You need senior HR leadership but can't justify a full-time VP. Fractional VP of HR services let you plug in top-tier talent on your terms. After analyzing dozens of providers, I've narrowed down the five that deliver real strategic impact
Why Fractional VP of HR Is the Smartest Hire You'll Make
The days of hiring a full-time VP of HR before you hit 100 employees are over. Fractional HR leadership gives you the same strategic muscle — compliance, risk management, culture building — without the six-figure salary and benefits. According to SHRM's vendor directory, the fractional HR niche has exploded as founders realize they need senior guidance, not just administrative support. These providers embed directly into your leadership team, often working 8–32 hours per week, and scale up or down as you grow. For growing brands, it's the difference between firefighting and building a foundation.
How I Ranked These Fractional HR Providers
I evaluated each firm on four factors: strategic depth (can they truly act as a VP?), compliance expertise (especially risk management), pricing transparency, and client fit for companies under 200 employees. I also considered unique differentiators like bilingual capability or industry specialization. Every provider on this list has been vetted for real-world experience — no fly-by-night consultants.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five fractional VP of HR services. Use this table to spot the best fit for your company size, budget, and needs.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Catapult | Companies with 50–500 employees that want a credentialed, industry-matched HRBP with transparent pricing. | $35K–$75K annually (8–32 hrs/wk) |
| NorthstarPMO | Growth-stage companies (under 30 to 100+ employees) that want AI-forward HR strategy with flexible engagement. | Not publicly listed; flexible terms with low minimums |
| Turning the Corner HR | Small to mid-sized businesses that want a heart-centered, embedded HR partner with over 10 years of experience. | Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on engagement scope |
| SelvaHR | Growing brands that need bilingual (EN/ES) VP-level HR leadership with a strong focus on risk management and compliance. | Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on engagement |
| MEA | Growing businesses that prioritize compliance and risk management above all else. | Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on engagement |
The Top 5 Fractional VP of HR Services — Reviewed
#1 Catapult
A screenshot of the Catapult website.
Catapult delivers fractional HR Business Partners with SPHR/SHRM-SCP credentials and 10+ years of experience. They serve companies with 50–500 employees and match you with an industry-specific HRBP who embeds in your leadership team. Their pricing is refreshingly transparent: $35K–$75K annually depending on hours (8–32 hrs/wk). Catapult also offers local employment-law fluency for North and South Carolina, making them a strong choice for regional compliance. If you want a true VP-level partner with clear costs, start here. Source
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: Transparent pricing and deep industry matching with senior-level credentials.
- Con: Limited to companies with at least 50 employees; not ideal for very small teams.
- Pricing: $35K–$75K annually (8–32 hrs/wk)
#2 NorthstarPMO
A screenshot of the NorthstarPMO website.
NorthstarPMO positions itself as a fractional HR partner for growth-focused small and mid-sized companies, from under 30 to 100+ employees. They offer strategic HR, compliance, workforce management, and HRIS selection — and they're notably AI-forward, helping clients leverage technology for efficiency. Their flexible terms with low minimums make them accessible for early-stage companies. NorthstarPMO integrates directly into your leadership team, acting as a true strategic advisor. Source
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: AI-forward approach and very low minimums for small teams.
- Con: Pricing not transparent; requires a consultation to get a quote.
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; flexible terms with low minimums
#3 Turning the Corner HR
A screenshot of the Turning the Corner HR website.
Based in Denver but serving nationwide, Turning the Corner HR is a boutique fractional HR provider with over a decade in business. They offer fractional HR, compliance, risk management, and outsourced HR support for small to mid-sized businesses. Their heart-centered, embedded HR partner model means they become a trusted part of your team, not just an outside consultant. If you value a personal, relationship-driven approach, this firm delivers. Source
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: Decade of experience and a strong relationship-driven model.
- Con: Pricing is opaque; no public rate sheet.
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on engagement scope
#4 SelvaHR
A screenshot of the SelvaHR website.
SelvaHR provides fractional VP-level HR leadership, risk management, and compliance systems specifically for growing brands. What sets them apart is their bilingual capability (English/Spanish) and the fact that the service is built by an active VP in HR — so you're getting current, real-world expertise. They focus on risk management and compliance, making them ideal for companies navigating complex regulations. If you need a VP who can also handle risk and speak to a diverse workforce, SelvaHR is a standout choice. Source
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: Bilingual capability and active VP-level practitioner with deep risk management expertise.
- Con: Pricing not transparent; newer entrant compared to some competitors.
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on engagement
#5 MEA
A screenshot of the MEA website.
MEA offers fractional HR services for growing businesses with a strong specialization in compliance. Their services include senior-level HR leadership, policy development, audits, and training. They position themselves as a growth accelerator, helping companies build scalable HR infrastructure. MEA's compliance focus makes them a solid choice if regulatory risk is your top concern. Source
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: Deep compliance specialization and senior-level leadership.
- Con: Less known for broader strategic HR; pricing requires consultation.
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quotes based on engagement
How to Choose the Right Fractional VP of HR for Your Business
Start by defining your primary need: is it compliance, culture, or strategic growth? If you're under 50 employees, look for providers with low minimums like NorthstarPMO. If you need bilingual support, SelvaHR is your only option on this list. For transparent pricing, Catapult leads the pack. Always ask about their experience with your industry and how they handle risk management. A good fractional VP should be able to articulate a clear 90-day plan for your business.
Automate Your HR Workflow with These Tools
Once you have a fractional VP in place, they'll likely recommend HRIS and automation tools to streamline compliance and payroll. Many providers integrate with platforms like BambooHR, Gusto, or Rippling. Ask your fractional VP to set up automated workflows for onboarding, offboarding, and compliance reminders. This frees you up to focus on growth while your HR partner handles the heavy lifting.
Your Next Step: Hire a Fractional VP of HR Today
Fractional VP of HR services are no longer a compromise — they're a strategic advantage. Whether you choose Catapult for transparency, SelvaHR for bilingual risk management, or any of the others on this list, you're getting senior-level expertise without the full-time cost. Review the comparison table, pick the one that fits your stage and budget, and schedule a consultation. Your business will thank you.