Client Overview
Green Acres is a pioneering organisation within the memorial park sector, operating a growing portfolio of environmentally conscious memorial parks across the United Kingdom. Combining exceptional landscape management with a sensitive and sustainable approach to remembrance, Green Acres has established itself as a leader within a unique and highly specialised sector .As the organisation continued to expand, it required an experienced Facilities Manager capable of overseeing infrastructure compliance, operational performance and estate development across multiple locations. The appointment was critical to ensuring the continued delivery of safe, compliant and well-maintained environments while supporting the organisation’s long-term growth strategy.
The Challenge
GreenAcres required a Facilities Manager capable of managing a geographically dispersed portfolio while balancing operational delivery with strategic oversight.
This was a highly varied role requiring responsibility for multiple sites, each with unique operational requirements, stakeholder groups and estate management challenges.
Key areas of responsibility included:
• Multi-site facilities management
• Health, safety and compliance leadership
• Contractor and supplier management
• Asset and infrastructure management
• Planned and reactive maintenance oversight
• Fleet management
• Capital works and development projects
• Budget management and cost control
• Risk management and governance
• Operational performance improvement
• Stakeholder engagement across multiple locations
The successful candidate needed to demonstrate a combination of technical facilities management expertise, strong leadership capability and the emotional intelligence required to operate within a values-driven organisation serving communities and families.
Managing six geographically dispersed sites also required a high degree of autonomy, organisational capability and the ability to build effective relationships across a broad range of stakeholders.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with Green Acres’ senior leadership team to develop a detailed understanding of the organisation’s operational structure, culture and long-term objectives.
The role required a facilities professional who could not only manage operational responsibilities but also contribute to future development projects and support the organisation’s wider vision.
Specialist Search Process
Drawing upon our extensive Facilities Management network, we conducted a targeted search focused on candidates with experience across:
• Multi-site Facilities Management
• Estates and Infrastructure Management
• Health & Safety Leadership
• Asset Management
• Contractor and Supplier Management
• Operational Compliance
• Project and Capital Works Delivery
• Decentralised and Regional Operations
Rather than relying solely on active applicants, we undertook a proactive market search to identify high-calibre professionals with the experience and personal attributes required for this unique opportunity.
Candidate Assessment
Candidates were assessed against both technical and cultural criteria, including:
• Facilities and estate management expertise
• Health, safety and compliance leadership
• Contractor and infrastructure management capability
• Project delivery experience
• Stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Ability to operate independently across multiple locations
• Cultural alignment with a values-led organisation
• Leadership and problem-solving capability
Our recruitment process focused on identifying candidates capable of supporting both operational performance and future organisational growth.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced Facilities Manager with a strong background in multi-site operations, compliance management and infrastructure oversight.
The successful candidate brought extensive experience managing geographically dispersed estates and demonstrated a proven ability to balance operational delivery with strategic planning.
Key strengths included:
• Significant multi-site facilities management experience
• Strong health and safety leadership capability
• Expertise in contractor, asset and infrastructure management
• Proven project and operational improvement experience
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• A proactive and solutions-focused leadership style
• Excellent cultural alignment with the organisation’s values and mission
Following their appointment, the Facilities Manager quickly integrated into the organisation and assumed responsibility for operational performance across the portfolio.
Working closely with site teams, contractors and senior leadership, they have played a key role in supporting both day-to-day facilities operations and longer-term development initiatives.
Results Delivered
The appointment delivered significant benefits across GreenAcres’ national portfolio, including:
• Enhanced oversight of multi-site facilities operations
• Improved health, safety and compliance management
• Stronger contractor and supplier performance
• Improved asset and infrastructure management
• Support for capital projects and estate development initiatives
• Increased operational consistency across all locations
• Enhanced governance and risk management processes
• Strengthened facilities leadership across the organisation
The successful placement provided GreenAcres with a Facilities Manager capable of supporting both immediate operational priorities and the long-term development of its unique and growing estate portfolio.
Specialist Facilities & Estates Management Recruitment
Maxwell Stephens supports organisations across commercial, heritage, charitable, public-sector and specialist operational environments with recruitment solutions covering facilities, estates and property management.
Our expertise includes:
• Facilities Management
• Estates Management
• Multi-Site Operations
• Health & Safety Leadership
• Asset & Infrastructure Management
• Contractor Management
• Property & Workplace Services
• Strategic Facilities Leadership
By combining specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise with a deep understanding of operational environments, we help organisations secure the professionals responsible for maintaining safe, compliant and high-performing estates while supporting long-term organisational growth.