Appointing an Interim Property Director to Oversee Strategic Portfolio Management and Optimisation in a Latin Rite Metropolitan Archdiocese.
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a Latin Rite metropolitan archdiocese to appoint an Interim Property Director following the departure of the previous leader.
The organisation oversees a significant property portfolio, including non-parish assets and iconic sites. The role required a seasoned property executive to conduct a comprehensive review of the portfolio, establish a strategic direction, and provide expert guidance on property developments and holdings.
The ideal candidate needed substantial expertise in property management and asset optimisation, combined with sensitivity to the organisation’s cultural and religious context. Stakeholder engagement and collaboration with leadership, parish leaders, and external advisors were key priorities.
Increase in General Management Skills
According to the American Management Association, only 14% of businesses consider themselves “well prepared” to handle a sudden loss in senior management. Add to that the fact that it takes at least four months to fill an executive role, and an Interim Executive experienced in operations makes a lot of sense!
Increase in Customer Experience Skills
These days experience is everything. What truly makes for a good experience? Speed. Convenience. Consistency. Friendliness. And human touch. Our Interim Executives deliver a great experience while improving your customer experience!
Increase in People & Culture Skills
Organisations are constantly changing as they respond to internal and external pressures. Continual process improvement can enable team engagement and lead to growth. Interim Executives bring fresh eyes and effective industry best practice to the execution.
Increase in Data Analytics
Complex challenges require critical thinking and in the age of information-overwhelm it is imperative to have analytical minds at the table. These skills range across finance, data science, systems and more. An Interim Executive can be the right person to optimise your inputs to maximise your output.
The Process
Future Leadership™ executed a rapid and targeted interim search strategy to address the client’s needs:
- Extensive Search Network: Leveraged our interim executive network to identify 13 qualified candidates within seven days.
- Detailed Evaluation: Assessed candidates based on technical expertise, strategic insight, and cultural alignment with the organisation’s mission.
- Shortlisting: Presented five exceptional candidates for final consideration, each with proven leadership in managing large and complex property portfolios.
The successful appointee demonstrated a strong track record in asset optimisation, stakeholder engagement, and delivering actionable strategic insights.
Emerging Capabilities
Governance and Compliance
Establishes, champions, and measures the effectiveness of an organisation’s regulatory and reporting systems. Identifies and evaluates risks and develops strategies to mitigate risk.
Stakeholder Relations
Establishes rapport with stakeholders, builds and sustains trusted and collaborative relationships. Identifies and draws on relevant and diverse perspectives and integrates them to support productive interactions.
Commercial Acumen
Provides a deep understanding of relevant industry, marketplace, and business drivers as applicable to the organisation..
Adaptability and Resilience
Demonstrates positivity, curiosity, and the ability to pivot when confronted with change, pressure, adversity, and disruption.
Strategy and Purpose
Gathers and examines diverse data points, presenting well-reasoned insights and reframing challenges.
The Outcome
The appointed Interim Property Director delivered significant impact over a 12-month assignment, which led to their permanent placement. Key achievements included:
- Comprehensive Portfolio Review: Conducted a thorough assessment of the property portfolio, identifying strategic priorities and actionable improvements.
- Governance and Asset Management: Delivered enhanced governance frameworks and optimised the utilisation of assets valued at over £300 million.
- Project Advisory: Provided expert advice on high-value projects, including sales, leases, and joint ventures, ensuring sound financial and operational outcomes.
- Stakeholder Trust: Fostered collaboration and built trust across departments, including with the CEO and CFO, and external advisors.
The organisation’s leadership praised the interim executive for exceeding expectations and positioning the property portfolio for long-term growth and mission alignment.
Key Statistics at a Glance:
- 13 Candidates identified within seven days.
- 5 Candidates shortlisted for client interviews.
- 12-Month Assignment, resulting in permanent placement.
- Managed assets valued at over £300 million, delivering strategic and operational improvements.
