Background
Amadeus is one of the world's leading technology companies serving the global travel and tourism industry. Its software powers airlines, airports, hotels, travel agencies and rail operators across more than 190 countries, supporting every stage of the traveller journey—from booking and ticketing through to check-in, departure and customer experience.
As part of its continued investment in workplace operations, Amadeus sought to appoint a Facilities Manager for its London Heathrow office. Although the company initially intended to engage several recruitment agencies, following a recommendation and an initial consultation they chose to appoint Maxwell Stephens exclusively to manage the search.
The Challenge
Amadeus required an experienced Facilities Manager capable of leading workplace operations within a complex, fast-paced technology environment.
The successful candidate would be responsible for ensuring the Heathrow office operated safely, efficiently and in line with the high operational standards expected by a global technology organisation.
Key responsibilities included:
- Leading all day-to-day Facilities Management operations.
- Managing planned and reactive building maintenance.
- Overseeing hard and soft Facilities Management services.
- Managing supplier relationships and service contracts.
- Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation.
- Developing facilities risk management strategies.
- Managing operational budgets and procurement activities.
- Supporting workplace projects and office improvements.
- Driving service excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders across the business.
The role required an experienced leader with excellent commercial awareness, strong technical knowledge and the ability to support a dynamic, technology-driven workplace.
Our Approach
Following detailed consultation meetings with Amadeus, Maxwell Stephens developed a thorough understanding of the organisation's culture, operational requirements and long-term workplace objectives.
Using our specialist Facilities Management network, we carried out a targeted executive search focused on professionals with experience managing complex corporate environments.
Our recruitment process included:
- Executive search and targeted headhunting.
- Comprehensive competency-based interviews.
- Technical assessment against the role requirements.
- Evaluation of leadership capability and stakeholder management.
- Cultural fit assessment.
We presented a shortlist of seven carefully selected candidates, all of whom progressed to an initial telephone interview.
Following this stage:
- Five candidates were invited to face-to-face interviews.
- Finalists completed further interview stages, including presentations and assessment exercises.
- One outstanding candidate was successfully appointed.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully recruited an experienced Facilities Manager who combined strong technical expertise with excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
The successful candidate brought extensive experience managing Facilities Management services within complex corporate environments and quickly established themselves as a valued member of the organisation.
Since joining Amadeus, they have successfully:
- Strengthened Facilities Management operations across the Heathrow office.
- Enhanced contractor performance and supplier management.
- Improved operational resilience and compliance.
- Delivered workplace improvements supporting employee experience.
- Maintained high standards of Health & Safety and risk management.
- Supported business growth through effective workplace leadership.
The successful appointment further demonstrated Maxwell Stephens' ability to recruit senior Facilities Management professionals for global technology organisations where operational excellence and customer experience are equally important.
Specialist Recruitment for Global Workplace Leaders
Recruiting Facilities leaders for international technology businesses requires more than technical knowledge—it demands commercial awareness, stakeholder management skills and the ability to support constantly evolving workplaces.
Maxwell Stephens combines deep sector expertise with a rigorous executive search process to deliver leaders who enhance both operational performance and workplace experience.
Candidate Testimonial
"Maxwell Stephens was everything I would hope for from a recruitment partner. They understood my experience and introduced me to a role I may not have considered myself. Throughout a lengthy recruitment process they kept me fully informed, provided excellent advice and successfully negotiated the final package on my behalf. I would highly recommend Maxwell Stephens to any Facilities Management professional looking to progress their career."