Critical senior leadership position in one of Queensland’s leading Grammar Schools.
The Brief
Building on an established relationship with Future Leadership, the Principal of a leading grammar school reached out to initiate the search process for the position of Director of Business.
This critical leadership position reports directly to the Principal (CEO) and oversees all business services within the school, including finance, IT, property and facilities, risk management, and more. The Director of Business also acts as Company Secretary for the Advisory Council and the school’s Foundation.
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
The Future Leadership team completed a comprehensive briefing with the Principal, Business Manager, Director of Operations, HR Director, and Heads of School to fully understand the role’s requirements.
Using an established network of qualified individuals and referral partners, Future Leadership identified candidates with strong backgrounds in finance, HR, IT, and building projects. A shortlist of five candidates was presented, with three advancing to the second round of panel interviews, which included a tour of the school.
Emerging Capabilities
International Business
This skill involves understanding and managing business operations across different countries. It includes navigating international trade regulations, cultural differences, and global market dynamics to successfully expand or operate a business internationally.
Business Development Consultancy
This skill refers to providing expert advice and guidance to organisations on how to grow and develop their business. It includes identifying new opportunities, improving business processes, and implementing strategies to achieve business growth.
Strategic Business Development
This skill involves planning and executing long-term strategies to grow the business. It includes identifying market trends, forming strategic partnerships, and setting objectives that align with the organisation’s overall vision.
New Business Opportunities
This skill is about recognising and capitalising on potential new markets or customer segments. It includes analysing market data, customer behaviour, and industry trends to find areas for business expansion.
New Business Development
This skill refers to the process of generating new business for an organisation. It includes identifying potential clients or markets, creating sales strategies, and building relationships to foster business growth.
The Outcome
The successful candidate was appointed as the Director of Business and began in August 2024.
In this role, the appointee is responsible for overseeing delivery of business administration and resource management. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, he will advise, direct and lead the school’s corporate governance, business strategies and operations. In this position he will also act as Company Secretary for the Advisory Council and the school foundation.
Prior to joining the school, he held the position of Director, Corporate Service at a regional council.
Kirsti Hitz-Morton, Associate Partner at Future Leadership, worked with our school, assisting our community with the successful placement of three Executive roles.
Kirsti is professional, warm, intuitive and generous in sharing her knowledge, networks and experience. The three executive roles included Head of Primary, Director of Operations and Director of Business. Kirsti has the ability and willingness to deeply understand a school’s culture. She listened to our aspirations for our School, identifying candidates who aligned with our values and who had the skills to help us deliver on our vision. The successful candidates have seamlessly settled into their roles. As Principal, I have been most grateful for her objective and thoughtful insights and her willingness to listen and understand the nuisances of our school. I have no hesitation in recommending Kirsti Hitz-Morton and Future Leadership.
