Fractional CIO & IT Director For UK Manufacturers
Board-level IT leadership on your terms — from 1 day per month to near full-time, without the £150k+ salary.
What is a Fractional CIO?
A Fractional CIO (Chief Information Officer) is an experienced IT director who works with your business on a part-time or project basis. You get the same strategic expertise and board-level thinking as a full-time CIO — but at a fraction of the cost.
For manufacturing businesses that need senior IT leadership but can't justify a full-time hire, it's often the most effective model available. You pay only for the time you need, with no recruitment costs, no employer NI, no pension contributions and none of the overhead.
Talk to David →When manufacturers use a Fractional CIO
- Scaling without an IT department
You're growing fast and need someone to define an IT strategy that supports expansion — without building a team from scratch.
- ERP or major system transformation
You have an ERP project on the horizon and need independent leadership to keep it on track and protect your interests.
- Post-acquisition IT integration
Following an acquisition, you need to rationalise two IT environments quickly and safely.
- Bridging a leadership gap
Your IT manager has left and you need continuity while you recruit, without letting critical projects stall.
What We Deliver
Practical, commercial IT leadership across three core areas.
IT Strategy & Roadmap
A coherent multi-year IT strategy aligned with your manufacturing and commercial objectives. Board-ready documentation and prioritised project plans.
- Technology vision and principles
- 3-year IT roadmap
- Business case development
- Board-level IT reporting
Vendor & Contract Management
Oversight of all IT suppliers, contracts and service levels. We negotiate on your behalf and ensure you're getting the best value from every relationship.
- Supplier rationalisation
- Contract reviews and renegotiation
- SLA management
- Procurement support
Board-Level Reporting
Translate IT complexity into clear board communications. We ensure your leadership team understands IT risk, investment and performance — and can make informed decisions.
- Monthly IT dashboard
- Risk and compliance reporting
- Investment prioritisation
- Executive briefings
Who This Service Is For
Our fractional CIO service is purpose-built for UK manufacturers in these situations.
SME Manufacturers (50–500 employees)
Growing businesses that need strategic IT leadership but can't justify the cost or risk of a full-time CIO hire.
PE-Backed Manufacturing Groups
Portfolio companies that need rapid IT value creation, integration or transformation in line with investor timelines.
Multi-Site Manufacturers
Businesses with multiple sites or plants who need to standardise IT, connect systems and manage complexity centrally.
Businesses In Transition
Companies facing an ERP change, acquisition, leadership gap or significant digital investment who need experienced guidance fast.
Ready for Senior IT Leadership?
Book a free, no-obligation IT assessment and find out how a fractional CIO could transform your business.