Conducting an executive search for a Director of People and Culture to enhance strategic leadership and organisational development in education
The Brief
In June 2024, Future Leadership™ was engaged by a prestigious independent school to appoint a Director of People and Culture. This critical senior leadership position required an experienced HR executive capable of influencing at the executive level while balancing strategic planning and hands-on operational tasks.
The successful appointee would be responsible for the development, coordination, and administration of people and culture-related strategies, policies, and programs that align with the school’s vision and values.
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, led by Liz Jones, executed a comprehensive national search, leveraging networks and referral partnerships to identify highly qualified candidates. Key steps included:
- Candidate Screening and Shortlisting: The team evaluated potential candidates for their executive presence, strategic acumen, and ability to engage hands-on when needed.
- Psychometric Assessment and Interview Panels: An initial shortlist of six candidates was developed, with three progressing to the second round of panel interviews. Each candidate completed psychometric assessments to evaluate key capabilities.
- Final Candidate Presentation: The top candidates presented on strategic HR topics relevant to the school’s goals.
Through this rigorous process, the school selected an outstanding candidate to fill this critical role.
Emerging Capabilities
Human Capital Management
Expert in optimising human capital, ensuring that workforce potential is fully leveraged through strategic planning and development.
Human Resources (HR)
Skilled in overseeing all HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, and compliance, to support organisational goals.
Workforce Planning
Proficient in workforce planning, ensuring the organisation has the right talent in place to meet both current and future needs.
HR Strategy
Adept at developing and executing HR strategies that align with the organisation’s mission and drive overall business success.
HR Transformation
Experienced in leading HR transformation initiatives, modernising processes and systems to enhance organisational efficiency and effectiveness.
The Outcome
A highly experienced HR leader was appointed as the Director of People and Culture, commencing in January 2025.
The successful candidate brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience across diverse industries, with a proven track record in strategic people management, organisational development, and fostering positive workplace cultures. Their appointment is expected to significantly contribute to the school’s strategic HR leadership and organisational growth.
