the UK; no geographic restriction within the country.
- Sequential vs. pod assembly — Companies can hire one executive or the full leadership layer; the platform claims weeks vs. the year a sequential search would require.
Who is it for?
- Founders or CEOs of growth-stage companies needing a fractional CFO, CTO, or COO without a full-time hire.
- Private equity or venture portfolio companies looking to fill interim C-suite roles quickly during transitions or scale-ups.
- Senior executives seeking portfolio careers who want to browse and apply to fractional, part-time roles with clear day rates and IR35 status.
Use Cases
- Building a fractional C-suite: A company selects roles in the Pod Builder, receives a shortlist, interviews candidates, and onboards them—all outside IR35 and within weeks.
- Finding a fractional CFO mandate: An operator browses the CFO role page, sees the day-rate range (£700–£2,000/day), and submits their availability to get matched.
How does Fractional Quest work?
- Brief — A 30-minute call to scope mandate, cadence, budget, and outcomes.
- Shortlist — A vetted list of operators with rate context, track record, and IR35 status is delivered.
- Meet — The company interviews favourites; Fractional Quest handles scheduling, references, and negotiation.
- Start — The operator signs outside IR35, embeds, and an early-fit checkpoint follows; scale up/down as needed.
FAQ
How fast can I assemble a fractional leadership team?
The platform aims to deliver a shortlist within days after the initial brief, and operators can start within weeks—far faster than the year a sequential permanent search might take.
What is the cost to use Fractional Quest?
The platform itself is free for companies to submit a brief and for operators to browse roles. Fractional Quest’s revenue model is not detailed on the site; the published day rates are what operators charge.
Are the placements inside or outside IR35?
All placements are structured outside IR35, confirmed during the matching process. The site notes that the 15% employer NI increase from April 2025 widened the cost gap between fractional and permanent hires.
How are operators vetted before appearing on a shortlist?
Each operator goes through a 7-step process: identity/credential verification, right-to-work check, professional qualification checks, track record evidence, backdoor references, a scenario interview with a former C-suite holder, and a final mandate-fit match.
