Why More Manufacturers are Turning to Part-time and Project-based Executives to Solve Pressing Challenges
For many small and mid-sized manufacturers, bringing in a senior leader in operations or finance can feel like a big leap—especially if you’re not sure the role will generate the return you need. Full-time leadership hires are high-cost, high-commitment decisions that are hard to reverse if they don’t work out. Erik Anderson, WMEP Consultant, explains that fractional roles offer a smarter, lower-risk alternative: getting the skills and insight of an experienced executive for exactly the amount of time and scope you need.
What is a Fractional Resource?
As Erik puts it: “Think of it as renting expertise exactly when you need it for as long as you need it.” Fractional leaders are often former executives who have worked across a wide variety of manufacturing settings. They’re not learning on your dime—they’re applying proven approaches that have already delivered results for other companies. “You get decades of manufacturing know-how without adding a permanent salary to the books,” Erik says. “That’s a big deal for smaller companies where every dollar matters.”
Flexible, Experienced, ROI-Driven Support
One of the biggest advantages of fractional services is the ability to design an engagement around specific goals. Instead of filling a role just because a job description exists, you define specific outcomes to be achieved before anyone starts. “Every fractional engagement should begin by asking: What outcomes matter most? How will we measure success? And what’s the ROI target?” says Erik. Whether the priority is increasing throughput, reducing downtime, improving cash flow, strengthening financial controls, or leading a mission-critical project, fractional leaders zero in on the highest-impact work. Because they’re not tied to internal politics or full-time responsibilities, they can maintain a laser focus on results. And, fractional leaders have been there, done that. They’ve seen common problems across business – and many times have had to face and solve the problems themselves – and they have the experience to guide the manufacturers to the right solutions, saving time and money chasing solutions that don’t work.
Another Benefit: Fresh Eyes, Immediate Impact
When you’ve been immersed in your own processes for years, certain inefficiencies or problems can become invisible. Fractional leaders bring an outside perspective, often spotting opportunities for improvement within hours of walking the floor. “Outside experts see what’s been hiding in plain sight,” Erik explains. “Sometimes it’s a bottleneck that everyone assumes is just part of the process, or a reporting gap that’s quietly costing thousands each month. Those issues are fixable—but only if you see them.” This objectivity also helps break the “we’ve always done it this way” cycle. The right questions—asked by someone with no stake in past decisions—can quickly reveal the root causes of operational challenges and open the door to more effective solutions.
Keys to Success
Erik emphasizes two areas – transparency and fit – as critical for success. First, be honest and transparent about the situation–both with the fractional leader and with the organization. Fractional leadership works best when the organization is honest about its challenges, transparent about its goals, and committed to open communication internally. “If you bring someone in at a senior level – even part-time – you need to make sure your team understands why they’re there, what they’re working on, and how it connects to the bigger picture,” says Erik. Without that clarity, employees may feel uncertain or resistant to changes. By setting clear expectations, sharing progress, and inviting feedback, manufacturers can ensure that fractional leaders integrate seamlessly into the team and drive the outcomes they were brought in to achieve. Second, use the same due diligence for fractional roles as you would for a full-time position. Invest time interviewing and evaluating candidates to ensure there is a skill and personality fit with you and your team.
A Tool for Growth and Resilience
Fractional roles aren’t just a stopgap—they’re a strategic tool. They allow you to test new leadership roles before committing, add capability during growth surges, or address specialized challenges without long-term overhead. “Sometimes a company realizes they need the role permanently after seeing the results,” Erik says. “Other times, the expert helps build the systems and train the team so the company can maintain the gains without hiring a full-tile position. Either way, the ROI is real.” This model also builds resilience. When your leadership bench is deeper and more capable, you can respond faster to market changes, scale more efficiently, and avoid costly missteps.
WMEP is a nonprofit consulting organization with a simple mission: help Wisconsin manufacturers succeed. Our advisors bring real-world industry experience and deliver practical solutions across three key focus areas: Growth, Operations, and People. Learn how fractional leadership in operations, finance, and certifications can help you solve challenges and accelerate results—contact us today.