Conducting an Executive Search for a COO to Enhance Business Operations and Strategic Leadership at a Leading Regional Independent School
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a leading regional independent school in Ballarat to appoint its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO). This newly created senior leadership position was designed to oversee the operational side of the college, providing strategic and day-to-day support to the school’s Executive Team.
Reporting directly to the Principal, who also serves as the school’s CEO, the COO would be responsible for driving operational excellence, improving processes, and enhancing outcomes for the school community. The appointee would also play a key role in collaborating with the Board and other stakeholders to ensure the operational strategies aligned with the school’s vision for growth and 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™ undertook a comprehensive search process, building on its previous successful partnership with the school for their Principal search. Key steps included:
- Detailed Briefing and Strategy Development: Engaged with the Executive Team and Board to understand the role’s strategic priorities and operational challenges.
- Targeted Candidate Search: Leveraged extensive networks and industry insights to identify both established professionals and step-up candidates with the potential to excel in the role.
- Candidate Assessment: Shortlisted five candidates underwent psychometric assessments, with four progressing to panel interviews.
- Final Evaluation: The final candidates presented their vision for enhancing the college’s operational framework to the Board and Executive Team.
This rigorous process ensured the appointment of a candidate capable of delivering operational and strategic leadership.
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.
Business Services
Skilled in managing business operations and administrative support functions to enhance productivity and streamline processes
Corporate Recovery
Experienced in corporate recovery practices to stabilise operations, manage risks, and improve financial health during challenging periods
Professional Cleaning
Knowledgeable in maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring a safe and compliant workplace environment
Janitorial Services
Expertise in managing janitorial operations, supporting facility maintenance and contributing to organisational health and safety standards
The Outcome
A highly experienced professional with a strong background in quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery was appointed as the COO, commencing in 2024.
Their expertise in leading large teams and implementing operational improvements will significantly enhance the school’s ability to deliver its vision.
