Join the VCMO Associate Network as a Fractional CMO

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

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:

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• 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.

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

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✅ 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.

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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’.

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.

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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.

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(No contact details required)

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

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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:

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• 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.