Interim Executive

Interim Manager Maternal Child Health at a Victorian Local Council

Date Posted:9 October 2025

Interim Executive Strengthens Service Delivery during a period of Strucutral Change at a Victorian Local Council

MCH

The Brief

A Victorian Local Council required immediate interim leadership within its Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service during a period of structural change and strategic review. The service was navigating evolving community needs, workforce challenges, and a renewed focus on delivering high-quality, accessible maternal and child health programs.

Future Leadership Interim Executive (formerly Gig Executive) was engaged to appoint an Interim Manager, Maternal Child Health to provide stability, leadership, and direction while the Council reviewed the long-term structure of the service. The successful interim needed to quickly establish trust, support staff through change, and maintain operational continuity across a large multidisciplinary team.

9.19.1

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.

10,000+10,000+

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.

50.5%50.5%

We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.

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.

98%98%

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

Within one week, Future Leadership shortlisted three experienced interim executives from its established associate network with demonstrated success leading community health and early childhood programs in government settings. Following interviews with Council, the successful candidate was appointed to the role.

Commencing in June 2023, the Interim Executive led the service through a period of transition, focusing on communication, staff engagement, and strengthening service delivery frameworks. Her calm leadership and ability to positively influence across internal and external stakeholders ensured continued high-quality service to the community while preparing the organisation for a future operating model.

Owing to the impact achieved and the value placed on leadership continuity, the Interim’s initial six-month contract was extended whilst the process to conclude a search for an ongoing successor was completed.

Top 5 Capabilities

01.

Stakeholder Relations

Built trust and alignment across a large leadership cohort during a sensitive transformation.

02.

Strategy and Purpose

Enabled clarity around the Target Operating Model and its strategic implications.

03.

Adaptability and Resilience

Navigated a high-pressure environment with composure and focus.

04.

Communication and Influence

Fostered honest dialogue and shared understanding of priorities.

05.

Organisational Capability

Prepared the division for long-term reform through structured planning and leadership development.

The Outcome

The interim appointment provided the Council with a period of stability and renewed confidence during a time of organisational change. The MCH team reported improved engagement, alignment, and a clearer sense of direction under the Interim’s leadership.

The success of the interim engagement created a strong foundation for the subsequent recruitment of the ongoing Manager, Maternal Child Health role later in 2023, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and sustained service outcomes for the community.

Consultant

Josh Mullens

Partner, Interim Executive View Profile
Australian-Aboriginal-Flag Torres_Strait_Islanders_Flag Tino-Rangatiratanga-Maori-sovereignty-movement-flag

We acknowledge the first and continuing custodians of the countries and the grounds upon which we live, lead, and learn. We recognise the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and the land the world over. We welcome their deep knowledge and lessons in stewardship.