Background
Langham Estates, a prominent property management company based in Central London, engaged Maxwell Stephens, specialists in facilities management recruitment, to fill its Head of Facilities Management position. Langham Estates manages a diverse portfolio comprising 13.8 acres of prime real estate spanning from Oxford Street to Euston Road, including approximately 100 properties in the heart of London's West End.
The Challenge
Langham Estates wanted a leader capable of taking charge of property and facilities management services across the estate while ensuring compliance, tenant satisfaction and sustainable practices. The right candidate needed a blend of strategic thinking, operational expertise and strong leadership skills to take the FM strategy forward.
A dense central London portfolio sets a particular bar. The properties are close together but varied, occupiers expect high standards, and the Head of FM is judged on service that is visible to tenants every day. Keeping a large number of individual buildings compliant is a discipline in its own right, and sustainability commitments add a further layer to the maintenance and refurbishment agenda.
The Market for This Role
Our 2026 salary benchmarks put Head of Facilities roles at around £70,000 to £110,000 or more, rising to £90,000 to £130,000 or more in London, depending on sector and scope.
Landlord-side FM leadership on a large West End estate is different from running a single corporate office. The Head of Facilities serves many tenants with different expectations, manages service charge budgets and has to keep historic and modern buildings compliant side by side.
Our Approach
Maxwell Stephens ran a thorough recruitment process to identify candidates who matched Langham Estates' requirements. Using our network and experience in facilities management recruitment, we screened and assessed candidates for the qualifications, experience and cultural fit the role demanded. For a head-of-function appointment, professional membership and a track record at senior level were treated as prerequisites rather than preferences.
The Outcome
Following a rigorous selection process, Maxwell Stephens placed a highly qualified and experienced Head of Facilities Management with Langham Estates. The successful candidate brought over seven years of experience in senior FM roles, together with professional qualifications and membership of relevant industry bodies including IWFM and CIBSE.
The role covered FM service delivery across the portfolio, tenant satisfaction, regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives.
Client Feedback
"Maxwell Stephens played a pivotal role in helping us secure the ideal candidate for the Head of Facilities Management position. Their professionalism, industry knowledge, and dedication ensured a seamless recruitment process, ultimately leading to a successful outcome for Langham Estates."
Why This Placement Worked
IWFM membership signals a facilities professional who has formalised their management practice; CIBSE membership signals building services engineering depth. Finding both in one senior candidate is uncommon, and it is the combination a mixed central London portfolio needs, where hard services and occupier experience are equally exposed.
If you are recruiting a Head of Facilities Management or senior FM leader for a property portfolio, Maxwell Stephens can help you define the brief and reach candidates with the right professional standing and experience. Get in touch with our team.
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