Ops career evolving to fractional: The good, the bad and the ugly
This session is part of our cONference online spin-off series: five events on the theme of resilience, each exploring it from a different angle.
Fractional roles are becoming an increasingly popular path for operations leaders - but what does “fractional” actually mean in practice? What does it take to make the leap, and is it really the right move for you?
Join us for an informal, interactive session with Freddy Hare, Fractional COO @ Fractional Fred, where we’ll unpack the realities of building a fractional career in Ops. Through stories, insights, and candid Q&A, we’ll explore both the upsides and the challenges of working this way, and share practical advice for anyone considering making the shift.
Together in this session, we’ll aim to:
💡 Define what “fractional” really means — from short-term projects to retainer contracts to advisory roles.
🔎 Explore whether fractional work is right for you — reflecting on your skills, motivations, and appetite for flexibility.
🛠️ Discuss practical steps to get started — what’s essential, what’s “nice-to-have,” and how to test the waters safely.
🚫 Debunk common myths — like whether you must set up a company or go all-in from day one.
🌱 Look at the human side of the shift — how fractional work builds career resilience, expands your network, and opens new opportunities.
You should join us if you’re…
✅ An Ops professional considering a move to fractional work — whether full-time, part-time, or side-hustle alongside your current role.
✅ Curious about new ways of working — and want to hear an honest account of the benefits and the challenges.
✅ At a point of transition — perhaps between roles, post-hypergrowth, or simply wanting to explore more flexible, project-based opportunities.
You’re unlikely to benefit if…
🚫 You’re not interested in exploring non-traditional career paths.
🚫 You’re already deeply established in fractional work and looking for advanced strategies.
Event details 📝
Agenda:
Welcome & introduction: Freddy’s journey from COO to fractional ops
What does fractional mean? types of engagements, structures, and myths
Why you might go fractional & how to start: essentials vs nice-to-haves
Debunking myths & pitfalls to avoid
Q&A and discussion
Resources & wrap-up
This session will be recorded, including the Q&A.
- If you'd prefer any part of your question or comment to be kept off the recording, just let us know (either during or right after the session) and we’ll make sure it’s edited out.
About the host 👋
Frederick Hare
Freddy works with a number of FMCG businesses (including TRIP, Monday Muse, and Feisty), providing fractional operations support across strategy, supply chain, people, and finance. He began his career at Vitl, where he spent 7½ years and became COO, before transitioning into fractional roles. He also completed The Portfolio Collective’s Catapult Course, which shaped his approach and toolkit for working this way.