Delivering an Executive Search to ppoint a strategic leader to manage critical relationships and provide advice based on deep analysis and insights
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was commissioned to lead the executive search for a highly credible Chief Executive Officer to head this newly established public sector authority.
The Authority was created following a review which identified the need to create an organisation with a remit to improve quality and innovation across four focus areas: data analysis and insights, local and state engagement, professional teaching development, and industry skill responsiveness.
The CEO role, appointed by the Premier and reporting to the Minister, required a highly credible leader with the capacity to manage critical relationships and provide strategic advice grounded in deep analysis and insight.
Candidate net Promote 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!
The Process
The search process was tailored to the strategic priorities of the Authority and included several key stages. It began with briefing and strategy development, where Future Leadership™ engaged with government stakeholders to define the ideal candidate profile and strategic expectations for the role. A targeted national search followed, supported by print and online advertising and direct outreach to high-calibre candidates.
After a rigorous evaluation, a long list of 11 senior candidates was submitted, with four shortlisted for interview. Final candidates underwent reference and qualifications checks before a recommendation was made to the Minister. This thorough process ensured the appointment of a leader capable of delivering operational and strategic leadership aligned with the organisation’s mandate. The CEO is expected to champion skills system reform aligned to job growth, drive sector-wide collaboration and innovation, and establish a new independent government authority focused on local skills and training needs. A key early deliverable will an inaugural skills plan, guiding government investment in training delivery.
The successful candidate will bring extensive leadership experience, a deep understanding of vocational education and government policy settings, and the ability to implement a future-focused reform agenda with strong stakeholder engagement.
Emerging Capabilities
Strategy and Purpose
Develops and leads strategy for the function/organisation, taking a broad and long-term perspective. Understands and considers context. Communicates and gains buy-in to the function/organisation goals, direction and vision, promoting change initiatives.
Adaptability and Resilience
Demonstrates positivity, curiosity, and the ability to pivot when confronted with change, pressure, adversity and disruption. Responsive to strategic environmental, social and corporate challenges and opportunities.
Culture and Engagement
Fosters a positive culture, creating a sense of belonging and inclusiveness. Creates an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and facilitates a psychologically safe environment.
Sustainability, Ethics and Integrity
Prioritises the environment in making decisions and leading others. Operates with integrity and aligns self to a high standard of social, cultural and professional standards of conduct. Adheres to moral and ethical principles. Draws on values to inform behaviour.
Stakeholder Relations
Establishes rapport with stakeholders, builds and sustains trusted and collaborative relationships. Identifies and draws on relevant and diverse perspectives and integrates them to support productive interactions.
Critical Thinking
Gathers and examines different data points, testing for assumptions and gaps in logic; reframes problems and presents well-reasoned insights considering diverse perspectives. Analyses, interprets and objectively evaluates information enabling judgements.
The Outcome
The process resulted in the appointment of the inaugural CEO of the Victorian Skills Authority. The appointee brought extensive experience in policy, advocacy, and executive leadership, having previously served as CEO of TAFE Directors Australia and Deputy Secretary of the Higher Education and Skills Group at the Department of Education and Training (Victoria). Their appointment positioned the Authority to deliver on its strategic mandate with credibility and sector-wide influence.
The appointee is a seasoned public sector executive with extensive experience in vocational education and training (VET), higher education, and public policy. They have held senior roles in both Commonwealth and Victorian governments, including Deputy Secretary and Group Manager positions. As CEO of TAFE Directors Australia, they led national advocacy, policy development, and international representation. Thier achievements span major reforms in VET funding, apprenticeship programs, and school infrastructure. They have represented Australia in global forums including the OECD and G20. They hold a Bachelor of Education and an Executive Masters in Public Administration, reflecting thier strong academic and leadership credentials.
