Delivering an Executive Search to strengthen scientific leadership and national capability for a public sector defence research organisation
The Brief
Future Leadership was engaged by a national public sector defence science and technology organisation, based in Australia, to appoint two Chief of Division roles responsible for the Aerospace and Maritime portfolios.
The organisation operates in a highly complex, mission‑critical environment, delivering science and technology capability to Defence clients. Both roles required senior research leaders with the credibility to influence at the highest levels of government and Defence, the capacity to lead large multidisciplinary workforces, and the ability to operate effectively within a regulated security context.
A further priority was to encourage strong female applicants in a traditionally male‑dominated field, while ensuring appointments were made on merit and capability.
Candidate Net Promoter Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
Future Leadership undertook a comprehensive and targeted executive search process tailored to the organisation’s strategic, cultural and operational requirements.
Future Leadership Capability Framework
Stakeholder Relations
Works strategically and systemically to encourage diverse thinking with all types of people. Actively contributes to teamwork, and deliberately builds relationships and networks across a range of people and communities.
Strategy and Purpose
Leads transformational processes, motivates teams, and influences commitment to a shared purpose that individuals and the workforce will require to enable sustained organisational success. Builds and promotes a culture underpinning the vision, purpose and values the organisation aspires to achieve.
Governance and Compliance
Engages stakeholders inclusively with sensitivity and regard for diversity and facilitates a psychologically safe environment for social or cultural differences affecting behaviour.
Communication and Influence
Communicates with clarity and impact to facilitate individual and collective understanding, inspire action and enable information exchange. Leverages human-centric communication and storytelling to effectively influence stakeholders across the physical and virtual realms.
Commercial Acumen
Provides a deep understanding of relevant industry, marketplace and business drivers as applicable to the organisation. Leverages the application of commercial tools and frameworks to manage opportunities, conflicts and trade offs. Able to focus on customer service requirements and acts proactively to raise the customer experience.