Which Roles Should You Outsource First?
Workforce Strategy · 6 min read · Updated 2026-07
Outsource first the roles that are repeatable, documented (or easily documented), and don't require physical presence — typically admin/executive support, bookkeeping and finance ops, customer support, and marketing production. Start with the work that frees your highest-value people to do what only they can do.
A simple prioritisation framework
Score candidate roles on three axes: how repeatable the work is, how easy it is to document, and how much senior time it currently consumes. High-repeatable, easy-to-document, high-time-drain roles are your first offshore hires.
The usual first hires
Executive/admin assistants reclaim leadership hours immediately. Bookkeeping and accounts payable/receivable are process-heavy and well-suited to offshore. Customer support and marketing production (design, video, content) scale output without another local headcount.
Key takeaways
- Prioritise repeatable, documentable, time-draining work.
- Common first hires: EA, bookkeeper, customer support, marketing production.
- Free your best people from work below their pay grade.
- Document the SOP as you go — it's the asset that scales.
Common questions
Should I outsource a role I can't yet document?
You can, but budget time to build the SOP with the hire. Undocumented roles take longer to ramp and are harder to hold to a standard.
Your next hire doesn't have to cost six figures.
Book a 30-minute strategy session. You'll leave with a costed workforce plan, indicative salaries and a realistic timeline — whether you work with us or not.