A Fractional Sales VP - Blog Post by Effect Staffing

A Fractional Sales VP provides sales leadership on a part-time or project basis, rather than working full-time for a company. They have deep knowledge and experience of the sales process and can help grow the sales team so that companies increase sales and revenue.

This type of arrangement can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. For example, a startup or small business may not be able to afford a full-time sales VP, or may only need the expertise on a temporary basis. A fractional sales VP can also be useful for larger companies that are looking to fill a temporary gap in their sales leadership, or that want to bring in an outside expert to help with a specific project.

Hiring a Fractional Sales VP is a great way to have the support of a senior level sales leader without having a full time expense. The role of a fractional VP is similar to that of a full-time sales VP, which typically includes responsibilities such as developing and implementing sales strategy, setting sales targets and goals, managing the sales team, and analyzing sales data to make informed business decisions.

What types of companies need a Fractional Sales VP?

There are many types of companies that may benefit from hiring a fractional sales VP. Some examples include:

Startups and small businesses may not have the resources to hire a full-time sales VP, but may still need experienced sales leadership to help them grow and scale. A fractional sales VP can provide the necessary expertise and support on a part-time basis.
Businesses that are going through a major transition, such as a merger or acquisition, may need a temporary sales leader to help manage the change and ensure that sales continue to be a priority.
Companies facing a specific challenge. A fractional sales VP can help a company tackle a specific sales challenge, such as entering a new market, launching a new product, or revamping a sales process. They can provide expertise and guidance on how to approach these challenges and achieve success.
Companies that have been growing rapidly and need more structure, processes and a more senior leader to oversee the sales operations and strategy to reach the next level.
Companies looking to expand their sales team, but need some guidance and mentoring to ensure they are able to hire the right people and have a solid sales process and strategy in place.
Companies that are struggling with sales and need a fresh perspective and experienced leader to help identify the problem and turn around the sales performance.

The specific qualifications and credentials that a fractional sales VP may need will depend on the company and the specific role they are being hired for. However, a proven track record of success in sales leadership, relevant education and industry experience, as well as good management and communication skills are typically considered important qualifications for a fractional sales VP.

How to recruit a Fractional Sales VP?

A fractional sales VP is a great way to bring in experienced sales leadership on a part-time or project basis. By taking the time to clearly define the role, use a variety of recruitment methods, and assess the candidate’s skills, experience and cultural fit, you can help to ensure that you find the right person for the job.

Recruiting a fractional sales VP can be a little bit different than recruiting a full-time executive, as the role and needs of the company are different.

Effect Staffing can connect you with a Fractional Sales VP that will help your sales team improve their processes and profits. We specialize in making the recruiting process streamlined and simple.

Tips for recruiting a fractional sales VP:

Clearly define the role and responsibilities: Before you start the recruitment process, it’s important to clearly define the role and responsibilities of the fractional sales VP. This will help you to attract the right candidates and ensure that they have the necessary skills and experience.
Use a variety of recruitment methods: To find the right fractional sales VP, you should use a variety of recruitment methods, such as online job boards, professional networks, and headhunters. This will give you access to a wider pool of potential candidates.
Look for relevant experience and skills: A fractional sales VP should have a proven track record of success in sales, with several years of experience in sales leadership roles. They should also have a deep understanding of the sales process and be able to provide relevant insights and guidance to your company.
Assess their expertise in your industry: A fractional sales VP should have a good understanding of the industry you are working in, and be able to provide relevant insights and guidance. Therefore, it’s important to assess their expertise in your industry and if needed industry specific certifications or training.
Check references: Before hiring a fractional sales VP, it’s important to check references to get an idea of their previous work experience and their performance in similar roles.
Evaluate the cultural fit: A fractional Sales VP will be part of your company and will interact with your employees and clients, so evaluating the cultural fit is important. Schedule an in-person or virtual interview and get to know the candidate.
Consider the contracting details: Fractional Sales VPs usually work on a contract basis. So, make sure you have clear terms and conditions for the contract, including the length of the contract, compensation and working hours.
Work with a staffing company that specializes in matching the right fractional sales VP to your business needs and team environment.

How do they benefit the company they work for?

A fractional sales VP is typically an experienced professional who has a deep understanding of the sales process and can provide valuable guidance and support to the sales team. Their expertise can help a company to improve its sales performance, develop and implement effective sales strategies, and analyze sales data to make informed business decisions. Because a fractional sales VP works on a part-time or project basis, they can also be more flexible and adaptable than a full-time employee – which can be especially beneficial for companies that are undergoing change or facing a specific challenge, as a fractional sales VP can be brought in to help manage the transition and provide guidance as needed. Hiring a fractional sales VP is usually more cost-effective than hiring a full-time sales VP, especially for startups or small businesses that may not have the resources to support a full-time executive. An outside perspective can be valuable for a company, especially if it is struggling with sales or looking to expand into new markets. A fractional VP of sales can bring a fresh perspective, new ideas and strategies, as well as provide guidance on how to approach new challenges. A fractional sales VP can also act as a mentor to the current sales team, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. By providing training, guidance, and feedback, a fractional sales VP can help to improve the performance of the sales team, increase sales and revenue.

Overall, a fractional sales VP can be a valuable asset for a company, providing experienced sales leadership and guidance while being more cost-effective and flexible than a full-time employee. Effect Staffing specializes in making sure that their fractional sales VP’s have the ability to provide outstanding sales leadership and strategy to help bring companies to the next level.