Modernize and scale your operations with Fractional COO

manufacturing leaders who drive results.

Knex matches scaling and modern manufacturers with fractional executives who have optimized production, implemented lean operations, and driven digital transformation on the factory floor. Get the leadership to compete in a changing industry.

How it works

Define what you need

Tell Knex where expert guidance could move the needle — growth, fundraising, product, tech, operations, or beyond.

Get instant matches

See vetted experts who fit your goals. Each has proven experience, domain expertise, and testimonials vetted by Knex.

Book a free consult

Meet your top choices right from their profile. If it's not the right fit, you can revisit again anytime.

Engage with confidence

Simple, transparent equity and cash services for you to choose from. Then we handle all contracting, payments and compliance for you.

Testimonials

"Our production costs were eating margins. The fractional COO from Knex had implemented lean across three manufacturing companies and delivered results in weeks."

Ashley Cooper

"Digital transformation felt overwhelming. The Knex advisor brought a step-by-step approach that our team could actually execute."

Marcus Johnson

"We needed a CFO who understood manufacturing cost structures. Knex found someone who had managed P&Ls at three contract manufacturers."

Diana Petrova

Why Companies Trust Knex

Every expert on Knex is carefully vetted to ensure you work with proven talent.

Total Experts

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With Verified Testimonials
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Knex Vetted Experts
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Transparent pricing

You can book services straight from any Knex talent profile.

Free Matching

Free to get matched and meet experts. Book free 30-min consults with as many people as you like.

Equity Advisor Engagements

$499 activation fee
Charged only when you confirm a match. This covers vetting, onboarding, and contract documentation using FAST standards.

Cash Engagements

Transparent pricing lives on each expert's profile. Knex includes a 10% platform fee on all cash engagements. This covers vetting, onboarding, contracting, payments, and compliance.

About

At Knex, our mission to empower startups to scale faster by matching them with the right fractional executive at the right time.

Katie Murphy

Katie is the Founder & CEO. With 16 years of experience working with companies ranging from pre-revenue startups to Fortune 50 giants, Katie spent 8 years as a fractional executive before becoming a full-time entrepreneur. She has led exponential growth for startups like BrewDog USA, Singularity University, and ThriveDX, and is recognized as a thought leader on sustainable growth with features on Entrepreneur.com.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Knex for Manufacturing companies.

Do you have fractional leaders with manufacturing experience?

Yes. Knex has vetted fractional COOs, supply chain advisors, and operational leaders who have run manufacturing operations, implemented lean systems, and driven digital transformation initiatives in production environments.

Can a fractional leader help with supply chain optimization?

Absolutely. Our supply chain advisors have managed global supplier networks, optimized procurement, and built resilient supply chains that reduce cost while maintaining quality and delivery timelines.

What does digital transformation look like for manufacturers on Knex?

Fractional leaders help with ERP implementation, IoT sensor integration, production analytics, and workflow automation — practical, ROI-driven changes rather than theoretical transformation plans.

How do manufacturers typically engage on Knex?

Most manufacturers start with a 30-day operational audit, then move to month-to-month engagements for implementation. Cash engagements with transparent pricing are the most common structure for manufacturing companies.

Can I find leaders who understand both operations and growth?

Yes. Many of our manufacturing-focused fractional leaders have experience in both operational excellence and commercial growth — expanding capacity, entering new markets, and building sales channels alongside production optimization.