Conducting an Executive Search for a Business Manager to Oversee Financial, Operational, and Strategic Support at Malek Fahd Islamic School, Enhancing Educational Impact.
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a leading independent Islamic school in Australia to appoint a strategic leader to the position of Business Manager.
Reporting directly to the Principal, the Business Manager is responsible for providing strategic advice and overseeing business services, including property and facilities, finance, compliance, ICT, projects, and administration. This pivotal role aims to ensure the effective and strategic provision of support services, driving operational excellence and enabling the school to achieve its educational objectives.
The search followed a previously established partnership with the school and was aimed at identifying a leader with considerable experience in leading, implementing, and reviewing quality processes and strategies. The appointee was expected to provide guidance on special projects, demonstrating innovation and dynamic leadership.
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 Future Leadership team, led by Kirsti Hitz-Morton, attended a detailed briefing with the Interim Business Manager and Human Resources Manager to refine the key requirements for the role. Key steps in the process included:
- Targeted Search Strategy: Collaborated with trusted referral partners and engaged with known candidates across independent schools and related sectors throughout Australia.
- Digital Outreach: Conducted an online advertising campaign to expand the reach of the search process.
- Candidate Assessment: Presented a strong list of candidates, with the panel conducting two rounds of interviews. The final candidates delivered a presentation to the selection panel and participated in a tour of the school.
Emerging Capabilities
Strategy and Purpose
Develops and leads strategy for the function/organisation, taking a broad and long-term perspective. Communicates and gains buy-in to organisational goals and vision, promoting change initiatives.
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.
Governance and Compliance
Establishes, champions, and measures the effectiveness of an organisation’s regulatory and reporting systems. Identifies and evaluates risks and develops strategies to mitigate risk.
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.
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.
The Outcome
The appointed Business Manager brought extensive experience as an innovative and dynamic Chief Financial Officer and Business Leader. Reporting to the Principal, they are responsible for overseeing Accounting, IT, Facilities, Administration, Marketing, and Payroll. Their leadership ensures the strategic and effective provision of support services that align with the school’s educational goals.
With a seasoned finance background spanning Media, Hospitality & Leisure, Gaming, Retail, Tertiary Education, Logistics, and FMCG sectors, the appointee brings a diverse and impactful perspective to the role. Their appointment is set to significantly enhance the school’s operational capabilities and strategic direction.
