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Head of Operations

Description

A Head of Operations is the founder’s operator-in-residence. They ensure the business runs smoothly day-to-day while laying the foundation for scale. Unlike a Chief of Staff or COO, the Head of Ops is hands-on with execution — managing workflows, vendors, and back-office systems that keep the company moving. They oversee core functions like HR basics, payroll, compliance tasks, and project follow-through, providing visibility through reporting and accountability. The role is most valuable in early-stage or small businesses where the founder is still close to the work but overwhelmed by operational details. A Head of Ops creates structure and relief without the overhead of executive leadership — freeing the founder to focus on growth, customers, and vision while knowing the daily engine is runnin

Features

Owns daily operations, workflows, and back-office systems

Manages vendors, tools, and processes to keep things moving

Supports HR, payroll, compliance, and finance basics

Keeps projects on track and ensures follow-through

Provides visibility with reporting, updates, and accountability

Bridges gaps until functional leaders are in place

FAQ

You ask, we answer.

What’s the difference between a CoS and a COO?

The Chief of Staff (CoS) serves the founder and creates leverage for the CEO by driving clarity, priorities, and alignment.
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The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves the company andbuilds the business engine—systems, teams, and accountability.

How do I know which role my company needs?

If the founder’s time and focus are the main constraint, you need a CoS.
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If the organization itself is breaking under growth—missed handoffs, no systems, managers without leadership—you need a COO.

Can one person do both jobs?

Not at the same time. The scopes are different. A strong operator may start as CoS and grow into COO as the company matures, but those are sequential phases, not one job.

When would a company need both?

In messy growth stages, a CoS and COO often work side by side.

The CoS keeps the founder focused and aligned. The COO builds and runs the operating system.
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Together, they support the founder/ CEO in closing the gap between vision and execution.

Why hire fractional instead of a full-time?

A full-time Chief of Staff or COO is a $150K–$400K+ commitment once you factor in salary, benefits, and equity.
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Many early-stage companies can’t take on that expense without cutting into product, growth, or key hires.

Fractional leadership gives you the same senior expertise for a fraction of the cost.
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Companies often save $200K+ per year by going fractional — enough to extend runway by 6–12 months or hire several additional team members.
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It’s a way to scale to the point where a full-time executive makes sense, without forcing the hire too early.

What's your approach?

We start with an operational audit to surface what’s working and what’s blocking growth. From there, we create a roadmap tailored to your stage and goals. Whether serving the founder as CoS or the company as COO, we embed where the pressure is highest to build what’s needed to scale.
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Book A FREE CALL HERE

Head of Operations

You ask, we answer.

Smooth scaling from here on out.