Case Study

Strengthening Council Through the Right Leadership

OnTalent

Case Study

Strengthening Council Through the Right Leadership

Overview

After a rigorous selection process Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) appointed OnTalent to lead the search for a new Chief Executive Officer following the departure of its long standing CEO. With a $703.6 million annual budget, $6.2 billion asset base, and a workforce of 1,700 across 13,000 km², this was a critical and high profile appointment. The process needed to inspire confidence among elected oficials, align with the Council’s 2024–2029 Corporate Plan, and deliver a CEO ready to lead into the future.

Objectives
  • Appoint an interim CEO to maintain Council operations during the permanent CEO
  • Deliver a transparent, fair, and robust recruitment process
  • Define the ideal leadership profile in line with Council strategy
  • Attract a field of high calibre executives
  • Uphold best practice probity and governance
  • Secure a CEO equipped to drive transformation, build trust, and strengthen sustainability
Approach

Utilise OnTalent Networks

Leveraged OnTalent’s established networks to deliver a short term CEO solution, allowing Council the time and support needed to shape a long term recruitment strategy aligned with Toowoomba’s future direction.

Stakeholder Consultation and Profiling

Held in-depth one-on-one interviews and a facilitated workshop with the Mayor, Councillors, and Executive Team to align expectations. This work helped shape a clear leadership profile and cultural brief as well as set parameters for decision making.

Targeted Attraction Strategy

  • Our national campaign included:
  • Advertising across SEEK, LinkedIn, Australian Local Government Job Directory, dynamic print advertising in the Weekend Australian, Australian Financial Review and select regional publications
  • A custom microsite highlighting the region and opportunity
  • Targeted executive search backed with extensive research, complemented by the lead OnTalent consultant utilising their national networks and OnTalent’s proprietary database
  • Direct outreach to passive and active talent

Interview Process

Round 1: Behavioural and motivational interviews – Panel included all eleven Councillors.

Round 2: Scenario presentation focusing on financial and cultural transformation – Panel included all members of Council Checks: Psychometric assessments and full probity checks completed on shortlisted candidates plus 360 degree reference checks.

Outcomes

61 Applications Received

30 Screened & Reviewed

21 Longlist & Evaluated

12 Interviewed by OnTalent

5 High Calibre Candidates Shortlisted

What Made it Successful

Collaborative Process: Ongoing engagement with Council ensured trust, clarity, and shared understanding at every stage.

Thorough Evaluation: Layered assessment process enabled robust decision-making grounded in data and performance evidence.

Candidate Experience: All candidates were kept informed, briefed, and provided with meaningful feedback. Internal candidates received coaching and post-process support.

Confident Appointment: The selected candidate brought proven leadership across local, state, and federal government, with deep local knowledge and a strong track record of delivery. The appointment received full support from Council.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates OnTalent’s ability to lead complex executive searches in the public sector. With a structured, consultative, and transparent approach, we helped Toowoomba Regional Council appoint a CEO who is well-positioned to deliver on strategic goals and community expectations.

Testimonial

Tash and the On Talent team worked alongside Councillors to ensure we gave ourselves the best chance of a successful result. Councillors understood the gravity of the task, and needed confidence in the process. Tash provided this confidence and expertise.” Cr Geoff McDonald JP Qual, Mayor Toowoomba

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