Source: https://wernerstrauch.com/en/head-of-ecommerce Language: en > Fractional Head of E-Commerce: Senior e-commerce leadership on a part-time basis. Ongoing. Flexible. With a network of specialists when you need it. For SMBs, mid-market, and D2C brands. # Your Head of E-Commerce – Flexible & Ongoing Senior e-commerce leadership on a part-time basis. Committed. Adaptable. With real ownership – and access to my network of specialists when you need it. [Book a Discovery Call](https://wernerstrauch.com/en/contact)[How It Works](https://wernerstrauch.com/en/head-of-ecommerce#model) ![Fractional Head of E-Commerce - Remote Collaboration](https://wernerstrauch.com/_astro/head-of-ecommerce-hero-alt.PngXKBMw_BI6cq.webp) ## E-Commerce Needs Leadership Many companies have an online store – but no one truly owns it. The result? Untapped potential and missed opportunities. ### What We See - No dedicated e-commerce leader on the team - Full-time executive hire is out of budget - E-commerce runs on autopilot as a side project - Growth potential left on the table - Agencies operating without strategic direction ### With a Fractional Head of E-Commerce - Senior e-commerce leadership on demand - Predictable monthly investment - Clear ownership and accountability - Systematic, sustainable growth - Agencies aligned and strategically managed ## What I Own as Your Head of E-Commerce I take strategic and operational responsibility for your e-commerce business – everything that comes with it. ### Strategy & Roadmap I develop and maintain your e-commerce strategy, prioritize initiatives, and make sure everyone's rowing in the same direction. - Set quarterly objectives - Prioritize the roadmap - Competitive analysis - Market intelligence ### KPI Tracking & Reporting I monitor the metrics that matter and deliver regular reports – with clear, actionable recommendations. - Dashboard setup - Monthly reporting - Trend analysis ### Vendor Management I manage your agencies and service providers, ensure quality, and keep costs under control. - Agency oversight - Contract negotiation - Quality assurance ### Team Leadership If you have an internal team, I lead it – setting goals, providing feedback, and developing your people. - Goal setting - Performance reviews - Hiring support ### Technology Decisions Platform, tools, integrations – I make informed decisions and see them through implementation. - Tool evaluation - System architecture - Build vs. buy - Vendor selection ### Network on Demand When needed, I bring in my network of vetted specialists – from SEO to performance marketing to development. - Pre-vetted partners - Fast availability - Coordination included ![Network Visualization - Fractional Head of E-Commerce](https://wernerstrauch.com/_astro/head-of-ecommerce-netzwerk.B9qpw_Tm_ynlMy.webp) ## What Does Fractional Mean? A fractional executive is a senior leader who works with multiple companies at once – each on a part-time basis, but with full commitment. Unlike an interim manager who bridges a gap until you find a replacement, I serve as your ongoing, external Head of E-Commerce. I'm not looking for my successor – I am the solution. The fractional model is well established in the US, where Fractional CFOs, CMOs, and COOs are standard for mid-market companies and scale-ups. The advantage is clear: you get access to senior expertise that would cost $150-250K annually as a full-time hire – at a fraction of that investment. - **Flexible Commitment.** 8-20 hours per week, based on your needs. Remote-first with regular on-site visits. - **Ongoing Partnership.** No project end date. I'm here as long as you need me. - **Monthly Retainer.** Predictable costs instead of day-rate surprises. Transparent terms. [Let's Talk About the Model](https://wernerstrauch.com/en/contact) ## Fractional Head of E-Commerce by the Numbers 8–20 ### Hours/Week flexible based on needs from 5,000 ### Monthly Retainer predictable investment 20+ ### Years Experience in e-commerce & digital ∞ ### Duration ongoing partnership ![E-Commerce Strategy Meeting](https://wernerstrauch.com/_astro/head-of-ecommerce-strategie.BntQTrtr_Zy6oFH.webp) ## Fractional vs. Interim vs. Consultant Three models, three different use cases. Here's how they stack up: - **Fractional Head of E-Commerce.** Ongoing external e-commerce leader on a part-time basis (8-20h/week). Open-ended engagement, monthly retainer. - **Interim Manager.** Bridges a vacancy or manages a crisis. Fixed term (3-12 months), often full-time, daily rate. - **Consultant / Advisor.** Analyzes, recommends, advises – but without operational accountability. Project-based or hourly. **When Fractional?** When you need ongoing e-commerce leadership but don't want to fill a full-time position. Ideal for SMBs and scale-ups. **When Interim?** When a leadership role is suddenly vacant or you're managing a crisis. I also offer [Interim Management](https://wernerstrauch.com/en/interim-management). **When Consulting?