Fractional CSO vs Full-Time CSO
What's the right sustainability leadership model for your Australian business?
With ASRS climate disclosure requirements approaching and ESG expectations rising, many mid-market companies ask: should we hire a full-time CSO or engage a Fractional CSO?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Consideration | Fractional CSO | Full-Time CSO |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $96,000 - $180,000 | $250,000 - $400,000+ |
| Time to Start | Days | 3-6 months |
| Experience Level | Cross-industry, multiple clients | Single organisation focus |
| Flexibility | Scale up/down as needed | Fixed commitment |
| Recruitment Cost | None | $50,000 - $100,000+ |
| Risk if Wrong Fit | Low, monthly engagement | High, long-term commitment |
| Board-Level Access | Yes | Yes |
| Capability Building | Core focus | Varies by individual |
| Hours Per Week | 4-12 hours typical | 40+ hours |
| ASRS Compliance | Yes, core expertise | Depends on experience |
- You need senior sustainability leadership but not 40+ hours per week
- You're facing ASRS compliance deadlines and need to move fast
- You want to test whether CSO-level support is right for your business
- You need cross-industry experience and fresh perspectives
- You want predictable monthly costs rather than large salary commitments
- You're building internal capability for long-term self-sufficiency
- You need 40+ hours per week of dedicated sustainability leadership
- You have a mature ESG program requiring constant management
- You need someone to directly manage a sustainability team
- You have budget for $250,000+ annual investment plus recruitment
- You want complete organisational immersion and culture integration
- Your industry requires continuous, intensive sustainability oversight
The Smart Transition Path
Most mid-market companies follow this evolution as their ESG program matures
Fractional CSO (6-18 months)
Establish strategy, governance, ASRS readiness, and internal capability
Hire Sustainability Manager
Execute programs with Fractional CSO providing oversight and coaching
Lighter-Touch Fractional Support
Quarterly board updates, strategic guidance, ASRS assurance support
Full-Time CSO (Optional)
If/when your program requires 40+ hours of leadership per week
The Cost Reality
$96k - $180k/year
($8k-$15k/month retainer)
- No recruitment costs
- Start immediately
- Scale up or down monthly
- Low risk if needs change
$350k+ year one
($250k salary + recruitment + benefits)
- $50-100k recruitment costs
- 3-6 months to hire
- Fixed long-term commitment
- High risk if wrong fit
Not Sure Which Option Is Right?
Book a free 30-minute strategy session. We'll help you understand whether Fractional CSO support, a full-time hire, or a hybrid approach makes sense for your business.