Conducting Executive Search for an active member of the executive leadership team to lead and manage the finance and procurement operations of the health service to deliver on strategic and business plans and key performance metrics.
The Brief
This major healthcare provider sought the support of Future Leadership™, led by Managing Partner Liz Jones, to appoint a new Executive Director Finance & Procurement due to the resignation of the incumbent. The Executive Director was a critical appointment in supporting the health service to deliver on strategic and business plans and key performance metrics.
Following a detailed briefing meeting between Future Leadership™ and the health service’s CEO and Executive Director, People and Culture, it was identified the ideal candidate would engage with and support other executive team members with the setting and delivery of the strategic direction for the service. In addition to providing a strategic and collaborative approach to ongoing transformation and sustainable growth for the organisation, the Executive Director would lead a large team and build a culture of high performance.
The successful appointee would need bring diversity of thought and experience, a commercial orientation and an ability to understand and influence at the systems level. Additionally, the organisation sought a collaborative and engaging individual who demonstrated a strong strategic mindset and a commitment to teamwork, research and clinical excellence.
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
Future Leadership™ assembled a specialised team, led by Liz Jones along with an experienced research and administration team, to lead the search. Key steps included:
- Targeted Search and Talent Pooling: Following an in-depth briefing, Future Leadership™ conducted a targeted search process supported by an online advertising campaign and reached out to high calibre candidates across Australia and New Zealand with specific and relevant experience gained in healthcare and aligned sectors. Candidates who possessed the necessary skills at the Executive Director level, along with candidates, clients and referral partners from recent and similar Future Leadership™ search assignments and trusted contacts. Future Leadership™ also used our extensive proprietary databases and in-house research.
- Comprehensive Shortlisting: A shortlist of five candidates was presented to the selection committee with four strong candidates being considered across two rounds of panel interviews.
- Panel Interviews and Strategic Presentation: Panel interviews were held with candidates interviewed against specifically tailored questions. Future Leadership™ then conducted full 360 referencing checking before the successful candidate was appointed.
Emerging Capabilities
Adaptability & 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.
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.
Culture & 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.
Communication & Influence
Articulates messages with clarity and impact to build understanding, inspire action, persuade others and enable information exchange. Considers the audience and draws on different styles to create impact.
Organisational Capability
Understands the organisation's future requirements and identifies opportunities to build potential across the organisation. Seeks opportunities to develop other people and takes appropriate action to address skill gaps in others.
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
At the conclusion of the panel interview process the selection panel identified a preferred candidate. Future Leadership™ undertook rigorous 360-degree reference checks and presented comprehensive written reports to the Selection Committee. The reference checking process was aligned to the capabilities identified for success, while also seeking input to how best to work with the appointee to ensure success in the position and for the organisation.
The newly appointed Executive Director Finance and Procurement commenced on 2 June 2025. They were selected on the basis of their presentation as a highly impressive executive with the ability to build rapport quickly, combined with a genuine passion for healthcare. With prior experience gained across multiple sectors, the appointee demonstrated strong experience in leading and driving change across the entire health service in consultation with the appropriate stakeholders. The appointee was described as an authentic and curious leader, who is calm, decisive and highly engaging in their style.
