When to Hire a Fractional Professional — And When Not To

Hiring a fractional professional—an expert who brings senior-level insight without the full-time commitment—can be a powerful move. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.


In the rapidly evolving world of MedTech and healthcare, executive teams are constantly balancing speed, strategy, and budget. At Factor 7 Medical, we partner with companies at all stages of growth to assess whether fractional support is the right fit. This guide outlines when it’s a smart strategy—and when it might not be.

When a Fractional Professional Makes Sense

  • You need senior-level expertise—immediately

    Fractional professionals can jump into mission-critical initiatives like product launches, market access planning, or payer negotiations without the ramp-up time of a new hire.

  • You need support without committing to a full-time role

    Maybe you only need leadership two days a week. Fractional support gives you flexibility and access to top-tier talent, minus the long-term financial commitment.

  • You want fresh perspective

    Fractional leaders bring outside objectivity. They can challenge status quo thinking, help course-correct, and bring clarity when teams are stuck.

  • You want to test before you invest

    Not ready to commit to a full-time hire? Fractional professionals allow you to validate needs and performance before making long-term decisions.

When a Fractional Professional Might Not Be Right

  • You need day-to-day tactical execution

    Fractional leaders operate at the strategic level. If your needs are administrative or operational, a different hire may be more cost-effective.

  • Your leadership team isn’t aligned

    When internal strategy is still evolving, fractional support may not get traction. Success requires clear goals and internal buy-in.

  • You expect them to solve everything solo

    Fractional leaders need a clear scope and internal sponsor. They’re high-impact—but not miracle workers.

The Bottom Line

Fractional leadership isn’t just a cost-saving tool—it’s a strategic lever. When deployed with the right scope and timing, it can accelerate business growth, sharpen execution, and drive real results.

At Factor 7 Medical, we match MedTech and HealthTech organizations with seasoned fractional professionals in areas such as:

  • Reimbursement and market access

  • Product strategy and launch execution

  • Commercial operations and scaling

Ready to explore your fractional needs? Reach out and talk with us.

 
 

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