Exec search for a Regional Director of a MAT

Introduction

In the competitive field of education, Multi Academy Trust Headhunters play a crucial role in securing top leadership talent.

A UK multi academy trust needed a Regional Director. The role covered a group of schools, and demanded credible leadership. Network and advertising had not worked. We were engaged to run an executive search to provide a robust shortlist with clear evidence.

The challenge

• Secure a leader with deep MAT experience who could combine school improvement rigour with operational oversight.
• Provide visible leadership to heads, and partner well with central teams and the board.
• Maintain performance, and create fast improvement.
• Deliver a high quality shortlist quickly.

Our approach

We ran a targeted headhunt across trusts, and adjacent education bodies.

We calibrated the role and success profile with the client.

Our Multi Academy Trust Headhunters mapped the market, and engaged passive leaders from high performing organisations.

Our structured assessment covered school improvement, operational cadence, people leadership, and stakeholder partnering.

Each candidate had an evidence led summary, and a consistent scorecard.

We protected confidentiality throughout.

The result

Excellent candidates were shortlisted for this challenging role.

We delivered the shortlist within six weeks.

The successful candidate had significant experience in a similar leadership role within a multi academy trust. 

Our headhunt opened a different pool of high performing candidates. The appointee built trust quickly.

They aligned school plans, strengthened leadership capability, and improved consistency.

Early results showed better attendance, stable budgets, and clearer accountability.

Why it worked

Headhunting reached passive high performing leaders, who were not active in the market.

A clear brief, a structured assessment and consistent evidence created confidence.

Tight timelines supported momentum, and enabled a decisive move from shortlist to offer.

Contact us

If you are a multi academy trust or education organisation planning a senior regional leadership hire or transition, we can help you secure proven leadership.

Call: 0207 160 6996
Email: info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk
Visit: executiveheadhunters.co.uk

If you are looking to recruit a Senior Leadership role in Education, Book a time in the diary of one of our Directors for a confidential discussion

Read more about our Executive Search Services for Senior Leadership roles in Education

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