Client Overview
Egon Zehnder is one of the world’s leading leadership advisory and executive search firms, supporting organisations across a wide range of sectors with executive recruitment, leadership assessment and succession planning services.
Operating from a prestigious Grade A office environment in Victoria, London, the firm requires workplace and facilities services that reflect its reputation for professionalism, discretion and service excellence. To support the continued performance of its London headquarters, Egon Zehnder required an experienced Facilities Manager capable of overseeing facilities operations, workplace services and compliance within a highly professional corporate environment.
The appointment was critical to ensuring the seamless delivery of workplace services while supporting both day-to-day business operations and the firm’s long-term workplace strategy.
The Challenge
Egon Zehnder required a Facilities Manager capable of balancing operational facilities management with strategic workplace oversight within a high-specification corporate office environment.
The successful candidate would be responsible for managing approximately 24,000 sq ft of premium office accommodation while ensuring an exceptional experience for employees, senior stakeholders and visiting clients.
Key areas of responsibility included:
• Facilities and workplace management
• Hard and soft services oversight
• Health, safety and fire safety compliance
• Contractor and supplier management
• Building systems and infrastructure management
• Budget management and cost control
• Workplace experience and occupier services
• Risk management and governance
• Maintenance planning and coordination
• Business continuity support
• Stakeholder engagement and communication
The role required an individual capable of operating independently while maintaining close relationships with senior stakeholders and service providers. Strong attention to detail, professionalism and customer service were essential given the visibility of the position within the business.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with Egon Zehnder to develop a detailed understanding of both the operational requirements and workplace culture associated with the role.
The organisation required a facilities professional capable of delivering high-quality workplace services while maintaining the flexibility to support both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operational demands.
Specialist Search Process
Drawing upon our extensive Facilities Management network, we conducted a targeted search focused on candidates with experience across:
• Corporate Facilities Management
• Premium Workplace Environments
• Professional Services Organisations
• Health, Safety and Compliance
• Contractor and Supplier Management
• Workplace Experience
• Budget and Cost Management
• Property and Workplace Services
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying candidates who combined strong technical facilities expertise with exceptional communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
Candidate Assessment
Candidates were assessed against a range of technical, operational and behavioural competencies, including:
• Facilities and workplace management expertise
• Compliance and risk management knowledge
• Budgetary control and commercial awareness
• Supplier and contractor management
• Workplace service delivery
• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Leadership and problem-solving capability
• Professionalism and cultural alignment
Our assessment process focused on identifying an individual capable of delivering operational excellence while representing the organisation’s values and service standards.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced Facilities Manager with a strong background in corporate facilities operations and workplace management.
The successful candidate brought a combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness and customer service excellence, enabling them to quickly establish themselves as a trusted member of the organisation.
Key strengths included:
• Extensive experience managing premium office environments
• Strong compliance and health and safety expertise
• Proven contractor and supplier management capability
• Effective budget management and cost control skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication abilities
• A proactive and hands-on management style
• Commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence
Following their appointment, the Facilities Manager assumed responsibility for the operational performance of the London headquarters, ensuring facilities services continued to support the needs of employees, clients and visitors.
Working closely with internal stakeholders and external service providers, they played a key role in maintaining a high-quality workplace environment while supporting the firm’s long-term facilities strategy.
Results Delivered
The appointment delivered significant benefits across Egon Zehnder’s London headquarters, including:
• Enhanced operational efficiency across facilities services
• Improved workplace experience for employees and visitors
• Strengthened health, safety and compliance management
• Improved supplier performance and contractor oversight
• Greater control over facilities expenditure and budgets
• Increased focus on preventative maintenance and workplace planning
• Enhanced operational resilience and service continuity
• Strong support for long-term workplace and property objectives
The successful placement provided Egon Zehnder with a Facilities Manager capable of combining strategic workplace leadership with practical operational delivery, ensuring the continued success of its London headquarters.
Specialist Facilities & Workplace Management Recruitment
Maxwell Stephens supports professional services firms, corporate occupiers and commercial organisations with specialist recruitment solutions across facilities, workplace and property management.
Our expertise includes:
• Facilities Management
• Workplace Management
• Corporate Services
• Health & Safety
• Property & Workplace Services
• Contractor Management
• Workplace Experience
• Strategic Facilities Leadership
By combining specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise with a deep understanding of corporate workplace environments, we help organisations secure the professionals responsible for delivering safe, efficient and exceptional places to work.