Searchlight Group

Searchlight Group is an executive search and recruitment agency founded by Michael Holdway, who brings decades of hands-on experience from careers in public service, public education, and not-for-profit leadership. The company specialises exclusively in executive recruitment for the public sector and for-purpose organisations, going beyond traditional database searches to connect organisations with leaders who understand their mission and possess the resilience needed to succeed in complex environments. With over 40 years of combined executive search experience and more than 1,000 appointments to their name, Searchlight Group has established itself as a trusted partner for forward-thinking leaders seeking to create lasting change.

Searchlight Group's core expertise spans the public sector, not-for-profit organisations, and community organisations. The team brings genuine sector knowledge, having worked within these environments themselves, which enables them to assess candidates not only for technical skills but also for cultural fit, core values, and mission alignment. Their precision matching approach ensures that every candidate presented is thoroughly vetted for the resilience and experience required to lead in complex public and for-purpose settings, moving beyond checkbox recruitment to deliver candidates who will truly excel and thrive in their roles.

Based in Melbourne with national reach across their global firm, Searchlight Group serves organisations throughout Australia and beyond. Clients choose Searchlight Group because of their person-centred approach, their commitment to taking time to understand unique organisational challenges and culture, and their refusal to cut corners. By focusing exclusively on public sector and for-purpose executive recruitment, the company ensures that their deep sector experience makes the maximum possible positive impact for every client, keeping their mission in safe hands.