Following a significant organisational restructure, the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) needed to appoint its first permanent Chief Operating Officer (COO). This role was pivotal: the COO would be responsible for steering the entire operational framework of the organisation and providing essential leadership during a period of considerable change.
The need for a permanent, high-calibre appointment was urgent. The Foundation had previously attempted direct recruitment but had encountered two unsuccessful rounds, leaving an interim in place for longer than planned. FNF required a recruitment partner who could deliver a secure and timely placement.
Securing the right COO was made complex by the unusually broad and non-negotiable nature of the role. FNF needed a leader who could seamlessly balance diverse responsibilities:
Finding this rare blend of deep financial technicality, broad operational know-how, and resilience to change under pressure was the core challenge of the mandate.
To meet the urgency and high bar for quality, we deployed a highly focused and integrated search strategy that bypassed traditional advertising:
1. Passive Candidate Headhunting
We focused our efforts on an extensive pool of passive candidates, senior professionals who were not actively seeking a new role but possessed the precise, nuanced skill set FNF required. This allowed us to target quality over volume instantly.
2. Network Activation
We utilised our vast, pre-existing network of high-calibre finance and operational leaders to gain immediate traction and access to trusted professionals.
3. Comprehensive Screening
To protect the client's time and ensure a perfect fit, every candidate was met for a thorough first-stage interview with Goodman Masson before being presented to the client.
4. Continuous Client Collaboration
Direct and regular engagement was maintained with the CEO and outgoing interim COO. Timelines and expectations were fully agreed upon and communicated before the search began, ensuring alignment and managing candidate expectations throughout the accelerated process.
Our focused and accelerated approach delivered the required result in record time, securing a pivotal hire that stabilised the FNF's leadership team.
The successful candidate was immediately available, effectively meeting the urgent need for continuity. The hire was secured within the agreed budget and perfectly in line with the defined timelines. This strategic placement provided the Florence Nightingale Foundation with a permanent COO who brings both the critical accounting qualifications and the broad operational experience needed to lead the organisation through its next chapter.
2 Weeks: From mandate to shortlist
2 Weeks: From first interview to offer
4 Weeks: Total search time
100%: Success rate after two previous failed direct recruitment rounds
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A swift, strategic search to secure the first permanent COO for a prestigious charity.
