What we hire for
Fractional leadership for startups
Sometimes you need senior leadership before you can justify a full-time executive. We place experienced fractional leaders who bring structure, judgement and pace — for a few days a week, without the full-time cost.
Fractional leadership recruitment at Proper Round connects founders with senior operators who lead part-time: fractional Head of Sales, CMO, COO, Chief of Staff and Country Lead. It's the right move when you need real leadership now, want to de-risk before a permanent hire, or are entering a new market and need someone who already knows it.
Roles we hire
When fractional is the right call
Fractional leadership fits a few clear moments: you need senior structure but can't yet justify a full-time salary; you want to prove out a function before committing; or you're launching in a new SEA market and need a leader who already has the network.
A good fractional leader does more than advise. They build the playbook, set the targets, hire the team beneath them, and leave the function in a state a full-time successor can run.
What we screen for
- A track record of building the function, not just running an established one.
- Comfort creating clarity and structure quickly, with limited context.
- The judgement to set up a full-time successor rather than create dependence.
- For Country Leads: genuine local market knowledge and network in-region.
FAQ
Common questions
What fractional roles do you place?
Fractional Head of Sales, CMO, COO, Chief of Staff, Country Lead and CRO, among others — senior operators who lead part-time before you make a full-time executive hire.
When should a startup hire fractionally instead of full-time?
When you need senior leadership now but can't yet justify the full-time cost, want to de-risk a function before committing, or are entering a new market and need an experienced local leader quickly.
Can a fractional hire convert to full-time later?
Often, yes. Many fractional engagements are structured so a successful leader can transition into a permanent role, or hire and hand over to a full-time successor.
Ready to make the hire?
Tell us what you're building, the role you need, and what success looks like. We'll help you find the right person to move the business forward.
Start with a hiring consultation →