TRANSEARCH was retained to conduct a search for a General Manager Intermodal for Aurizon (previously known as Queensland Rail). The GM Intermodal position called for knowledge of terminal operations where there was an intersection of rail, road and sea transport. This is a highly male dominated area however, the organisation wanted to ensure there was diversity and gender balance in the shortlist.
TRANSEARCH conducted a thorough search and after several weeks of talent mapping, screening and interviewing, a shortlist emerged. The shortlist was longer than normal as it included those candidates who met the brief, as well as emerging leaders who did not have the requisite experience but showed excellent potential and who, with support and development could rise to the challenge. This included both internal and external candidates.
The candidates who best fitted the brief were all males, but the best of the emerging leaders where predominately females. This was presented to the client who met a combination of these candidates. While the client was ideally seeking to appoint a female and were impressed with the calibre of female candidates, they ultimately made an internal appointment. Due to the criticality and autonomous nature of the role, support and development was going to prove difficult for this particular position, so they were forced into an uncompromising position and ultimately appointed a highly experienced internal male candidate. TRANSEARCH then put the emerging female leaders on a watch list and referred them to other parts of Aurizon.
This a case study demonstrating a willingness to explore all options and providing opportunities for female candidates into emerging leadership roles.
Bill Sakellaris has a long and reputable profile in executive search spanning 25 years. His prime focus is on securing CEOs, ‘C’ suite executives and senior professionals across a broad range of sectors including industrials, property, infrastructure and professional services. Bill is the Managing Director of TRANSEARCH Australia and Regional Vice President – Asia Pacific of TRANSEARCH International. Read more…
