Background
Cluttons is one of the UK's leading property consultancies, delivering expert advice across the residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors. With a strong presence throughout London, the Middle East and international markets, the firm provides a comprehensive range of services including commercial property, residential, valuation, asset management, Facilities Management and strategic consultancy.
Having previously partnered with Maxwell Stephens on several successful recruitment assignments, Cluttons once again appointed us to recruit a Health, Safety, Sustainability & Environmental (HSSE) Manager—a specialist leadership role central to the firm's commitment to compliance, sustainability and responsible property management.
The Challenge
This appointment required an experienced HSSE professional capable of supporting both Cluttons' internal operations and its extensive property management portfolio on behalf of clients.
The successful candidate would act as the organisation's subject matter expert across health & safety, environmental management and sustainability while ensuring compliance with an evolving legislative landscape.
Key responsibilities included:
- Providing strategic leadership across Health, Safety, Sustainability and Environmental management.
- Advising both internal stakeholders and external property management clients.
- Leading compliance with UK Health & Safety legislation.
- Acting as Cluttons' subject matter expert for sustainability and energy management.
- Managing the firm's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) programme.
- Conducting property inspections and workplace risk assessments.
- Supporting statutory compliance across the corporate office portfolio.
- Mentoring and developing HSSE Coordinators.
- Working closely with outsourced Facilities Management providers.
- Driving environmental initiatives and continuous improvement.
- Supporting ISO accreditation and compliance programmes.
- Promoting best practice across the business and managed properties.
The role demanded an individual with outstanding technical knowledge, commercial awareness and the ability to influence stakeholders across a diverse property portfolio.
Our Approach
Working closely with Cluttons' leadership team, Maxwell Stephens developed a detailed understanding of the technical requirements, regulatory responsibilities and strategic objectives associated with the role.
Our executive search focused on experienced HSSE professionals with backgrounds in property consultancy, commercial real estate and Facilities Management.
We prioritised candidates with expertise in:
- Health & Safety leadership.
- Sustainability and environmental management.
- Commercial property and Facilities Management.
- ESOS compliance and energy management.
- Property inspections and statutory compliance.
- ISO management systems, including ISO 14001.
- Contractor management and workplace compliance.
- Risk assessment and operational governance.
- Stakeholder engagement and technical advisory services.
Professional qualifications such as GradIOSH, NEBOSH, IWFM, environmental management certifications and progress towards professional memberships including IEMA were considered highly desirable.
Throughout the search, we placed significant emphasis on identifying candidates capable of combining technical excellence with commercial pragmatism and exceptional stakeholder management skills.
The Outcome
Following a comprehensive executive search and rigorous assessment process, Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an outstanding Health, Safety, Sustainability & Environmental Manager.
The successful candidate brought extensive experience across Health & Safety, environmental compliance and property management, enabling them to make an immediate impact across Cluttons' operations and client portfolio.
Since joining the business, they have successfully:
- Strengthened Health & Safety governance across the organisation.
- Enhanced sustainability and environmental performance.
- Led compliance with ESOS and wider environmental legislation.
- Improved statutory compliance across managed properties.
- Supported successful ISO management and accreditation programmes.
- Provided expert technical guidance to clients and colleagues.
- Developed a stronger culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
The appointment reinforced Cluttons' commitment to responsible property management while demonstrating Maxwell Stephens' expertise in recruiting specialist Health, Safety and Sustainability professionals.
Specialist Recruitment for Health, Safety & Sustainability Leaders
As environmental legislation, compliance requirements and ESG expectations continue to evolve, organisations require experienced professionals capable of protecting people, property and reputation.
Maxwell Stephens combines deep Facilities Management expertise with specialist HSSE recruitment knowledge to deliver exceptional leaders who drive compliance, sustainability and operational excellence.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Maxwell Stephens for helping me secure this role. The team at Maxwell Stephens have been true professionals from start to finish, checking in with me every step of the way. If you’re looking for a new role in Facilities Management, I can highly recommend speaking to Maxwell Stephens first! Thanks again!”
Health and Safety, Sustainability and Environmental Manager, Cluttons.