Background & Client Overview
Dentsu Aegis Network, a global media and digital marketing communications business, appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit an experienced Soft Services Facilities Manager to strengthen the strategic management and delivery of soft FM services across its property portfolio.
The role was critical to maintaining the high standards expected within a fast-paced, high-profile corporate environment. The successful candidate needed to combine strong operational knowledge with commercial awareness, stakeholder management and the ability to lead multiple outsourced services across several locations.
Dentsu Aegis required a professional who could take ownership of service performance, ensure compliance with health and safety standards, manage budgets effectively and continuously improve the quality and efficiency of the workplace experience.
The Recruitment Challenge
This was a strategically important appointment requiring much more than day-to-day Facilities Management experience.
The successful candidate needed to demonstrate:
Soft Services Expertise
Strong experience managing medium to large soft services contracts, with responsibility for maintaining consistent standards across a multi-site environment.
Contract & Performance Management
The ability to manage suppliers against agreed KPIs, SLAs and contractual obligations, while identifying opportunities to improve performance and service quality.
Health & Safety Knowledge
A strong understanding of workplace health and safety requirements and the confidence to ensure services were delivered in line with appropriate standards and procedures.
Commercial Awareness
Experience managing budgets and allocating resources effectively while maintaining service quality and identifying opportunities for greater cost efficiency.
Leadership & Communication
The ability to influence internal stakeholders, manage external service partners and communicate clearly in a demanding and rapidly changing environment.
Problem-Solving & Adaptability
A calm, positive and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to think laterally and respond effectively when priorities or operational demands changed.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens carried out a targeted search for Facilities Management professionals with a proven background in soft services, contract management, multi-site operations and stakeholder engagement.
Our assessment process focused on both technical competence and cultural fit. Dentsu Aegis needed someone capable of operating confidently within a creative, dynamic and commercially driven business while maintaining the structure and discipline required to manage critical workplace services.
Through detailed screening and assessment, we identified a candidate who combined extensive soft services experience with strong leadership, analytical ability and a clear commitment to service excellence.
Maxwell Stephens successfully placed the candidate as Soft Services Facilities Manager, providing Dentsu Aegis with the experience and capability required to strengthen the FM function.
Impact & Results
The successful appointment delivered improvements across service performance, operational efficiency, commercial control and stakeholder relationships.
Enhanced Service Delivery
The Soft Services Facilities Manager introduced a more rigorous approach to contract and service management, helping ensure services were consistently delivered against agreed KPIs and SLAs.
Clearer expectations and closer performance monitoring strengthened accountability and helped maintain high standards across the portfolio.
Improved Operational Efficiency
A structured and analytical approach to service delivery helped identify opportunities to improve processes and reduce inefficiencies.
This supported a more effective Facilities Management model and ensured properties continued to operate to the standards expected by employees, visitors and senior stakeholders.
Stronger Budget Control
Careful oversight of expenditure and resources helped ensure services remained within agreed budgets while maintaining quality.
The candidate also identified opportunities to improve value for money and make more effective use of available resources.
Better Supplier & Contract Management
Stronger management of external service providers improved consistency, responsiveness and contractual performance.
Regular communication and performance review helped ensure suppliers remained aligned with Dentsu Aegis Network’s operational requirements.
Stronger Stakeholder Relationships
The successful candidate developed productive relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
Proactive communication, strong leadership and a collaborative approach helped build confidence in the Facilities Management function and supported a more effective working environment.
Outcome
The successful placement strengthened Dentsu Aegis Network’s soft Facilities Management capability and provided the business with a professional capable of balancing service excellence, commercial control, compliance and stakeholder expectations.
The appointment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens’ ability to recruit Facilities Management professionals who can thrive in complex corporate environments and deliver measurable improvements across soft services, supplier performance, workplace operations and customer experience.
Looking for an experienced Soft Services Facilities Manager to strengthen your workplace operations? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.