Head of Learning Strategy, Australian Big 4 Bank

THE ROLE

A newly created position to oversee a rapidly changing learning function which was evolving from a culture of taking orders for off the shelf products to one where this role and their team would genuinely consult with the business. 

THE ASSIGNMENT

The assignment had an added quirk in that we needed to hire at the Head of level but the incumbent would initially be placed in a relationship management role with the most demanding division of the bank. As a contingent assignment the sourcing focused on database search and blind advertising stating the client’s strong preference for banking experience.

THE OUTCOME

The search yielded strong banking candidates but not the blend of technical expertise, stakeholder management and team leadership credentials required for the role. We agreed to broaden the search outside of banking and also look at interstate candidates with a slightly more attractive package to entice the move. The successful candidate came from an insurance learning background and most crucially, had the correct attitude required to embrace lower level responsibilities initially as an opportunity – to see the how the mechanics of the function worked – before taking on leadership responsibilities.