Founded in 1987, Amadeus is the leading provider of IT solutions to the global tourism and travel industry. Amadeus provide the technology which keeps the travel sector moving – from initial search to making a booking, from pricing to ticketing, from managing reservations to managing check-in and departure processes.
Amadeus approached Maxwell Stephens to support in the recruitment of a Facilities Manager at their London Heathrow facility. Despite initially planning to take a multi-agency approach, the decision was made to partner exclusively with Maxwell Stephens on this recruitment campaign.
Following a positive recommendation, Amadeus approached Maxwell Stephens to support in the recruitment of a Facilities Manager. Despite initially planning to take a multi-agency approach, the decision was made to work exclusively with Maxwell Stephens on this recruitment campaign.
A shortlist of seven candidates was submitted, all of which were invited to take part in initial telephone interviews. Following this, five candidates were invited to face-to-face interviews. One candidate was then invited to several further meetings which included interview tasks and presentations, resulting in a successful appointment to the position.
“Maxwell Stephens was everything I would hope for from a recruitment agent. They knew my skill set and actually put me forward for a role I may not have personally considered. They then kept me fully updated throughout an extended hiring process, and also assisted with final negotiations to ensure I received the package I wanted. I would highly recommend Maxwell Stephens to any FM looking to further their career.”
The Position
The role posed a unique challenge as it combined both elements of Facilities Management and Events Management. The post entailed management and coordination of all operational aspects of The Valley football stadium and the Club’s state of the art training ground, as well as ensuring the efficient and safe running of events on both match and non-match days.
Other key responsibilities of the role included but were not limited to:
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council, emergency services, Stadium Sports Grounds Safety Authority, sponsors and third party venue hirers.
• Ensuring the fabric of the building both internally and externally is maintained and serviced to a high standard in accordance with the management contract and agreed budgets.
• Managing contracted maintenance, security and cleaning service providers to ensure the delivery of service within agreed budgets.
• Assisting emergency planning and business continuity planning; reviewing and updating as necessary to ensure optimum effectiveness.
The Candidate
With a degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture or related field, the ideal candidate would need to have a solid background in Facilities Management, with experience of leading a team to support a similar complex, fast-moving high-technology organisation and the associated commercial dynamics. In addition they would also need to have experience of facilities risk management strategies with sound financial and commercial skills in the procurement and delivery of high quality business support services.
In terms of personal attributes, the ideal candidate would have strong interpersonal, relationship-building, networking and influencing skills, with the ability to manage/influence senior stakeholders. Excellent collaboration skills were also a necessity for the role. The post holder would have the ability to lead and motivate others, whether direct reports or extended team, to ensure a clear focus on key deliverables including customer experience and satisfaction.