** When you need targeted expertise but will handle execution yourself. See [E-Commerce Consulting](https://wernerstrauch.com/en/ecommerce-consulting) or [Sparring](https://wernerstrauch.com/en/ecommerce-sparring). ## How We Get Started From first conversation to ongoing partnership – transparent and structured. Schritt 01 ### Discovery Call & Fit Check We get to know each other, discuss your situation, and determine if the fractional model is right for you. 30-minute video call Understand your needs Assess mutual fit Schritt 01 ### Discovery Call & Fit Check We get to know each other, discuss your situation, and determine if the fractional model is right for you. 30-minute video call Understand your needs Assess mutual fit Schritt 02 ### Deep Dive & Onboarding I immerse myself in your e-commerce business – store, metrics, processes, team, vendors. Timeline: 2-4 weeks. Full business deep dive Meet key stakeholders Identify quick wins Schritt 02 ### Deep Dive & Onboarding I immerse myself in your e-commerce business – store, metrics, processes, team, vendors. Timeline: 2-4 weeks. Full business deep dive Meet key stakeholders Identify quick wins Schritt 03 ### Ongoing Partnership I take ownership. Weekly check-ins, monthly reviews, clear communication throughout. Weekly status calls Monthly reporting Direct line via Slack/Teams Schritt 03 ### Ongoing Partnership I take ownership. Weekly check-ins, monthly reviews, clear communication throughout. Weekly status calls Monthly reporting Direct line via Slack/Teams Schritt 04 ### Regular Reviews Every quarter we assess: Is the commitment level right? Do we need more or less? Fully adjustable. Quarterly reviews Scope adjustments No lock-in period Schritt 04 ### Regular Reviews Every quarter we assess: Is the commitment level right? Do we need more or less? Fully adjustable. Quarterly reviews Scope adjustments No lock-in period > A Head of E-Commerce doesn't have to be on your payroll to genuinely care about your business. I treat every company I work with as if it were my own. Werner Strauch — Fractional Head of E-Commerce ## What Is a Fractional Head of E-Commerce? ### The Concept Explained A Fractional Head of E-Commerce is an experienced e-commerce leader who works for your company on a part-time basis. Unlike a full-time employee, they divide their time across multiple companies – hence the term "fractional." This model is well established in the United States, where Fractional CFOs, CMOs, and COOs are standard practice for mid-market companies and scale-ups. The benefit is straightforward: you gain access to senior expertise that would cost $150,000 to $250,000 annually as a full-time position – at a fraction of that cost. ### Who Is This Model For? **SMBs with an online store:** You have a store, but no dedicated e-commerce leader. It runs on the side, potential goes unrealized. A Fractional Head of E-Commerce brings focus and structure. **Mid-market companies ($2-10M revenue):** You need e-commerce leadership, but a full-time hire doesn't pencil out or you can't find the right person. The fractional approach gives you senior expertise without the financial risk. **D2C brands and scale-ups:** You're growing fast and need experienced leadership, but don't want long-term commitments. A Fractional Head of E-Commerce scales with you. ### How Is This Different from an Agency? An agency delivers services: campaigns, designs, development. But they don't own your e-commerce business as a whole. They execute what you brief them on. As your Fractional Head of E-Commerce, I'm part of your leadership team. I think strategically, prioritize, make decisions, and own outcomes. I manage your agencies when needed – but from your company's perspective, not as an outside vendor. ## Questions About the Fractional Model Still have questions? [Reach out directly](https://wernerstrauch.com/en/contact). 01 ### How many hours per week do you work for me? That depends on your needs. Typically 8-20 hours per week. We define the right commitment level together – and adjust it quarterly as needed. 02 ### What does a Fractional Head of E-Commerce cost? The monthly retainer starts at €5,000 and scales with the agreed time commitment. Compared to a full-time position (€80-150K salary plus benefits), it's a predictable investment with clear ROI. 03 ### How does communication work? I'm directly reachable via Slack or Teams. Plus weekly status calls and monthly reviews. You have a direct line to me – no ticketing systems or account managers in between. 04 ### Do you work with my competitors? No. I strictly maintain category exclusivity within a niche. When I work with you, I won't take on a direct competitor. 05 ### What's the difference from interim management? Interim management bridges a vacancy – with the goal of finding a permanent replacement. As your Fractional Head of E-Commerce, I'm your ongoing external e-commerce leader. There's no end date, no successor search. 06 ### Can you get hands-on when needed? Absolutely. I'm not just a strategist. When needed, I roll up my sleeves – whether it's campaign setup, store configuration, or vendor negotiations. Hands-on is part of the job. 07 ### What do you mean by 'your network'? Over the years, I've built a network of vetted specialists: SEO experts, performance marketers, developers, UX designers. When needed, I bring them in – coordinated and quality-assured by me. 08 ### How quickly can we get started? After the discovery call and proposal phase, onboarding takes 2-4 weeks. During that time, I dive deep into your business. Then I take over ongoing responsibility. ## E-Commerce Leadership – Flexible & Ongoing? Let's have a quick conversation to see if the fractional model is right for your situation. No commitment, completely confidential. [Book a Discovery Call](https://wernerstrauch.com/en/contact) Prefer to write first? [contact@wernerstrauch.com](mailto:contact@wernerstrauch.com)