Director of Operations Recruitment | Collingwood

The Role

Look Ahead approached Collingwood to search for a new Director of Operations (learning disability services). The incumbent would drive the learning disabilities strategy and provide leadership of the full operations function.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this post was a business critical, board level, position.

The Solution

An in-depth meeting was held with Look Ahead to fully map out both the technical and behavioural attributes the incumbent would need to possess. It was quickly apparent that give the multi-faceted nature of the role, it required a solutions-focussed leader with a blend of clinical and commercial expertise.

Given our extensive understanding of the learning disability marketplace and a strong network of senior operators within the sector, a tight but highly targeted group of approximately 30 individuals were identified.

Following rigorous screening, interview & assessment, four candidates were shortlisted to the client.

The Result

After Collingwood’s two-stage interview process, this was repeated by Look Ahead. Led by board and trustee members of the organisation, the four candidates were streamlined to three for the final stage.

To add to their own appraisal, Look Ahead were aided by comprehensive interview notes & behavioural profiling analysis provided by Collingwood

After evaluating the candidates performance and, crucially, fit for the business a first time, unanimous decision was made to appoint.

Collingwood ran this appointment as an executive search.