Broader Horizons: Unlocking a Path for Educational Transformation

Client Overview

Our client is a PE-backed education management company transforming how schools operate, enabling educators to focus on their mission of inspiring and educating students. As a trusted partner to over 400 schools across 14 states, they deliver customized services that allow campuses to thrive. With a team of 400+ professionals, the organization positively impacts more than 250,000 students’ educational journeys.

Their comprehensive support includes:

• Finance & Accounting
• Enrollment Marketing
• Food Services (NSLP)
• Talent Acquisition
• Human Resources
• IT Support

What sets them apart is their combination of innovation and experience, leveraging data-driven solutions to consistently deliver record-breaking results while tailoring services to each school’s unique vision. Their stated goal is to be the premier partner for any school, delivering unmatched quality and efficiency.

The Challenge/Mandate

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Interim Head of Strategy was tasked with guiding the organization’s strategic direction. This required a strong leader capable of navigating organizational complexity, breaking down silos, and facilitating strategic discussions among senior stakeholders. The role involved leading cross-functional project teams to align on priorities and deliver actionable solutions, with a mandate to create clarity in an evolving operational environment. For the right candidate, this role offered the potential to transition into a permanent leadership position.

Search Strategy

The search focused exclusively on candidates with top-tier management consulting experience (MBB), targeting Senior Associates and Engagement Managers with a proven track record in strategy development and implementation. The ideal profile combined analytical rigor, stakeholder management expertise, and the ability to thrive in dynamic, high-growth environments. Preference was given to individuals with experience leading cross-functional initiatives in complex organizational settings and a willingness to work onsite in the Phoenix Metro area.

The Placement

The successful candidate was a former Engagement Manager at McKinsey with a strong background in strategy and innovation. While at McKinsey, he led initiatives within the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility and contributed to specialized teams including the Battery Accelerator Team and McKinsey Space Quarterly. As Founder and Managing Director of a consulting services firm, he partnered with investors, founders, and leadership teams to:

• Conduct market and ecosystem analyses
• Drive business development and refine product-market fit
• Standardize offerings and address technical and operational scaling challenges

His experience helping startups accelerate transitions in the energy and mobility space showcased his ability to lead transformative efforts and navigate highly complex environments.

The Outcome

The consultant quickly became a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership, driving strategic clarity and fostering alignment across organizational silos. He facilitated key strategy workshops, helping to set the company’s near- and long-term priorities, and implemented a structured roadmap for critical cross-functional initiatives. His contributions enabled leadership to make informed decisions about growth opportunities and organizational design. Due to his success in the interim role, he was offered the opportunity to transition into a permanent Head of Strategy position to continue leading the company’s transformation journey.