Executive search for a visionary leader to drive strategic research services and infrastructure for science and technology innovation.
The Brief
Future Leadership was engaged to conduct an executive search for the pivotal role of Chief Research Services. Reporting directly to Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist, this senior executive position is responsible for leading a workforce of over 250 engineers, technicians, computer scientists, and professional service staff, supported by a specialist contractor workforce exceeding 140 personnel. The division delivers highly specialised research capabilities and innovative solutions, underpinning advanced research platforms.
The Chief Research Services is accountable for the strategic vision and execution of emerging digital science capabilities, research data stewardship, laboratory and experimental systems, and nationally recognised research engineering. The role is central to the planning and execution of the organisation’s strategic pillar focused on research infrastructure to power innovation, overseeing multi-billion dollar investments in infrastructure and fostering collaboration with external industry and academia
The position demanded a leader with exceptional interpersonal and representational skills, capable of building strong relationships across defence, government, and international science partners. The ideal candidate would demonstrate a track record in science, engineering, or technical disciplines, with astute judgement, political awareness, and an inclusive leadership style.
The Process
A dedicated search team, led by Andrew Norton, managed the project in close collaboration with the organisation’s executive leadership. The process began with a comprehensive briefing to clarify the strategic priorities, including the need for a collaborative and innovative leader to drive research services and infrastructure transformation.
Briefing and Strategy Development:
The team worked with the organisation to identify core leadership capabilities, focusing on professional governance, capability planning, and continuous improvement. The briefing highlighted the importance of digital and physical research infrastructure, research engineering, and compliance with national security and safety standards.
Targeted Candidate Search:
The search targeted high-calibre candidates with proven experience in large-scale research organisations, defence, or national security environments. The campaign extended internationally, seeking visionary leaders with expertise in computational science, research engineering, and strategic alliance management. The process was supported by online advertising and referral networks.
Candidate Assessment:
Applications were assessed against selection criteria, including leadership, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement. Behavioural interviews evaluated alignment with the values and strategic objectives of the organisation. Shortlisted candidates completed psychometric assessments, and the selection panel received comprehensive reports on each candidate’s suitability.
Final Evaluation:
A targeted shortlist was presented, with candidates delivering presentations on their strategic vision for the organisation’s research services. The panel assessed their ability to balance technical leadership with executive accountability, drive innovation, and foster collaboration across defence and external partners.
The Outcome
The search resulted in the appointment of a highly experienced leader with a distinguished career in research services and technical program management. The appointee is a trusted senior leader with extensive experience across government, research and innovation, higher education, aviation, and defence sectors. Renowned for strong leadership, interpersonal, and presentation skills, the appointee has consistently demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and senior executives, leading teams to deliver tangible business outcomes and strategic growth. Previously serving as Director of Strategy and Chief of Staff with a national science and technology agency, the appointee led major organisational initiatives, including a transformation program which reshaped the organisation’s research portfolio. Notable achievements include implementing agile strategy development, designing a world-renowned impact planning and evaluation program, and driving cultural change towards outcome-based performance.
The selection panel was confident in the appointee’s ability to drive the organisation’s strategic transformation, apply political and business acumen, and maintain high standards of research security and compliance.
