Fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)

Accelerate revenue growth with expert sales leadership. Optimise sales processes, build high-performing teams, and drive sustainable results.
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Strategic Sales Leadership for Growing Startups

In today's competitive business environment, a robust sales strategy is crucial for sustainable growth. Many startups and growing companies need top-tier sales leadership to drive revenue, but can't justify the expense of a full-time Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) or Head of Sales. Our Fractional CROs bridge this gap, offering a solution that combines senior-level expertise with cost-effective flexibility.

Key Responsibilities of Fractional CROs

Our experienced Fractional CROs take on a wide range of critical product responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement effective sales strategies
  • Build and lead high-performing sales teams
  • Establish sales targets and KPIs
  • Optimise sales playbooks, processes and tools
  • Foster key client relationships and partnerships
  • Conduct sales forecasting and planning
  • Implement sales enablement programs
  • Analyse market trends and competitor strategies
  • Provide coaching and mentoring to sales team members
  • Refine lead generation and management strategies

The Power of Strategic Sales Leadership

A Fractional CRO brings more than just sales expertise; they deliver a comprehensive vision that aligns your sales efforts with your business objectives. Our seasoned sales executives offer:

  • Data-Driven Sales Strategy: Leverage advanced analytics and market insights to craft sales strategies that deliver measurable results.
  • Sales Process Optimisation: Streamline your sales funnel and improve conversion rates at every stage.
  • Team Development and Coaching: Build and mentor high-performing sales teams.
  • Technology Integration: Implement and optimise sales tools and CRM systems.
  • Revenue Forecasting and Planning: Develop accurate forecasts and strategic plans for sustainable growth.

By engaging one of Shepherd's vetted Fractional CROs, you're partnering with a strategic leader who can transform your sales function into a revenue-generating powerhouse.

The Benefits of Engaging a Fractional CRO

  • Cost Effective: Access senior-level sales leadership without the financial burden of a full-time executive.
  • Flexible Engagement: Tailor the engagement to your specific needs and scale as your business grows.
  • Fresh Perspectives: Benefit from diverse experience and innovative sales approaches.
  • Immediate Impact: Leverage the Fractional CRO's experience to drive results quickly.

Who can benefit from Fractional CROs?

Shepherd's Fractional CROs can address the unique sales challenges faced by tech startups across various growth stages:

Early-stage

  • Startups establishing their initial sales processes
  • Companies needing guidance on go-to-market strategies
  • Founders seeking to build their first sales team

Growth-stage

  • Startups looking to scale their sales efforts
  • Companies facing challenges in pipeline management and forecasting
  • Businesses needing help with sales automation and process scaling

Expansion-Stage

  • Tech companies entering new markets or launching new products
  • Startups requiring assistance with international sales strategies
  • Businesses looking to optimise their sales tech stack for growth

Established

  • Companies seeking fresh perspectives on their sales strategies
  • Businesses facing increased competition and need for sales differentiation
  • Tech firms looking to revitalise their sales approach or explore new channels

By offering flexible, expert sales leadership, Shepherd's Fractional CROs can help tech startups navigate the complex challenges of each growth phase, from initial market validation to sustained expansion and beyond.

Why Shepherd?

We speak startup

Shepherd's curated network of 150+ fractional leaders aren't your typical leaders, they thrive in the scrappy nature of startups. They're resourceful. They own outcomes and dive deep into the nitty-gritty alongside you.

Swipe their playbook

Imagine having access to the playbooks used to drive the go-to-market success of some of the leading tech companies. No more second-guessing whether you're doing it right. Leverage their experience to scale growth.

Bang for your buck

Tap into a diverse experience and skillset tailored to your evolving business needs—all at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. You get 100% brainpower without breaking your bank.

Super flexible terms

No long-term contract and fancy offices required. Start with a day or two a week, for as long as you need. Scale up or down your team as you grow, or even assemble an A-team for special projects.

Rapid deployment

You've already got enough on your plate —don't waste time sourcing and interviewing candidates. Get matched with experienced fractional operators in days, not months.
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Frequently Asked Questions.

Still have questions?
Get in touch and we’ll respond ASAP.
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How often will the Fractional CRO be available?
Availability varies based on your needs, typically 10 to 20 hours per week, adjustable based on project demands.
Can a Fractional CRO help with specific sales projects?
Yes, our CROs can focus on specific initiatives or provide comprehensive sales leadership, including sales team restructuring, new market entry, or sales process optimisation.
What are the typical pricing models for a Fractional CRO?
We offer three flexible pricing structures: daily rate, monthly retainer, and project-based pricing. The fractional leader will work with you to find the most suitable arrangement for your business.
  • Daily rate: This option is ideal for clients who need intensive, focused work on specific days.
  • Monthly retainer: Usually between AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000 per month, this option provides ongoing strategic support and leadership.
  • Project-based: For specific product initiatives or product launch, your fractional CPO can provide a custom quote based on the scope and duration of the project.
Pricing can be customised based on the scope of work and your specific needs. We're committed to providing value and will work with you to find the most suitable arrangement for your business.
How long does a typical Fractional CRO engagement last?
Engagements can range from 3 months to over a year, depending on your company's needs and goals. Common engagement models include:
  • Part-time, flexible engagement: Ideal for ongoing strategic support.
  • Full-time, fixed engagement: Typically for 6 to 9 months, suited for time-sensitive challenges.
  • Project-based: For specific marketing initiatives or transformations.
Will the Fractional CRO work with our existing sales team?
Absolutely. Our Fractional CROs are experienced in collaborating with and mentoring in-house sales teams, helping to upskill your existing team while providing strategic direction.

Through regular meetings, sales reviews, and ongoing communication, your Fractional CPO will stay in sync with your team.
How do you measure the success of a Fractional CRO engagement?
Success is measured through agreed-upon KPIs and OKRs, which might include metrics like product adoption rates, user satisfaction scores, or time-to-market for new features.

Your fractional CRO will provide you with a Statement of Works at the start of the engagement, which will be reviewed and updated at every milestone and checkpoint.
Can a Fractional CRO help with our product development tools and processes?
Definitely. Our Fractional CROs are well-versed in various product development methodologies and tools, and can help optimise your product development stack and processes.
Do fractional leaders have other jobs?
Yes — most of our fractional leaders work with multiple clients. The breadth and depth of their experience is what makes them a compelling option for a startup wanting to get from A to B quickly.

Many in our network have left the 9-5 grind to intentionally work in the startup ecosystem as an independent consultant, freelance exec, and advisor. Some are also exited founders.

This means they understand the importance of prioritisation and speed-to-value, rather than getting sucked into the bureaucracy and company politicking.

Their ultimate goal is to help startups succeed, and to eventually replace themselves with someone who can take the reins, in-house.
How is Shepherd different to other talent recruitment platforms and agencies?
We're about helping you find the best fractional leader in days, not months.

Shepherd delivers a video-first matchmaking experience, enabling you to find the right match asynchronously.

We vet and meet all of the fractional leaders to ensure we can match you with the best of the best. They are all former Director+ level leaders with track records of helping startups achieve great outcomes from scratch.

No generic freelancers here —just experienced operators with passion for startups, ready to roll up their sleeves, dive deep, and make a real impact.

Shepherd is not suited for task-oriented projects with set deliverables and milestones (you've got Upwork or Expert360 for that).
Can I pause and stop at any time?
Yes — just give us 2 weeks' notice.  
What's the catch?
Nope — it's free to get started.

Let's smash goals together.

Ready to drive velocity?

Great — let's get to work.
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