Conducting an Executive Search for a Business Manager to Oversee Financial and Operational Leadership at a Prestigious Residential College Within a Leading University
The Brief
Future Leadership™ partnered with a prestigious residential college located within a leading Australian university to appoint a Business Manager.
This critical senior leadership position reports directly to the Principal and is responsible for all aspects of the college’s financial operations, information technologies, business contracts, workplace health and safety, and the legislative risk and compliance framework.
The college, established in 1892, provides accommodation for over 280 female students and 55 affiliate students, fostering a dynamic and inclusive culture that aligns with its legacy of academic and personal 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™ conducted a comprehensive and targeted recruitment process:
- Detailed Briefing: Collaborated with the Principal to understand the role’s requirements and the unique culture of the college.
- Search and Outreach: Engaged trusted referral partners and identified potential candidates from the Higher Education, Independent Schools, and related sectors across Australia and New Zealand.
- Advertising Campaign: Extended the search reach through an online advertising campaign.
- Candidate Evaluation: Presented a strong shortlist of candidates, with the panel conducting two rounds of interviews. Final candidates delivered a presentation and undertook a tour of the college as part of the assessment process.
This rigorous and targeted process ensured the appointment of a highly capable leader.
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.
Commercial Acumen
Provides a deep understanding of relevant industry, marketplace, and business drivers as applicable to the organisation.
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.
Adaptability and Resilience
Demonstrates positivity, curiosity, and the ability to pivot when confronted with change, pressure, adversity, and disruption.
The Outcome
An experienced finance and accounting professional was appointed as Business Manager, commencing in January 2024.
- The appointee brought extensive experience across sectors including education and local government.
- Their expertise in financial and operational leadership positions the college for continued success and sustainability.
The appointment reflects Future Leadership’s commitment to supporting educational institutions with tailored search solutions.
