What is a fractional IT director and do I need one? Find out with with 3Kites
Introduction
The IT landscape is constantly changing, and navigating this landscape is a key requirement for businesses of every size to ensure they are managing systems and data, providing cybersecurity and implementing relevant digital transformation initiatives to maximise returns and minimise risks. Larger firms employ full time senior IT roles to ensure the business is making the most of its technology and innovating where appropriate. However, for many small to medium-sized firms, this senior role is an expensive, ongoing commitment that few will feel able to support.
Where a full time IT Director is not possible, 3Kites provides the option of a Fractional IT Director. This is an experienced IT professional that brings with them the market knowledge to fulfil the role of a trusted advisor who works with the firm on a frequency that meets its needs (firms normally request either two or four days a month). Depending on the firm’s needs, the Fractional IT Director may focus on working with the firm’s leadership team, such as attending board meetings to ensure technology is being considered where appropriate. However, it can also be a more hands on role, working with your IT team and its suppliers to direct and manage projects ranging from infrastructure (local and cloud) and laptops to applications such as the firm’s practice, case and document management.
Benefits of a Fractional IT Director
- Cost-Effective Solution:
Hiring a full-time IT director comes with substantial financial commitments, including a competitive salary, benefits, and potentially expensive recruitment fees. A fractional IT director offers a cost-effective, high value alternative.
- Flexibility:
Your requirements for IT Director services will vary depending on the projects you are undertaking – a Fractional IT Director role can flex as you need it, increasing when there is demand and reducing when not.
- Expertise and Experience:
Fractional IT directors will have years of experience from working with a range of companies, allowing them to leverage that knowledge (and that of the broader 3Kites team) in order to benefit your firm. As a Fractional IT Director will likely be working in more than one firm at a time, the cross learnings from the organisations can provide valuable insight.
- Confidence that IT is being considered:
Management teams can spend considerable time trying to understand what is required from IT, which is a distraction from its primary objective of running the firm. With a Fractional IT Director in place, the firm has the confidence that its IT needs are being considered and, where necessary and agreed, acted upon appropriately.
Conclusion
In a quickly changing business environment, strategic IT leadership is, at one and the same time, both a necessity and cost prohibitive for many small/medium firms. A Fractional IT Director offers the benefits and capabilities of a permanent role at a fraction of the cost, helping to level the playing field. As businesses continue to evolve, the need for IT leadership will only increase, making the Fractional IT Director a valuable resource for organisations looking to ensure their IT systems are inline with the firm’s expectations.
If you would like further information about 3Kites fractional IT director services, or any of the other 3Kites’ services, please contact us using the following details:
- Jon Howells 07917 367872 jon.howells@3kites.com
- https://www.3kites.com/contact-us
