Delivering an executive search to appoint a transformational Chief Operating Officer for a leading independent school in NSW
The Brief
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
- Briefing and Strategy Development: Engaged with the Headmaster, Deputy Chair of the School Council, and Director of People & Culture to define the ideal candidate profile.
- Targeted Candidate Search: Leveraged extensive networks to identify candidates with proven leadership in educational environments and strong financial management capabilities.
- Candidate Assessment: Presented a short list of candidates. The panel conducted two rounds of interviews, including a presentation and school tour by final candidates.
- Final Evaluation: The preferred candidate delivered a presentation introducing themselves to staff and participated in a campus tour to assess cultural alignment.
Top capabilities Identified for the appointments
Stakeholder Relations
Strong capability to partner with school leaders and engage with the broader school community
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.
Critical Thinking
Gathers and examines different data points, testing for assumptions and gaps in logic; reframes problems and presents well-reasoned insights considering diverse perspectives. Analyses, interprets and objectively evaluates information enabling judgements.
Governance and Compliance
Experience in governance responsibilities, including serving as Secretary to the School Council
Adaptability and Resilience
Demonstrates positivity, curiosity, and the ability to pivot when confronted with change, pressure, adversity and disruption. Responsive to strategic environmental, social and corporate challenges and opportunities.
Systems Thinking
Views situations in their entirety, understanding all the parts at play. Identifies the interconnected factors and how they influence each other, impacting the whole system. Takes a strategic perspectives
The Outcome
The process resulted in the appointment of a seasoned Chief Operating Officer with deep experience in financial management and business operations within education. The successful candidate demonstrated a collaborative leadership style and a strong ability to partner with school leaders, aligning with the school’s values and strategic direction.
