Conducting an Executive Search for a COO to Drive Operational Leadership Across Multi-Faceted Functions and Foster Strategic Impact at a Leading Research Institute
The Brief
Future Leadership™ partnered with a globally recognised medical research institute in Queensland to appoint a new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
This pivotal leadership role was tasked with overseeing diverse operational functions, including Finance and Administration, IT, Corporate Affairs and Fundraising, Scientific Services, and Legal and Governance Risk. Reporting directly to the Director and CEO, the institute required a COO with exceptional operational expertise, an understanding of the research landscape, and the ability to foster an inclusive and high-performing culture while driving strategic priorities.
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™ executed a targeted and comprehensive search strategy, tailored to the institute’s unique operational and strategic requirements. Key steps included:
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaged with the Director, CEO, and key leaders to identify critical success factors for the role.
- Talent Mapping and Outreach: Targeted outreach to high-calibre leaders in research, healthcare, and commercial sectors, generating 67 formal expressions of interest.
- Assessment and Evaluation: Conducted detailed evaluations of shortlisted candidates to ensure alignment with the institute’s strategic objectives and cultural ethos.
- Structured Selection Process: Guided stakeholders through a collaborative interview and decision-making process to secure the ideal candidate.
This robust approach ensured the placement of a COO capable of elevating operational standards and supporting the institute’s ambitious mission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Outcome
A seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in managing complex operations across multi-disciplinary environments was appointed as COO. The appointee brought:
- Exceptional Operational Expertise: A track record of transforming organisational processes and driving efficiency.
- Governance and Compliance Excellence: Board-level experience in managing risk and implementing robust oversight frameworks.
- Collaborative Leadership Style: Proven ability to build consensus and engage stakeholders across diverse teams and functions.
Their appointment strengthens the institute’s operational backbone and positions it to expand its global research impact.
