Client Overview
WilkinsonEyre is one of the UK’s most respected architectural practices, internationally recognised for delivering award-winning projects across the cultural, commercial, residential, infrastructure and education sectors.
With a collaborative studio culture and a reputation for innovation and design excellence, the practice required a Facilities Manager capable of supporting both its day-to-day workplace operations and a major office relocation programme. The appointment was critical to ensuring business continuity, maintaining operational standards and delivering a seamless transition into a new purpose-designed workspace.
The Challenge
WilkinsonEyre required a Facilities Manager who could combine operational facilities management expertise with the leadership and adaptability needed to support a significant workplace transformation project.
With more than 190 employees and a planned move to a new self-contained headquarters near Old Street, the successful candidate would play a key role in preparing the organisation for one of its most important workplace developments.
Key areas of responsibility included:
• Facilities and workplace management
• Office relocation and mobilisation planning
• Building operations and maintenance oversight
• Health, safety and compliance management
• Contractor and supplier management
• Landlord liaison and stakeholder engagement
• Snagging and post-occupation support
• Workplace experience and employee support
• Emergency preparedness and business continuity
• Building services and infrastructure coordination
• Office equipment, AV and operational support
The role required a facilities professional capable of balancing strategic project responsibilities with the hands-on operational requirements of a busy creative studio environment.
Equally important was cultural fit. The organisation wanted someone who would become an integral part of the business, building strong relationships across the studio while supporting a positive and collaborative workplace culture.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with WilkinsonEyre’s leadership team to gain a detailed understanding of both the operational requirements of the role and the wider objectives associated with the relocation programme.
The successful candidate needed to demonstrate strong technical capability while also possessing the interpersonal skills required to thrive within a highly creative and people-focused environment.
Specialist Search Process
Drawing upon our extensive Facilities Management network, we conducted a targeted search focused on candidates with experience across:
• Corporate Facilities Management
• Workplace Operations
• Office Relocation and Workplace Change
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Contractor and Supplier Management
• Building Operations
• Workplace Experience
• Studio and Creative Environments
• Property & Workplace Services
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying individuals who could combine strong operational expertise with a proactive, solutions-focused approach and excellent stakeholder management skills.
Candidate Assessment
Candidates were assessed against a comprehensive range of technical and behavioural competencies, including:
• Facilities and workplace management expertise
• Office relocation and mobilisation experience
• Health, safety and compliance knowledge
• Building maintenance and operational support capability
• Contractor management and procurement
• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Problem-solving and organisational skills
• Cultural fit and team integration potential
Our assessment process focused on identifying candidates capable of supporting both the immediate operational requirements of the studio and the successful delivery of the relocation programme.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced Facilities Manager who closely matched the organisation’s technical, operational and cultural requirements.
The successful candidate brought a strong background in workplace and facilities management, combined with practical problem-solving ability and a highly collaborative approach.
Key strengths included:
• Extensive experience managing complex office environments
• Strong health, safety and compliance expertise
• Proven workplace relocation and project management capability
• Hands-on facilities and operational support experience
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• A proactive and solutions-focused management style
• Strong cultural alignment with the organisation’s values and working environment
Following their appointment, the Facilities Manager quickly integrated into the practice and assumed a leading role in supporting preparations for the forthcoming office relocation.
Working closely with the New Office Team, contractors, consultants and senior leadership, they have helped ensure the organisation is well-positioned for a smooth and successful transition.
Results Delivered
The appointment delivered significant benefits across WilkinsonEyre’s workplace operations, including:
• Enhanced facilities and workplace management capability
• Strong leadership support for a major office relocation programme
• Improved coordination of landlord, contractor and stakeholder relationships
• Strengthened health, safety and compliance management
• Effective planning for workplace mobilisation and post-occupation activities
• Improved operational support for employees and studio teams
• Increased workplace readiness ahead of relocation
• Strong cultural integration within the organisation
The successful placement provided WilkinsonEyre with a Facilities Manager capable of supporting both day-to-day operational excellence and one of the most significant workplace projects in the practice’s recent history.
Candidate Testimonial
“I’ve had a fantastic experience working with Maxwell Stephens. From the very beginning, Will and Peter have been incredibly attentive and supportive, consistently following up throughout the entire process. They checked in regularly, kept me updated at every stage, and made sure I always felt informed and prepared.
Their professionalism, communication and genuine care really set them apart. I truly appreciate their dedication and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a smooth and positive recruitment experience.”
Specialist Facilities & Workplace Management Recruitment
Maxwell Stephens supports architectural practices, professional services firms, corporate occupiers and creative organisations with specialist recruitment solutions across facilities, workplace and property management.
Our expertise includes:
• Facilities Management
• Workplace Management
• Office Relocation & Workplace Change
• Health & Safety
• Workplace Experience
• Property & Workplace Services
• Contractor Management
• Strategic Facilities Leadership
By combining specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise with a deep understanding of workplace operations and organisational change, we help businesses secure the professionals responsible for delivering safe, efficient and high-performing workplace environments.