Skip to main content
— Retained · Fractional CTO / Head of Operations

Senior operational thinking. Without the full-time cost.

Monthly strategic and operational leadership for businesses that need the thinking without a full-time hire. Roadmap ownership. Vendor management. Ongoing.

Fixed days
Agreed at the start
3 months
Minimum engagement
30 days
Notice after minimum
— When it fits

Four situations where Retained makes sense

Not every business needs a full-time ops director. But every business needs the thinking.

Post-audit implementation

The audit found the issues. Now you need someone to drive the fixes. Retained gives you the hands-on delivery without a full-time hire.

ERP or technology transition

You're implementing new software. You need someone who understands the sector, the vendors, and your business — and can hold everyone accountable.

Scaling without chaos

Revenue is growing but the systems aren't keeping up. You need operational infrastructure built around how your business actually works.

Covering a gap

Your ops director has left, or you've never had one. You need senior operational thinking without the £80k+ salary commitment.

— What's included

What Retained actually looks like

A defined number of days per month — agreed in advance
Attendance at leadership and operations meetings
Ownership of specific projects or workstreams
Vendor management and technology procurement oversight
Technology roadmap ownership
Team coaching and process documentation
A direct line to Craig — not a team of junior consultants
How it's structured
Fixed days per month. Agreed at the start of the engagement. Minimum 3 months.
Days are used flexibly across meetings, project work, vendor oversight, and team support — based on what your business needs that month.
No lock-in after minimum
30 days notice either side after the 3-month minimum. No penalties. No conditions.
— Get started

Let's talk about what you need

Retained engagements are structured around your specific situation. The first call is free and takes 60 minutes.