Background
CPP Investments (Canada Pension Plan Investment Board) is one of the world's largest and most respected institutional investors, managing assets in excess of US$350 billion on behalf of more than 20 million contributors and beneficiaries of the Canada Pension Plan.
Headquartered in Toronto, with major offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, Sydney, Mumbai, São Paulo and Luxembourg, CPP Investments operates globally across public and private markets, investing with a long-term outlook and a commitment to operational excellence.
To strengthen its Workplace Operations function within its prestigious London office, CPP Investments appointed Maxwell Stephens exclusively to recruit a Senior Coordinator, Facilities & Office Services. Acting as the sole recruitment partner, we were tasked with identifying a highly capable professional able to support the continued growth of one of the world's leading investment organisations.
The Challenge
The Senior Coordinator, Facilities & Office Services would play a key role in supporting the smooth operation of CPP Investments' London office while acting as a trusted representative of the Workplace Services team.
Far more than an administrative role, the successful candidate would become a subject matter expert across Facilities Management, Workplace Services, Health & Safety and Security, ensuring the office operated efficiently while maintaining the exceptionally high standards expected within a global financial institution.
Key responsibilities included:
- Supporting the day-to-day operation of Facilities and Office Services.
- Acting as an ambassador for the Workplace Services team.
- Developing and administering Health & Safety programmes and procedures.
- Delivering workplace Health & Safety training across the office.
- Advising colleagues on security processes and workplace procedures.
- Managing access control and workplace security systems.
- Supporting office moves, workspace readiness and occupancy planning.
- Coordinating workplace improvements and operational initiatives.
- Participating in annual IT and physical security audits.
- Supporting global Workplace Services initiatives across international offices.
The role required someone capable of balancing operational efficiency with exceptional customer service, while maintaining the professionalism and discretion expected within a highly regulated investment environment.
Our Approach
As CPP Investments' exclusive recruitment partner, Maxwell Stephens conducted a targeted executive search focused on experienced Workplace, Facilities and Office Services professionals from premium corporate environments.
Given the breadth of the position, we sought candidates with experience across several specialist disciplines, including:
- Facilities and Office Services management.
- Health & Safety coordination.
- Workplace operations.
- Physical security and access control systems.
- Office administration within corporate environments.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Space planning and workplace readiness.
- Contractor and supplier coordination.
Technical capability alone would not secure success.
CPP Investments wanted an individual who could represent the department with confidence, build trusted relationships across the business and consistently demonstrate professionalism, sound judgement and integrity.
Throughout the recruitment process, we carefully assessed candidates against both the technical requirements of the role and the collaborative culture that defines CPP Investments globally.
The Outcome
Following a comprehensive executive search, Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an outstanding Senior Coordinator, Facilities & Office Services who closely matched CPP Investments' operational, technical and cultural requirements.
The successful candidate brought extensive experience across Workplace Operations, Facilities Management and Health & Safety, together with exceptional organisational skills and a highly professional approach.
Since joining CPP Investments, they have successfully:
- Supported the efficient day-to-day operation of the London office.
- Enhanced Workplace Services and operational coordination.
- Strengthened Health & Safety compliance and employee awareness.
- Supported workplace security and access management.
- Assisted with office projects and workspace readiness initiatives.
- Built strong relationships across multiple business functions.
- Delivered consistently high standards of service to colleagues and stakeholders.
Their ability to combine operational expertise with professionalism, attention to detail and outstanding customer service has made them an important member of CPP Investments' Workplace Services team.
Recruiting Workplace Professionals for Global Investment Firms
Organisations such as CPP Investments require Workplace professionals who can operate confidently within complex, fast-paced and highly regulated environments.
Through our specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise and executive search methodology, Maxwell Stephens successfully delivered a high-calibre appointment that continues to support the operational excellence of one of the world's leading institutional investment organisations.
Candidate Testimonial
"I would highly recommend speaking to the team at Maxwell Stephens if you're looking for your next career move. They are genuinely supportive, professional and always available to offer advice throughout the recruitment process. They guided me every step of the way and helped me secure an excellent opportunity that represented the next stage of my career. Thank you!"