Background
Recently, we partnered with Costain, a renowned British engineering and construction group, to recruit a Group Facilities Manager. This pivotal role required a dynamic professional to manage facilities across a regional portfolio, ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and strategic oversight.
The role and the challenge
The Group Facilities Manager role was vital to Costain’s Group Facilities department, which is dedicated to supporting people and ensuring the functionality, safety, and efficiency of their workspaces. This position, based in London (Liverpool Street) with travel across the South of the UK, demanded an individual capable of:
• Managing the day-to-day operations of office and project facilities.
• Overseeing statutory compliance, maintenance, and security.
• Developing long-term capital improvement plans.
• Handling budget setting and management for properties within their remit.
• Supporting project offices with facilities management expertise.
This multifaceted role required expertise in tendering contracts, managing facility operations, mobilising and demobilising offices, and delivering high standards in health and safety, business continuity, and contractor management.
The ideal candidate needed to possess a strong combination of technical knowledge, leadership experience, and interpersonal skills. Essential qualifications included:
• A professional qualification in Facilities Management (IWFM Level 4+) or equivalent experience.
• A health and safety qualification such as NEBOSH or IOSH.
• A proven track record of contractor management and facilities leadership in a corporate, multi-site environment.
In addition, the role demanded excellent IT skills, particularly in AV and video conferencing technology, and a solid understanding of UK health and safety laws.
Our Approach and The Outcome
We adopted a targeted approach to identify candidates with the technical expertise and leadership capabilities Costain required. We leveraged our extensive network, bespoke recruitment strategies, and industry insight to source and assess candidates who could deliver exceptional results.
Our process included:
1. Understanding Costain’s Needs: We conducted in-depth discussions with key stakeholders to understand the unique demands of the role and the organisation’s culture.
2. Identifying Top Talent: Using our database and targeted outreach, we identified candidates with the right qualifications, skills, and experience.
3. Comprehensive Screening: Each candidate underwent a rigorous screening process to ensure they aligned with Costain’s high standards.
4. Facilitating the Match: We coordinated interviews and provided guidance to both Costain and the candidates throughout the hiring process.
Our efforts culminated in the successful appointment of a highly skilled and experienced professional to the Group Facilities Manager position. The chosen candidate brought a wealth of experience in facilities management, contractor oversight, and compliance, alongside a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.