Your Fractional Head of Talent
When full-time doesn't fit, I step in
Your Fractional Head of Talent
When full-time doesn't fit, I step in
Marianne West, Founder
About Me
I'm a strategic talent acquisition and organisational development leader with extensive experience driving transformational change across private equity-backed technology companies.
With an MSc in Organisational Psychology, I bring an evidence-based approach that delivers measurable results. I've successfully led large-scale talent operations, managed over 1,200 hires annually, and delivered executive appointments during major organisational restructures.
My expertise encompasses strategic talent management, data-driven decision making, change leadership, and diversity & inclusion initiatives, underpinned by proven commercial acumen in orchestrating complex workforce transitions across diverse sectors.
When You Might Need Me
You're Scaling Fast
Rapid growth brings talent challenges. You need someone who can build scalable hiring processes, design org structures, and create talent strategies that keep pace with your ambitions.
Post-Investment or Acquisition
PE backing or M&A activity creates unique talent pressures. I help integrate teams, align cultures, and build leadership capability to deliver on growth targets.
Leadership Transitions
Whether you're replacing key executives or building new leadership layers, I provide interim support and strategic guidance to maintain momentum during critical transitions.
Your People Strategy Needs Evolution
Market changes, new business models, or shifting priorities require fresh thinking. I help reimagine your talent approach to match your strategic direction.
You're Between People Leaders
Don't let talent initiatives stall while searching for your next permanent hire. I provide continuity and expertise to keep momentum going.
You Need Senior Expertise, Not Full-Time Commitment
Early-stage companies and growing businesses often need C-suite level talent thinking without the full-time cost. I deliver strategic capability on your terms.
Crisis or Urgent Challenge
Sometimes talent issues can't wait. Whether it's a hiring surge, restructure, or retention crisis, I provide rapid deployment to address urgent needs.
You Want an External Perspective
Sometimes being inside the business limits your view. I bring fresh eyes, benchmark insights, and proven practices from across sectors to challenge and enhance your thinking.
What I Do
Building talent strategy from scratch or evolution
Building talent strategy from scratch or evolution
Building talent strategy from scratch or evolution
From startup to scale-up, I help you create talent strategies that grow with your business ambitions
Hiring process design and team enablement
Building talent strategy from scratch or evolution
Building talent strategy from scratch or evolution
Transform your hiring from reactive to strategic with processes that attract top talent and deliver results
Advisory on org design, DEI and employer brand
Partnering with founders, execs, and people teams
Partnering with founders, execs, and people teams
Shape your organisation for success with the right culture, structure and brand that people want to join
Partnering with founders, execs, and people teams
Partnering with founders, execs, and people teams
Partnering with founders, execs, and people teams
Work alongside your leadership to make talent your competitive advantage
How I work
Flexible. Focused. Fractional.
You get senior expertise without the full-time commitment. I work at the level of support that suits your business, providing leadership-level partnership, talent insights and hands-on delivery.
Strategic Advisory
Monthly strategic input and guidance on talent challenges
Embedded Partnership
Regular ongoing support with defined deliverables and roadmap development
Transformation Projects
Intensive engagement for specific outcomes whether that's building hiring processes, org design or talent strategy development.
Crisis Response
Quick deployment for urgent talent challenges or interim leadership
My Approach To Working
Listen First, Solutions second
Listen First, Solutions second
Listen First, Solutions second
Every engagement begins with deep listening. I take time to understand your business, culture and challenges before proposing solutions. All solutions are bespoke to your business
Embed, don't impose
Listen First, Solutions second
Listen First, Solutions second
I work within your existing structures and culture, enhancing what works and thoughtfully evolving what doesn't. I become an extension of your team, not an external consultant telling you what to do.
Data-driven, People-focused
Data-driven, People-focused
Data-driven, People-focused
I combine analytical rigour with human insight. Numbers tell the story, but people live it. My approach balances metrics with empathy to create sustainable change.
Pragmatic Innovation
Data-driven, People-focused
Data-driven, People-focused
I love exploring cutting-edge talent practices, but only implement what makes commercial sense for your business.
My Values
Evidence-based decisions making
As a trained psychologist, I believe in making decisions based on solid data and research, not gut feelings. Every strategy I develop is grounded in evidence that drives real results
Equity & Inclusion
I'm passionate about creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. My track record of reducing gender pay gaps by over 10% demonstrates my commitment to building truly inclusive organisations
Authentic relationships
Trust is earned through genuine partnership. I build lasting relationships with clients and candidates alike, becoming the trusted advisor you can rely on for honest, strategic counsel.
Practical Impact
I focus on solutions that work in the real world. Every initiative I lead delivers measurable outcomes that advance both people and business objectives
Clarity of Purpose
Everything I do is grounded in clarity of purpose. I help you define what success looks like, then build the talent strategies to achieve it
Investment & Engagement
Flexible pricing to match your needs
Every business situation is unique. My pricing reflects the level of
support, engagement duration and specific outcomes you need.
Whether it's monthly strategic advisory or intensive transformation
projects, we'll find an approach that delivers exceptional values for
your investm