Introduction
In today’s fast-evolving business environment, organizations are under constant pressure to deliver more, faster, and with fewer resources. Many companies realize that traditional approaches to project management and oversight can become rigid, expensive, or simply unsustainable as they scale. That’s where fractional PMO (Project Management Office) services come in.
The Beginnings of Project Management
Project management was officially recognized as a relevant business discipline in the 1950’s¹. Companies were expanding globally, franchises were being born, and mainframe computers were being developed. Companies needed project managers to track their growing project queues, and thus the first full-time project manager roles were born.
Over the next 70 years the business landscape would undergo constant change. International business and globalization, the dot-com boom, mobile phones and computers, social media, hybrid and remote work – all happening in less than a lifetime.
The Shift Toward Flexible Project Management Models
As new technologies emerged and business landscapes grew, so did the need for people to keep track of it all. Companies didn’t just need managers, they needed project managers – specialized people who could plan and keep track of the hundreds of projects streaming in.
In 2018 Project management came to a head, with the pandemic pushing companies to remote work while tightening corporate budgets. How would companies survive the transition and keep up with their growing, never ending project queue? Fractional project management. Since them, fractional work has tripled and demand for flexible project management models has steadily increased.
Unlike fully staffed internal PMOs that are complete with full-time directors, governance frameworks, and dedicated personnel—fractional PMOs offer a modular, on-demand alternative. You tap into senior-level project leadership, governance best practices, and process muscle only when and where you need it. The result? You get the benefits of a mature PMO without the fixed overhead, and you gain the flexibility to scale operations up or down in sync with business priorities.
In the fast-paced world of modern business, efficiency isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. At Execuwise Solutions, our Business Operations Consulting service is designed to eliminate the chaos of daily inefficiencies and bring clarity to your workflow. Whether your teams are drowning in emails, stuck in endless meetings, or struggling to meet targets, we come in to realign your processes with your business vision. Our consultants don’t just offer advice—we partner with you to build a streamlined, scalable, and sustainable path to operational excellence.
What is a Fractional PMO and PMOE?
A fractional PMO (Project Management Office), is an outsourced or part-time project management entity that centralizes, coordinates and oversees the management of projects and/or programs¹. Instead of hiring a full in-house project management team, companies can engage a fractional PMO provider to oversee processes, implement tools, and guide strategy.
These services are typically delivered by experienced consultants who plug into your organization as-needed—offering support ranging from project execution to governance to resource allocation. These consultants are sometimes referred to as a fractional PMOE (Project Management Office Executive).
Traditional PMO vs. Fractional PMO: Key Differences
While a traditional PMO is staffed internally and often comes with high fixed costs, a fractional PMO offers flexibility and scalability. Traditional PMOs are often more rigid and bureaucratic, whereas fractional PMOs tend to be agile, quick to onboard, and results-focused. They also tend to leverage modern project management tools and frameworks suited for remote and hybrid environments. For businesses looking to stay lean, a fractional PMO often delivers better ROI.
Top 7 Benefits of Hiring a Fractional PMO
- Cost Savings: Hiring a fractional project management office eliminates the overhead of full-time salaries, benefits, and training costs.
- Flexibility: Scale support up or down depending on your current project load.
- Expertise On-Demand: Gain access to seasoned PM professionals without a long-term commitment.
- Faster Onboarding: Fractional PMOs are used to jumping into ongoing projects and quickly adding value.
- Improved Efficiency: Standardize workflows and reduce project delays.
- Strategic Oversight: Ensure that your projects align with business goals.
- Tools & Technology: Get guidance on implementing or optimizing platforms like Asana, Jira, or Monday.com.
Who Should Consider a Fractional PMO?
A fractional PMO isn’t just for startups. It’s ideal for:
Small to mid-sized businesses with growing project demands
Enterprises undergoing transformation or digital modernization
Organizations with a distributed or hybrid workforce
Teams managing multiple vendors or cross-functional stakeholders
Founders and executives who need operational clarity but not full-time overhead
Kansas-based companies, especially in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and IT, are ideal candidates for fractional project management support.
Common Use Cases and Industries Using Fractional PMO Services
Industries from tech to healthcare are leveraging fractional project management offices. Common use cases include:
Digital transformation rollouts
M&A integrations
New product development
Marketing campaign execution
Compliance and regulatory tracking
Fractional PMOs ensure accountability and follow-through, especially when internal teams are stretched thin. In Kansas, we see a strong demand for fractional PMO services in sectors like healthcare (Kansas City), agriculture tech (Manhattan), advanced manufacturing (Wichita), and government contractors across the state.
How to Choose the Right Fractional PMO Provider
Look for a provider with:
Proven experience in your industry
Familiarity with agile and hybrid project methodologies
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
A toolkit of project management platforms they’re proficient in
At Execuwise Solutions, we offer customizable fractional PMOE consulting services tailored to your growth stage and operating model. If you’re based in Kansas, consider working with providers who understand the Midwestern work ethic, regional industries, and the pace of growth in your area.
Cost Comparison: Fractional vs. Full-Time PMO
Let’s talk numbers. A full-time PMO leader might cost $130,000–$180,000/year not including benefits. Add in tools, training, and team support, and you’re well past $250,000 annually.
A fractional PMO, on the other hand, offers comparable strategic impact at a fraction of that cost—often under $8,000/month depending on scope and support level. This cost-efficiency makes project management as a service a smart investment for ROI-driven teams.
FAQs About Fractional PMO and PMOE Models
Is a fractional PMO only for short-term projects?
Not at all. Many organizations engage fractional PMOs long-term for continuous oversight with a lighter footprint.
Can a fractional PMO integrate with our internal teams?
Absolutely. They often act as embedded resources that extend your current team without displacing anyone.
What if we only need help with one big initiative?
Fractional models are perfect for that. They’re designed to support exactly when and where you need them most.
Let’s Work Smarter, Together
Have a question? Want to schedule a consultation? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and let’s explore how Execuwise Solutions can support your business goals.