Working with a Part Time Executive: What It Means for New Managers

You’re just getting comfortable in your new management role. You’re finding your rhythm, building your team, and juggling competing priorities. Then someone announces, “The part time COO starts next week.”

Your first thought? Who are they, and what does this mean for me?

Welcome to a growing trend in business: part time executive leadership. It’s changing how organisations access expertise, and how emerging leaders like you work within evolving leadership structures.

This article will help you understand what this model is, how it affects your role, and how you can make the most of it right away.

Why Is There a Part Time Exec in My Business?

You might be wondering why a senior leader is joining the team only a few days a month. It’s usually a practical decision.

Rather than hiring a full time executive, businesses sometimes bring in experienced leaders part time to guide specific projects, support a period of change, or fill a short term gap. They might hold titles like COO, CFO, or CHRO, but they’re not there to take over your job or run the daily operations.

Their role is to provide high level input where it matters most, without adding a permanent salary to the books.

Why Are Businesses Using Them?

Because it’s flexible and cost-effective.

Hiring a senior leader part time allows organisations to:

• Access experience without the full time salary
• Solve short term or project based problems
• Guide change while maintaining existing team structures

This model is especially common in growing businesses, remote teams, or during transformation periods.

What This Means for You

At first, it can feel like a curveball. You’re learning how to lead, and now there’s a new senior leader in the mix. But it’s not something to fear.

In fact, you’ll likely have more autonomy, not less. You’ll be expected to:

• Manage your team with minimal hand-holding
• Keep communication clear and timely
• Bring relevant issues to their attention, not every detail

This is a great opportunity to step up and show your leadership potential.

How to Work with a Part Time Executive

Here’s what helps:

Be organised
Prepare updates in advance. Share summaries, key risks, and decisions that need input.

Use async communication
If meetings are limited, use tools like shared docs or video updates to keep them in the loop.

Explain their role to your team
Make sure your team understands what the part time executive is responsible for, and what they’re not. This avoids confusion and reassures people that your role hasn’t changed.

Learn from Them

Part time executives often have years of experience. Use that. Ask for their perspective on a challenge you’re facing or how they’ve made tough decisions in the past.

You don’t need a formal mentoring relationship. A few well timed questions can open the door to valuable insights, and possibly an advocate for your future career.

Watch Out for These Common Pitfalls

Waiting for direction
They won’t be across everything. You’ll need to take more ownership, not less.

Sharing too much or too little
Focus on the right level of detail. Be clear, not overwhelming.

Holding back decisions
Don’t wait for their availability to make every call. Offer solutions alongside problems to keep things moving.

Lead Through the Change

Your team might wonder what this new leader means for them. Be clear and calm:

• Explain why they’re here (e.g., supporting growth or leading a project)
• Reassure them it’s not about replacing people or reviewing roles
• Encourage them to share insights you can pass along

When people feel informed and included, they’re more likely to support the change.

Practical Tips to Make It Work

• Set up a shared priorities dashboard
• Create a fortnightly briefing email with key updates
• Clarify who does what so there’s no overlap or confusion
• Invite the executive into project tools where they can view or comment, without disrupting workflows

A little structure goes a long way in making collaboration smoother.

Working with a part time executive can fast track your leadership development. It challenges you to communicate better, think more strategically, and step into a bigger role.

Embrace the opportunity. Ask questions. Stay proactive. The impact can be long-lasting, even if their presence is only part time.