become an associate

Join the VCMO Associate Network as a Fractional CMO

At VCMO, we're bringing together some of the most respected fractional marketing leaders — trusted by founders, CEOs, and investors to deliver clarity, commercial traction, and transformation. Are you ready to join our Associate network that’s redefining marketing leadership in the UK?

Marketing leadership from big brands...

raising standards

Why We Exist

"I founded VCMO to change how marketing is valued — shifting it from a tactical cost centre to a strategic growth engine. We’ve all sat at board tables where marketing was misunderstood, side-lined, or reduced to “making things look pretty.” That’s not leadership. This is your opportunity to reshape the future of marketing leadership — one engagement at a time."

Paul Mills - Founder, VCMO

established fractional leaders

Who We’re Looking For

VCMO Associates are more than senior marketers. They are embedded leaders — commercially credible, strategically sharp, and ready to deliver impact from day one.

Our clients expect clarity, performance, and presence. That’s why we look for people like Rachael Wheatley:

  • Strategic & Operational Depth - Proven experience leading marketing transformation, scaling functions, and navigating 'VUCA' environments (SaaS, LLPs, regulated sectors, etc.).
  • Portfolio & Infrastructure Readiness - Currently operating as a UK-registered, VAT-registered limited company with business banking, professional indemnity and liability cover in place.
  • Cyber & Compliance Standards - Meeting our IT security, secure communications, and data protection requirements.
  • Credentials That Signal Authority - Active Chartered Marketer status (CIM) and SOSTAC® Certified Planner accreditation — both non-negotiable.
  • Commitment to Our Network - Contributing to VCMO’s knowledge base, events, and standards. This is a peer group, not just a platform.

We care less about titles or employer logos. We care about your commercial impact and commitment to upholding the highest levels of client delivery.

chartered excellence

The VCMO Entry Standard

You’ll need to meet all of the following before applying:

Chartered Marketer (CIM) – Maintained through annual CPD.

SOSTAC® Certified Planner – Support available pre-onboarding.

10+ Years’ C-Level Experience – Trusted by boards, NEDs and investors.

Proven Commercial Impact – Measurable growth, alignment, or transformation.

✅ Multi-Disciplined – Exposure to the full marketing mix & sales background

Registered UK Company – VAT registered, insured, compliant.

We set a high bar not to exclude, but to protect the quality and reputation of our brand. We welcome only marketers committed to building a successful portfolio career — not those who are ‘in-between roles’.

VCMO vs Going Solo: Which Path Sets You Up for Success?

This isn’t gig work for freelancers. If you want that, join Fiverr or Upwork.

VCMO is where seasoned marketers step up to lead with clarity and conviction — united by a shared mission: To raise the standard of marketing leadership inside UK businesses.

Factor Going Solo Joining VCMO
Credibility from Day One Build reputation client-by-client; credibility rests solely on your own network and brand-building. Operate under a premium, Chartered-only brand recognised by CEOs and investors as a trusted leadership signal.
Inbound Opportunities Self-generate all leads through personal marketing, referrals, and outreach. Receive vetted, investor-backed and scaling business introductions through the VCMO network.
Peer Network & Support Work independently with limited access to peers operating at your level. Access to a curated group of senior fractional CMOs to share insights, frameworks, and problem-solve in real time.
Proven Frameworks & IP Create or source your own frameworks — potentially through trial and error. Immediate access to SOSTAC®-based playbooks, proprietary AI tools, and tested methodologies.
Thought Leadership Platform Must build and promote your own thought leadership platform from scratch. Opportunities to co-create podcasts, research, events, and content under a recognised brand.
Brand Trust with Investors Need to earn trust individually with each investor or board engagement. Leverage a brand known for board-level strategic rigour and commercial results.
Operational Ease Build and maintain all systems, contracts, and materials independently. Benefit from VCMO processes, templates, and brand assets to streamline delivery and onboarding.
Independence Full autonomy, but all client acquisition, brand building, and delivery rests with you. No exclusivity clauses — retain your own clients alongside VCMO engagements.
Management Fee 0% if sourcing own work, or up to 40% if going with other Fractional networks. 10% — for sourcing clients, manging invoicing, access to VCMO IP and tools.
Access to Secure IT, Email & Helpdesk Source your own IT solutions. £25 / month through our preferred IT Solutions provider (payable once first client is assigned)
free Download

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Fractional CMO

Thinking about moving into a portfolio career? Our Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Fractional CMO shows what it really takes. Many marketers find the shift from salaried C-suite to self-employed business ownership challenging. Success demands a new mindset, sharper organisation, and the ability to both hunt and farm your own opportunities.

This guide offers a warts-and-all look at the highs — and some of the lows — of building a fractional career. Plus, we've included useful links to resources that will help you get on the road to fractional success.

(No contact details required)

recommended course

The Fractional Formula

Offered by No-Nonsense Leadership, this 10-week sprint helps marketers transition from in-house roles to thriving fractional leaders.

  • Build your positioning, offers, and outreach rhythm
  • Install scalable systems for client acquisition and delivery
  • Gain clarity, consistency, and control for your portfolio career

The course is led by Dan Gwalter, who was our special guest in season 1 of the Fractional Futures podcast.

get your score

Are You Ready to Join VCMO?

Take our short survey to assess your fit and readiness to join as a VCMO Associate.

This is a quick, confidential check to determine if you meet the practical, strategic, and professional standards required to represent the VCMO brand. It takes just 4-minutes and includes:

  • 36 Yes/No questions
  • 7 core capability areas
  • Instant feedback on your readiness level with a personalised report

No fluff, no form-filling — just clarity.

FAQ’s

We onboard Associates quarterly. Complete the readiness assessment to begin the process.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Fractional Edge is our montly newsletter sharing expert opinion on the latest trends in fractional leadership, curated marketing content from leading sources, VCMO events, and much more. Subscribing is quick — just add your name and email.