After 17 years in eCommerce agency operations across APAC, managing everything from small initiatives to large-scale, cross-country rollout programs, I’ve witnessed my fair share of project management setups.
And I’m not referring to the project manager from the agency a business selects—though that role is equally critical to success. What I want to focus on here is the client-side setup, where the one critical mistake often stands out immediately: small to medium-sized businesses underestimating the complexity of their eCommerce projects and failing to staff them appropriately.
Unlike larger companies, which usually (though not always) have in-house, experienced resources, smaller businesses often assign the critical project manager role to someone without the expertise to navigate the technical and operational challenges that inevitably arise.
This is precisely why I advocate for part-time or fractional project management, which we offer as part of our Ecommerce Team Augmentation service. Having a seasoned professional on board can mean the difference between a smooth, successful launch and a costly disaster.
Let me explain why this approach works and how it can save your eCommerce rollout.
Table of Contents
What is Fractional Project Management?
Fractional project management is about bringing in experienced professionals to manage specific projects on a part-time or contract basis. Unlike hiring a full-time PM, this approach gives you access to high-caliber leadership without the long-term commitment.
In eCommerce, where projects are often time-sensitive and resource-intensive, fractional PMs are a perfect fit. They step in to lead your project with focus and precision, ensuring every phase is executed as flawlessly as possible.
Why Choose a Fractional PM for eCommerce Projects?
eCommerce rollouts are unique beasts. They involve managing cross-functional teams, integrating complex systems, and meeting tight deadlines, all while keeping costs in check. A fractional PM brings:
1. Cost Efficiency
You avoid the overhead of a full-time hire while getting top-tier expertise.
2. Specialised Expertise
With years of experience, fractional PMs understand the technical and operational nuances of eCommerce.
3. Flexibility
They can scale their involvement up or down based on your project’s needs.
While your agency’s project manager drives the technical execution, having an internal fractional PM on your side via Ecommerce Team Augmentation ensures you maintain visibility and control over every step of the project.
In eCommerce, where projects are often time-sensitive and resource-intensive, fractional PMs are a perfect fit. They step in to lead your project with focus and precision, ensuring every phase is executed as flawlessly as possible.
How Fractional PMs Deliver from Inception to Delivery
One of the biggest advantages of fractional project managers is their ability to take your project from an idea on paper to a fully operational system.
- Inception: They’ll develop a clear roadmap, ensuring everyone understands the objectives, timelines, and resources required. If you’re unsure which agency or platform aligns with your needs, our Ecommerce RFP Process driven by our fractional PMs ensures you make informed decisions to set your project up for success.
- Execution: Fractional PMs expertly coordinate teams, manage vendors, and ensure all moving parts align seamlessly.
- Delivery: When it’s time to go live, they oversee a smooth transition, addressing any last-minute hiccups without breaking a sweat.
In a specific instance, I witnessed a company’s internal PM struggle to manage a rollout due to the lack of expertise on the technical side, but also on Agency management side. Bringing in an experienced fractional PM mid-project was a game-changer, they untangled missteps by refining client-side processes so both client & agency were finally able to communicate efficiently and got the launch back on track.
The Role of Fractional PMs in Operational Training
A great project manager doesn’t just deliver results, they prepare your team for long-term success. An important part of the role of a Fractional PMs is knowledge transfer, equipping your internal teams to maintain and grow the system after the project wraps.
This includes:
- Process Documentation: Developing detailed guides and workflows.
- Team Training: Ensuring your staff feels confident in using new platforms or tools.
- Scalable Systems: Setting up processes that grow with your business.
When to Hire a Fractional PM for Your eCommerce Project
Here’s the reality: if your eCommerce project feels overwhelming or if you’ve assigned the PM role to someone without sufficient experience, it’s time to bring in a fractional PM.
They’re particularly valuable if:
- You’re working on a high-stakes project with tight deadlines.
- Your team lacks technical expertise or previous experience with eCommerce rollouts.
- You need expert leadership without a full-time hire commitment.
Fractional project managers offer the expertise you need, when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire, making them an invaluable asset for ensuring your eCommerce rollout thrives.
Having spent nearly two decades in the eCommerce trenches, I can tell you this: success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes strategic leadership, technical know-how, and a clear plan.
While you should expect great project management skills from your agency to drive the technical team, having your own internal experienced project manager is equally critical to remain in control of what’s happening. It takes two to tango, and this collaboration ensures alignment, accountability, and a smoother path to success.
If you’re about to embark on an eCommerce rollout, or if your current implementation is on the verge of breakdown, don’t leave the outcome to chance. Bring in a fractional PM, and let them help you avoid the pitfalls while setting you up for long-term success. Trust me, it’s a decision you won’t regret.
So if you’re ready to take your eCommerce rollout to the next level, let’s discuss how we can help.
