Conducting an Executive Search for an Executive Director Operations / COO to lead the operational functions of this specialist health service during a period of transformation and growth.
The Brief
This iconic Victorian specialist health service sought to appoint a collaborative and innovative executive to the position of Executive Director Operations / Chief Operating Officer. At the time the search began, the organisation was engaged in a significant redevelopment and was also implementing the Electronic Medical Records system. The health service brough a strong emphasis on research and teaching through partnerships in tertiary education and with research centres.
Reporting to the CEO the position is primarily responsible for the leadership and management of a broad portfolio of clinical services. Key priorities for the position include leadership of service and program developments, day to day operations, identification of organisational improvements and ensuring the Eye and Ear meets operational targets while maintaining required levels of quality and safety.
The health service sought an experienced operational leader within the health sector, with a track record of service delivery and results. ability to develop credibility and solid relationships with multiple stakeholders will be key to success in this position. It was essential that the appointee demonstrate a strong background in engagement, relationship building and innovative practice while also an ability to foster a culture of quality patient care, financial responsibility and continuous improvement. The position was seen as a compelling opportunity for an emerging Chief Operating Officer ready to step into a senior executive role.
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 launched a national search across Australia and New Zealand, supported by targeted advertising online advertising. The search commenced with a briefing provided by the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, People and Communication. Future Leadership were represented by a Managing Partner and Research Consultant who were dedicated to the search. The briefing clarified the scope of the role, organisational context, and the desired candidate profile. The EDO would oversee a wide portfolio including surgical services, ambulatory clinics, emergency care, cochlear and balance disorder services, nursing education, pharmacy, infection control, and emergency management.
The strategy agreed for the search included:
- Outreach to high-calibre candidates from public and private health sectors. Future Leadership engaged with known candidates active in the market, in addition to obtaining qualified referrals from highly regarded executives in the sector
- Engagement with leaders from similar health authorities in other states and territories, as well as Commonwealth agencies.
- Identification of regional health executives ready for advancement.
- Engagement with internal candidates who were expected to apply
The search process included the conduct of behavioural interviews with the lead Consultant, provision of a short list report to the panel, support for two rounds of panel interviews and 360 degree referencing for the preferred candidate. The lead consultant provided regular updates to the health service, taking time throughout the process to calibrate the emerging candidate field with expectations
The Outcome
At the conclusion of the panel interview process Future Leadership supported the final negotiation with the preferred candidate in order to confirm an appointment. The appointee is a seasoned healthcare executive with nearly two decades of experience in senior leadership roles across public health organisations. Their career spans acute and subacute care, community health, aged care, mental health services, and hospital operations, with a consistent focus on performance, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
With a proven track record as Chief Operating Officer in large metropolitan health services, they have overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, led strategic planning initiatives, and driven operational excellence across multiple sites. Their leadership style is marked by strong stakeholder engagement, transparent communication, and a commitment to building aligned, high-performing teams. The health service was pleased to confirm the appointment noting the appointee brought a compelling blend of strategic vision, operational rigour, and people-centred leadership—well-suited to the demands of a senior executive role in a specialist health service setting.
