Background
Deluxe, a global service provider to the media and entertainment industry, appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit an experienced Facilities Manager for its Perivale operation in London.
Supporting major content creators and distributors across streaming, theatrical, broadcast and digital media, Deluxe operates within a fast-paced, technically demanding environment where reliable Facilities Management is essential to maintaining business continuity.
The requirement was for an interim Facilities Manager on an initial six-month contract, capable of taking immediate responsibility for the effective management of Deluxe's premises, including its corporate office and specialist operational facilities. The successful candidate needed to combine senior-level Facilities and Property Management experience, team leadership, supplier management and strong commercial awareness, while integrating quickly into the organisation and keeping day-to-day operations running without interruption.
The Challenge
The interim nature of the appointment meant Deluxe needed an experienced professional who could make an immediate impact with minimal transition time. The Facilities Manager would oversee a varied operational environment, manage a small internal team and coordinate external suppliers and contracts, so strong leadership, communication and supplier-management skills were essential.
Key requirements included:
- Facilities and property management. Taking responsibility for the effective day-to-day management of Deluxe's Perivale premises and ensuring facilities remained reliable, safe and fit for purpose.
- Specialist operational environments. Supporting facilities requirements across both corporate office space and the specialist areas associated with Deluxe's media and entertainment operations.
- Team leadership. Leading and supporting a small Facilities team, establishing clear priorities and maintaining effective service delivery.
- Vendor and contractor management. Managing external suppliers and contractors, monitoring performance and ensuring services met Deluxe's operational requirements.
- Contract management and negotiation. Overseeing facilities contracts and applying strong commercial judgement when managing supplier relationships and negotiations.
- Operational continuity. Maintaining reliable facilities services within a business where disruption could affect technically demanding and time-sensitive operations.
- Stakeholder management. Working with employees, senior stakeholders, service providers and other departments to ensure facilities requirements were addressed efficiently.
- Interim leadership. Providing immediate stability and experienced facilities leadership throughout the six-month assignment.
Interim searches carry a particular pressure: the candidate pool is limited to senior people who are available now, and there is no time for a long induction. The person has to be credible with the team and the suppliers from the first week.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens developed a targeted search focused on senior facilities professionals capable of succeeding within a complex, fast-moving corporate and technical environment. Because the appointment was interim, availability and the ability to become effective quickly mattered alongside technical experience.
Our assessment focused on candidates with proven capability in:
- Senior Facilities and Property Management.
- Corporate and specialist operational environments.
- Contractor and vendor management.
- Contract negotiation.
- Team leadership.
- Workplace operations.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Problem-solving and decision-making.
- Interim and transition assignments.
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying a professional with the confidence and experience to take ownership immediately while maintaining strong relationships across the business.
The Outcome
Following a rigorous search and selection process, Maxwell Stephens placed a highly experienced Facilities Manager on a six-month interim contract with Deluxe. The successful candidate brought extensive senior-level Facilities and Property Management experience and integrated effectively into Deluxe's operation, providing:
- Immediate facilities leadership. Experienced leadership at a critical time, ensuring continuity across facilities operations without the delay of a lengthy transition period.
- Stronger operational oversight. Day-to-day management of the Perivale premises, helping ensure the workplace and specialist facilities continued to support business requirements.
- Effective team management. Clear direction for the Facilities team and consistent service delivery, underpinned by strong leadership and communication skills.
- Improved vendor coordination. Supplier management and negotiation experience that supported effective relationships with external service providers and strengthened oversight of facilities contracts.
- Operational continuity. The ability to understand the working environment quickly and take responsibility, keeping facilities operations running smoothly throughout the interim assignment.
Why This Placement Worked
The placement gave Deluxe an interim Facilities Manager capable of combining senior facilities leadership, property management, supplier coordination, contract management and operational problem-solving within a demanding media and entertainment environment.
The assignment reflects Maxwell Stephens' ability to respond quickly to interim and time-sensitive Facilities Management requirements, identifying experienced professionals who can integrate rapidly and provide immediate operational stability. If you need an experienced interim Facilities Manager who can step into a critical role at short notice, or want to discuss temporary and permanent FM recruitment, get in touch with our team.