Background

British Airways Pension Services Limited is a specialist independent organisation responsible for managing British Airways' pension schemes on behalf of the Trustees.

Operating from a four-storey leasehold office building in West London, the organisation required an experienced Building Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day management, compliance, maintenance and operational performance of the facility.

With 66 employees based on site, the appointment was critical to ensuring a safe, efficient, compliant and well-managed working environment for staff, visitors, contractors and stakeholders.

The Challenge

British Airways Pension Services required a Building Manager who could combine hands-on facilities management expertise with strong technical knowledge, excellent organisation and the ability to manage a broad range of responsibilities independently.

The successful candidate would need to oversee all aspects of building maintenance, manage external contractors, ensure full compliance with health and safety legislation, support business continuity planning and deliver key operational projects.

The ideal candidate required:

• Strong project management experience.
• Proven procurement, negotiation and contract management skills.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering and chilled water systems.
• Health and safety qualifications, ideally IOSH or NEBOSH.
• A practical, adaptable and hands-on approach.
• Excellent time management and communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively with staff, contractors and the managing agent.

Given the technical, operational and stakeholder-focused nature of the role, it was essential to identify someone who could quickly integrate into the organisation and take full ownership of the building.

Our Approach

Maxwell Stephens carried out a focused recruitment campaign, drawing on our extensive network of Facilities Management and Building Management professionals.

Our process included:

• Understanding the Brief – We worked closely with British Airways Pension Services to understand the building, company culture, reporting structure and operational priorities.
• Targeted Candidate Search – We identified candidates with relevant experience managing similar office environments, with particular focus on technical building knowledge, health and safety, project delivery and contractor management.
• Detailed Screening – Each candidate was carefully assessed against the specific requirements of the role, including compliance capability, stakeholder management, budget awareness and hands-on operational delivery.
• Shortlist Presentation – We presented a carefully selected shortlist of candidates who matched both the technical requirements and the professional style needed to succeed within the organisation.

The Outcome

British Airways Pension Services appointed a highly capable Building Manager who exceeded expectations in both experience and approach.

The successful candidate quickly established themselves in the role, taking responsibility for the day-to-day management of the building and ensuring all maintenance, compliance and operational activities were delivered effectively.

They successfully:

• Managed planned and reactive maintenance across the building.
• Oversaw external contractors and supplier relationships.
• Supported health and safety compliance across the workplace.
• Delivered key operational projects with minimal disruption.
• Strengthened business continuity and building management processes.
• Built strong working relationships with staff, contractors and the managing agent.

Their proactive approach, technical knowledge and calm professionalism helped improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety standards and ensure the building continued to support the needs of the organisation.

This successful appointment highlights Maxwell Stephens' ability to identify Facilities Management professionals who combine technical expertise, practical delivery and strong relationship management in specialist operational environments.

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