Fractional HR jobs give human resources professionals a flexible path to self-employment, and more and more companies are looking for a fractional HR leader.
“The rise of fractional HR is largely driven by the increasing demand for specialized expertise that can be scaled up or down as required,” reports career leadership coach Alexandra Lamb. “Start-ups and scale-ups, in particular, often experience rapid growth spurts and need HR support that can evolve alongside their business. SMEs may also face similar challenges, where the demands on HR fluctuate depending on the phase of the business. Fractional HR provides these companies with the flexibility to adjust to changing needs without overcommitting financially.”
Fractional HR work can be a powerful stepping stone for those currently working full-time but dreaming of entrepreneurship, but finding fractional HR jobs and navigating fractional HR job boards isn’t always straightforward.
What are fractional HR jobs?
Fractional HR jobs involve providing human resources services to companies on a part-time or per-project basis. Unlike traditional HR roles, fractional positions allow professionals to contribute to an organization’s strategic goals without the full-time commitment. These roles are ideal for HR specialists looking to gain flexibility, work with multiple clients, and build a diverse portfolio of experiences.
Fractional HR roles span a variety of specialties, including talent acquisition, compliance consulting, employee relations, and training and development. They allow professionals to focus on niche areas of HR, delivering targeted support to businesses while enhancing their own expertise in specific domains.
“Human resources encompasses 26 different specialties from payroll to leadership development,” explains Carol Fraser, a fractional chief human resources officer (CHRO) with years of experience in this role. “As a fractional CHRO, I’m expected to have some level of understanding and experience in all of these specialties so I can hit the ground running in organizations of any size.”
One of the main advantages of fractional HR work is its ability to act as a bridge to self-employment. By taking on fractional roles, HR professionals can gain practical consulting experience, expand their network, and test the viability of working independently—all while maintaining financial stability. This approach also affords the chance to specialize in niche areas of HR, such as talent acquisition, employee relations, or benefits management, giving professionals more control over their career paths.
For those considering a shift toward self-employment, fractional work provides a lower-risk opportunity to transition gradually, allowing professionals to build their consulting business alongside existing commitments.
Top platforms for finding fractional HR jobs in 2025
The right platform can significantly boost your chances of connecting with companies seeking fractional HR professionals. Leverage a mix of job boards, freelance marketplaces, and networking tools to maximize your visibility, access a broader range of opportunities, and take concrete steps toward building a successful freelance career.
Fractional People People
Fractional People People is a specialized platform designed exclusively for HR professionals seeking fractional roles. The site connects talent with companies needing part-time or project-based HR support. It features curated job listings, making it easier to find roles that match your specific skill set and career objectives. The platform’s focus on human resources ensures you won’t have to sift through irrelevant job postings, allowing you to maximize your job search efficiency.
It has been around since the early aughts, but LinkedIn remains a powerful tool for finding fractional HR jobs and building your professional network. Many companies post project-based and part-time HR roles on LinkedIn’s job board, often under terms like “fractional,” “consultant,” or “part-time.” To optimize your profile for fractional opportunities:
- Highlight relevant skills and experiences in HR
- Use keywords such as “fractional HR consultant” in your headline and summary
- Join HR-specific groups and engage with industry content to increase your visibility
FlexJobs
FlexJobs lists vetted opportunities for fractional, part-time, and remote HR roles. The platform emphasizes quality and legitimacy, ensuring all job postings are free from scams. FlexJobs also includes resources like resume reviews and career coaching, which empowers professionals to present themselves more effectively to potential clients. With roles available in diverse HR functions, FlexJobs serves as an excellent resource for building a stable pipeline of opportunities.
The Mom Project
If you fit its key demographic, The Mom Project is a niche yet highly focused job board for finding fractional HR careers. It specializes in connecting women, particularly mothers re-entering the workforce, with flexible and fractional job opportunities. The platform features a variety of HR roles, making it a great resource for professionals looking for part-time or project-based work that aligns with their lifestyle. With a strong focus on work-life balance, The Mom Project supports HR professionals transitioning into fractional work.
Upwork
Upwork is a well-established freelance marketplace where HR professionals can find fractional work. Setting up a strong profile with a clear specialization in HR services, such as recruiting, employee relations, or training and development, can help attract relevant job postings. Upwork’s search filters also allow you to find projects specifically labeled as part-time or project-based, allowing you to focus on fractional opportunities.
After the job: next steps in becoming a fractional HR leader
Finding a fractional HR job is just the start. As you move into this next chapter of your work life, you need to think about your career success — namely business structures, taxes, benefits like a 401K and healthcare, and overall support. While you might be an HR professional, you also need your own HR team as a solo entrepreneur. But as a team of one, you’ll need to take charge of that yourself. Thankfully, with the right services, tools, and planning, you can forge ahead and build a successful HR career as a consultant or fractional employee.
1. Business structure & legal considerations
Choosing the right structure (such as an LLC or an S-Corp) impacts your taxes, liability, and flexibility. LLCs offer liability protection, while S-Corps can provide tax advantages through distributions. The right choice for you depends on your goals.
2. Taxes & financial planning
It’s not just about selling your HR services: fractional HR professionals must handle self-employment taxes, estimated tax payments, and deductions strategically. Tax-efficient strategies like retirement contributions (Solo 401K) can maximize savings.
3. Benefits and insurance
Without employer-sponsored benefits, fractional HR professionals must secure health insurance, disability coverage, and retirement plans independently. Group plans, HSAs, and professional associations can help lower costs. Consider platforms like Besolo to get access to benefit providers and tailored solutions for independent HR professionals.
4. Client acquisition and business growth
Fractional professionals need consistent client pipelines, strong contracts, and pricing strategies to scale their businesses. Networking, referrals, and platforms like those mentioned above help secure quality engagements and simplify client matching. As for contract management and invoicing, options like Besolo help to keep your business running smoothly.
Taking the next step toward a fractional HR career
Pursuing fractional HR jobs offers a flexible and rewarding path toward self-employment. By connecting with the right platforms, building a strong professional network, and continuously developing your skills, you can create a sustainable freelance career that aligns with your expertise and goals.
Besolo equips fractional HR professionals with tools and resources to simplify business management. From corporate governance to personalized admin workflows, Besolo streamlines the complexities of freelancing as a CHRO, recruiter, employment specialist, or any other HR role. Join Besolo today and begin your journey toward a more independent and fulfilling professional life.
