Background
Cushman & Wakefield is one of the world's leading commercial real estate services firms, employing more than 43,000 professionals across over 60 countries. The company provides integrated property, facilities, project management and advisory services to many of the world's most recognisable organisations and manages some of the UK's most prestigious commercial buildings.
Maxwell Stephens has supported Cushman & Wakefield on numerous recruitment assignments over many years. Following a series of successful appointments, our relationship continued to strengthen, culminating in eight successful placements within a two-month period across their property management division.
One of these appointments involved recruiting a Building Manager for Thames Tower, Reading's landmark Grade A commercial office development. Cushman & Wakefield required a proactive, commercially focused Facilities professional capable of delivering exceptional service within a premium multi-let office environment.
The Challenge
The Building Manager would take responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of Thames Tower, ensuring the building consistently delivered an outstanding experience for occupiers while maintaining the highest standards of compliance, safety and operational performance.
The successful candidate needed to balance technical building management expertise with exceptional customer service and stakeholder engagement.
Key responsibilities included:
- Managing all day-to-day building operations.
- Leading contractor performance and service delivery.
- Developing strong relationships with tenants and occupiers.
- Acting as the primary point of contact for building-related enquiries.
- Coordinating planned and reactive maintenance.
- Monitoring compliance with Health & Safety legislation.
- Managing risk in accordance with Cushman & Wakefield procedures.
- Maintaining exceptional presentation standards throughout the building.
- Supporting service charge delivery and operational budgets.
- Delivering a first-class workplace experience for tenants.
Given the profile of the development, Cushman & Wakefield required a Building Manager who was highly organised, commercially aware and capable of building trusted relationships with both clients and occupiers.
Our Approach
Having developed a long-standing relationship with Cushman & Wakefield, we had an in-depth understanding of both their operational expectations and the type of professionals who succeed within their business.
Drawing on our specialist Facilities Management network, we conducted a targeted search focusing on experienced Building Managers with backgrounds in premium commercial real estate and multi-tenanted office environments.
We prioritised candidates who demonstrated:
- Commercial office Building Management experience.
- Strong contractor and supplier management skills.
- Excellent tenant and client relationship management.
- Sound technical knowledge of building services.
- Health & Safety and compliance expertise.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Professional qualifications or progression towards IWFM, RICS or IOSH accreditation.
Each shortlisted candidate underwent a rigorous assessment to ensure they possessed both the technical competence and customer-focused mindset required to manage one of the Thames Valley's premier office developments.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully introduced a high-calibre Building Manager who closely matched Cushman & Wakefield's technical requirements and service culture.
The successful candidate quickly integrated into the property management team and assumed responsibility for the operational management of Thames Tower, delivering an exceptional level of service to occupiers while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and building performance.
The appointment has contributed to:
- Excellent day-to-day building operations.
- Strong tenant engagement and satisfaction.
- Effective contractor management and performance.
- High standards of Health & Safety compliance.
- Responsive maintenance and operational support.
- Consistent delivery of premium Facilities Management services.
This successful appointment further strengthened our relationship with Cushman & Wakefield and formed part of a wider programme of successful recruitment assignments delivered across their property management portfolio.
Long-Term Recruitment Partnership
Our ongoing partnership with Cushman & Wakefield demonstrates the value of specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise.
By combining detailed market knowledge with a rigorous executive search process, Maxwell Stephens has consistently delivered high-quality professionals across Building Management, Facilities Management and Property Management roles, supporting one of the world's leading commercial real estate organisations.
We had feedback from both candidates:
I would like to thank Maxwell Stephens for all the assistance they offered me. They showed that they cared throughout the process and kept me updated at all times. I would definitely recommend Maxwell Stephens to anyone looking for a new challenge in Facilities Management.
I am pleased with the service provided, which was efficient and helpful. The candidates recommended fit my specification and we were able to complete the recruitment process in good time due to good communication and a good understanding of requirements. Out of 4 potential applicants, 2 were put forward for interview, one of which passed the interview stages and has been offered a position.