Background & Client Overview
Cofely GDF Suez, a major energy and Facilities Management business, appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit a senior leader for its UK Technical Services and Facilities Management division.
The position was a Board-level appointment with direct reporting to the Group CEO and responsibility for a £180 million UK business.
GDF Suez has since been renamed ENGIE, and Cofely's UK business now trades under the ENGIE name.
The Challenge
The brief required a Managing Director capable of leading a large, geographically dispersed business while also driving growth, improving service delivery and maintaining technical excellence.
The successful candidate needed a strong track record in Facilities Management and technical services, together with the leadership capability to manage a sizeable workforce, develop the business strategically and maintain effective relationships across contracts of different scales.
The role also demanded the ability to support organisational improvement through better systems, processes, training and operational discipline.
The Market for This Role
Managing Director appointments at FM and technical services providers combine three jobs: running a profit and loss account, holding together a portfolio of client contracts of very different sizes, and leading a large, dispersed workforce. Candidates who have done all three at this scale are few, and almost all of them are employed by competitors.
That is why searches at this level are run confidentially, as executive search rather than advertising, with the approach made directly to people in post.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens undertook a targeted executive search across the Facilities Management and technical-services market.
We worked closely with Cofely GDF Suez to define the leadership profile required, balancing technical credibility, general-management experience, strategic vision and the ability to lead a large operation through continued growth and development.
The Results
Through a rigorous selection process, Maxwell Stephens identified and placed a Managing Director with the experience and leadership qualities required for the role.
The role carried Board-level responsibility for a £180 million UK business, its workforce and its growth, reporting to the Group CEO.
Looking for senior Facilities Management or technical-services leadership? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss an executive search.
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