Fractional COO and operational excellence for growing SMEs
Complexity, simplified for growing businesses.
I help CEOs and leadership teams turn good intentions into a simple, disciplined way of running the business. If every week feels reactive and you are tired of firefighting, I can design your operating rhythm and, if needed, act as your Fractional COO to keep everything moving.
This is for you if:
- Every week feels reactive and issues keep coming back.
- Priorities change often and teams are not always aligned.
- KPIs exist, but they do not drive decisions or actions.
- Projects start with energy, then stall or fade away.
What I do
I work alongside you and your team to create a clear, repeatable way of running the business that connects strategy, operations and numbers.
Operating model and cadence
I define how decisions are made, who owns what and how information flows. That includes the right set of meetings, inputs and outputs so the business has a consistent weekly, monthly and quarterly rhythm.
KPIs and performance system
I help you select a small set of meaningful KPIs, build a simple reporting pack and make sure each metric has a clear owner, target and action plan.
Planning and execution
I support you to translate strategy into a practical operational plan with specific goals, owners and dates, then build the review cycle that keeps everyone aligned.
Fractional COO support
Where needed, I step in as a part time COO to run the operating rhythm, coach your leaders and make sure decisions actually turn into delivery.
How it works
How it works
Simple, structured and focused on measurable change.
01
Discover
Short interviews, data review and observation of your current meetings and reports. The goal is to understand how decisions are really made today.
02
Design
We co design a pragmatic operating model, KPI set and cadence that fits the size and maturity of your business.
03
Implement
I support you to launch the new rhythm, refine agendas and decision rights, and coach leaders in how to use the system.
04
Embed
Over the next 3 to 6 months we review what is working, fix friction points and make sure the new way of working becomes the default, not a one off project.
Example engagements
Every engagement is tailored, but a few typical patterns are:
Scale up operating model
Design and run a new operating cadence for a 50 to 150 person business moving from founder led to leadership team led.
Performance reset
Simplify a complex KPI set into a small number of measures that link strategy, operations and finance, and introduce a monthly performance review.
Change delivery support
Act as Fractional COO to coordinate a portfolio of improvement projects, ensuring risk, capacity and benefits are managed across functions.
Outcomes you can expect
A single, clear plan of record that everyone recognises and uses.
Fewer surprises and more predictable delivery against commitments.
Meetings that are shorter, better prepared and focused on decisions and actions.
Clearer ownership of KPIs and initiatives across the leadership team.
More time for the CEO or founder to focus on growth, customers and investment.
Who I work with
- Founders and CEOs of growing SMEs.
- COOs and Operations Directors who need experienced bandwidth.
- Private equity backed businesses preparing for growth or exit.
- Leadership teams going through restructuring, merger or new ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How many days a month do you typically work as a Fractional COO?
Most fractional engagements are between 3 and 8 days per month, depending on the size and complexity of the business. I am happy to start at the lower end and adjust once we see what level of support creates the most value.
How long does an operational excellence engagement last?
Design and initial implementation usually take 8 to 12 weeks. Embedding the new operating rhythm and performance system typically takes a further 3 to 6 months, depending on how much change is required.
Will you work on site or remotely?
I blend on site and remote work. I am based near Milton Keynes and work regularly in London and across the South East. Key workshops and leadership sessions are usually in person, with follow up and analysis done remotely.
Ready to bring more discipline to how your business runs?
If you recognise the patterns above and want a simple, proven way to bring clarity, control and pace to your operations, lets talk.
Book a free 30 minute call to explore whether Operational Excellence or Fractional COO support is the right next move for you.
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