Background
Anabas, a facilities management service provider known for its commitment to service quality, asked Maxwell Stephens to recruit an Account Director. The role was pivotal to the business: it called for a strategic leader with a genuine interest in building high-performing teams and delivering a consistently high standard of service to clients.
Account Director appointments at FM service providers carry a particular weight. The appointee is the face of the provider to its client, responsible for the relationship, the delivery and the commercial health of the account at the same time. A strong operator who cannot hold a boardroom conversation, or a polished relationship manager without operational depth, will struggle in the role. Anabas needed both.
The Challenge
The brief went beyond technical competence. Anabas wanted someone who embodied its values and ethos, not simply someone who met the specification on paper. Maxwell Stephens therefore ran a rigorous recruitment process built around two questions: could the candidate lead the account to the standard Anabas expected, and would they fit the way Anabas works?
After extensive screening and assessment, a standout candidate emerged who answered both.
The Outcome
The appointed Account Director brought a distinguished background in strategic facilities management and a track record of senior leadership. Their qualifications included membership of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and certifications in Health & Safety and Environmental Management, demonstrating a commitment to professional standards and compliance.
Feedback from a candidate Maxwell Stephens has placed:
Peter has always been my first ‘go to’ on the occasions where I’ve been job hunting. Peter and his team has helped me secure two fantastic senior roles over the past 5 years, both of which have been an excellent fit for my experience and my personality profile. I have found the team to be the best recruiters in terms of regular communication/updates/transparency etc when applying for roles they have posted and during the interview/negotiation stages. For job searchers, these are the most critical aspects we look for when working with a recruiter. Peter really understands his customers and will actively seek candidates who he knows will be the right fit for his clients.
Why This Placement Worked
Account Director searches succeed when the client is clear that values fit is a requirement rather than a preference, and when the recruiter assesses for it rather than assuming it. Anabas was clear, and the process was built accordingly.
If you are recruiting an Account Director or another senior client-facing role in FM service delivery, Maxwell Stephens can help you define the brief and find candidates who combine operational credibility with leadership. Get in touch with our team.
Planning a similar appointment? Explore our Facilities Management recruitment approach.