Education Executive search

Education has the power to transform lives, create opportunities and strengthen communities.

At a time of increasing expectations, evolving learner needs, workforce challenges and financial pressures, effective leadership is critical to ensuring educational institutions continue to deliver positive outcomes for students, staff and our wider society.

Graduates on a university campus celebrating academic achievement, representing education leadership and talent development. Livingston James provides education executive search services to universities, colleges and learning organisations across Scotland and the UK.

At Livingston James, we work with colleges, universities, training providers and education-focused organisations to attract and appoint exceptional leaders.

We understand that leadership in education requires a unique combination of strategic vision, stakeholder engagement and operational excellence, alongside a genuine commitment to learning, inclusion and student success.

Our commitment to the sector was recognised in September 2026 when Livingston James was awarded the No. 1 ranking on the APUC Executive Search Framework (North). We look forward to continuing to support colleges, universities and education providers in identifying leaders who can shape the future of their institutions and make a lasting difference to learners, staff and the communities they serve.

Through a tailored search process informed by rigorous research and market insight, we help education organisations identify and attract exceptional leaders from across the sector and beyond.

Whether supporting executive, senior leadership or governing body appointments, we help institutions secure individuals who can inspire their people, guide their organisation through change and make a lasting difference to learners, staff and the wider communities they serve.

Contact Our Executive Search Specialists

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

Get in touch directly...

To find out more about our Education Executive Search, please contact Douglas Adam, our education search specialist.

Featured Assignments...

Famous for excellence.

Our dynamic team has experience advising in a wide range of industries and sectors.  We have led and developed businesses from board level, managing people and processes across countless specialisms and geographies. We can bring a unique perspective to your business needs.

Recent Case Studies...

Appointing two pivotal senior leadership roles for Albyn School

Glasgow 2026 Case study: Appointing the Executive team to deliver a new kind of games.

J.W. Filshill Case Study: Advising a Scottish headquartered wholesale business to embrace technological advancements and maintain its position as a market leader

Bute Energy Case Study: Supporting an investment backed onshore wind developer attract industry leading talent

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GROUP CHAIR

JAMIE LIVINGSTON

At Livingston James, an unwavering focus on the impact of our appointments is at the heart of everything we do.  We work in partnership with our clients and candidates to bring together leadership teams that transform organisations and careers for the better. 

Jamie Livingston

Together we achieve more.

Livingston James Group comprises two bespoke sub brands: Livingston James – our executive search and leadership advisory practice, and Rutherford Cross – our specialist finance recruitment practice. This wider group structure complements our robust search and assessment process, allowing clients to access our deep-rooted network and expertise.

Contact Our Executive Search Specialists

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

Livingston James Partners with Inspiring Scotland to Appoint Board Trustees

Livingston James is delighted to be partnering with Inspiring Scotland to appoint Trustees to its Board as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter.

Since 2008, Inspiring Scotland has worked towards a Scotland where everyone, no matter where they live or the circumstances they are born into, is given the chance to enjoy a happy, healthy life free from poverty or disadvantage.

Livingston James Partners with Inspiring Scotland to Appoint Board Trustees

Livingston James is delighted to be partnering with Inspiring Scotland to appoint Trustees to its Board as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter.

Since 2008, Inspiring Scotland has worked towards a Scotland where everyone, no matter where they live or the circumstances they are born into, is given the chance to enjoy a happy, healthy life free from poverty or disadvantage.