Case Studies
Representative senior living leadership searches and the challenges behind them.
CASE STUDY
Senior Director of Operations Search for a Multi-Site Senior Living Operator
Highgate Senior Living retained LM Hurley & Associates to conduct a Senior Director of Operations search for a newly created corporate leadership role supporting field operations across a multi-site senior living portfolio.
The ChallengeHighgate Senior Living had developed, owned, and operated senior living communities in the Western United States for more than 25 years, building a brand centered on purposeful living, innovation, collaboration, and a high-performance culture.
The organization needed a Senior Director of Operations to work from its corporate headquarters and support the CEO by helping manage field operations across a portfolio of independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities. Because this was a newly created role, the search required more than simply replacing an existing leader. The right candidate needed multi-site operations experience, strong communication skills, the ability to support community leaders, and the judgment to help advance performance while fitting Highgate’s distinctive culture. This was not simply a regional operations search. It was a newly created corporate leadership role requiring multi-site operating experience, cultural fit, and the ability to support both the CEO and field leaders.The SearchLM Hurley & Associates already knew Highgate Senior Living well, having completed several prior searches for the organization. Even with that established relationship, we worked closely with the CEO to clarify the role, refine the job description, and develop a search specification aligned with the company’s culture, operating standards, and leadership needs. The search strategy included a focused regional effort within a commutable radius of the corporate headquarters, combined with a broader statewide search. Because the role was not remote, relocation was possible but local or regional alignment was especially valuable. The goal was to identify a visionary and results-oriented Senior Director of Operations with multi-site management experience, senior living operating knowledge, and the ability to help drive operational excellence, resident satisfaction, and team member engagement across the portfolio. The ResultLM Hurley & Associates contacted and screened 65 prospects and extensively interviewed 7 candidates. After evaluation, we narrowed the field to the three strongest candidates and presented them to the organization. Highgate selected all three finalists to interview and ultimately chose a candidate who exceeded the search specifications and did not require relocation. An offer was extended and accepted within 62 days of engagement. The selected Senior Director of Operations brought Regional Vice President experience, including oversight of 290 employees and direct supervision of 11 General Managers and 11 Sales Directors. She also brought a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a background well aligned with multi-site senior living operations. |
SEARCH SNAPSHOT CLIENT Highgate Senior Living Search Model Exclusive Engagement Search ROLE Senior Director of Operations TIMELINE Offer accepted within 62 days of engagement SEARCH ACTIVITY 65 prospects contacted and screened; 7 candidates interviewed FINALISTS Three finalists presented; all three interviewed by the client 
What Made It Complex
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Why This Search Mattered
This search helped Highgate Senior Living strengthen its operating infrastructure by adding a corporate leader who could support field operations, community performance, and the CEO’s broader leadership priorities.
By identifying a candidate with regional operations experience, multi-site leadership ability, and strong cultural alignment, LM Hurley helped the organization fill a newly created role designed to support continued growth and operating excellence.
By identifying a candidate with regional operations experience, multi-site leadership ability, and strong cultural alignment, LM Hurley helped the organization fill a newly created role designed to support continued growth and operating excellence.
