Client Overview
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body for housing, dedicated to supporting housing professionals and promoting excellence across the sector. With operations spanning multiple locations, including key offices in Coventry and London, CIH required an experienced Facilities Manager to oversee its workplace environments, support operational effectiveness, and ensure the organisation’s assets, people, and facilities were managed to the highest standards.
The role formed a critical part of the organisation’s operational infrastructure, supporting staff, members, visitors, and stakeholders while ensuring compliance, efficiency, and value for money across the estate.
The Challenge
CIH required a Facilities Manager capable of providing both strategic leadership and day-to-day operational oversight across multiple locations.
The successful candidate needed to manage a broad range of facilities management responsibilities while supporting organisational objectives around governance, efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.
Key responsibilities included:
- Managing facilities operations across the Coventry and London offices
- Ensuring statutory compliance and health & safety management
- Overseeing building maintenance and workplace services
- Managing procurement processes and supplier relationships
- Driving value for money across facilities contracts and operational expenditure
- Supporting asset management and workplace planning
- Managing facilities-related budgets and service agreements
- Leading a multi-disciplinary team including reception, office support, and facilities personnel
- Supporting remote workers through appropriate facilities and compliance measures
- Ensuring safe, secure, and productive working environments
The role demanded strong leadership, commercial awareness, and the ability to operate effectively across multiple sites while maintaining high service standards.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
We worked closely with CIH to develop a detailed understanding of the role, organisational culture, and operational priorities.
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying candidates with experience in:
- Multi-site facilities management
- Health & safety compliance
- Procurement and supplier management
- Budget and contract management
- Team leadership and people management
- Workplace operations and customer service
- Asset and property management
- Governance and compliance environments
Targeted Search Strategy
Drawing upon our specialist facilities management network, we conducted a targeted search focused on experienced facilities professionals with a proven track record in managing diverse operational environments.
We prioritised candidates who demonstrated:
- Strong facilities management expertise
- Multi-site operational leadership
- Experience delivering cost efficiencies and procurement savings
- Health & safety and compliance knowledge
- Excellent stakeholder management skills
- The ability to lead and develop operational teams
Candidate Assessment
Each shortlisted candidate underwent a comprehensive assessment process to evaluate their technical competence, leadership capabilities, commercial acumen, and alignment with CIH’s values and organisational objectives.
The Outcome
We successfully appointed an experienced Facilities Manager who brought a strong blend of operational expertise, leadership capability, and strategic thinking.
The successful candidate quickly assumed responsibility for facilities operations across both offices, working closely with senior leadership to enhance operational performance and support the organisation’s long-term objectives.
Results Delivered
Enhanced Facilities Operations
The appointed manager strengthened day-to-day facilities management processes, ensuring consistent service delivery and operational efficiency across both locations.
Improved Health & Safety Compliance
Through proactive compliance management and robust governance processes, the candidate enhanced health & safety standards across the organisation while supporting both office-based and remote employees.
Stronger Procurement and Supplier Management
The candidate introduced effective procurement practices and supplier performance management measures, helping to improve service quality and deliver greater value for money.
Effective Team Leadership
By providing clear leadership and support to facilities, reception, and administrative teams, the candidate helped create a collaborative and service-focused operational culture.
Operational Efficiency
Improved processes, stronger controls, and enhanced contract management contributed to greater operational resilience and workplace effectiveness across the organisation.
The Impact
The appointment has strengthened CIH’s facilities management function, providing the organisation with the leadership required to support a modern, multi-site workplace environment.
Key benefits delivered include:
- Improved operational efficiency across multiple locations
- Enhanced health & safety compliance and governance
- Stronger supplier and procurement management
- Better workplace support for employees and stakeholders
- Effective leadership of facilities and support teams
- Increased alignment between facilities operations and organisational objectives
This successful placement highlights Maxwell Stephens’ expertise in recruiting facilities management professionals capable of delivering operational excellence, compliance, and strategic value across complex multi-site organisations.