Background & Client Overview
Exane Group, a prominent independent participant in the European financial markets, appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit an experienced Facilities Manager for its central London offices.
Operating across equities broking, listed equity derivatives and fund management, Exane had a substantial international presence and a high-performance culture built around research, execution and client service.
The Facilities Manager role was critical to supporting that environment. The successful candidate needed to ensure the workplace remained safe, technically resilient, well maintained and operationally efficient, while also leading the Facilities team, managing suppliers and supporting business continuity requirements.
The Challenge
Exane Group required a Facilities Manager with the experience and technical confidence to manage a demanding corporate workplace within the financial services sector.
The successful candidate needed to combine day-to-day Facilities Management with a strong focus on maintenance planning, business continuity, compliance, supplier performance and internal customer service.
Key requirements included:
Technical Facilities Management
Maintaining the technical availability of building systems and ensuring core facilities remained reliable and fit for purpose.
Planned Preventive Maintenance
Planning and coordinating preventive maintenance across equipment and building systems to reduce disruption and support long-term asset performance.
Business Continuity Support
Implementing technical recommendations linked to the Business Continuity Policy and ensuring Facilities Management contributed effectively to organisational resilience.
Technical Documentation
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date technical records relating to the premises, systems and maintenance activity.
Facilities Helpdesk Management
Overseeing the Facilities Helpdesk and ensuring issues were logged, prioritised and resolved in a timely and professional manner.
General Maintenance
Coordinating planned and reactive maintenance, liaising with service providers and arranging repairs where required.
Office Moves & Fit-Outs
Managing office moves, reconfigurations and fit-out works, including projects delivered outside normal business hours to minimise disruption.
Health & Safety Compliance
Maintaining high standards of health and safety and ensuring Facilities activity remained aligned with relevant requirements.
Procurement & Cost Control
Procuring Facilities supplies, monitoring invoices and identifying opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
Supplier & Contract Management
Managing third-party Facilities providers and service contracts, ensuring agreed standards and obligations were met.
Team Leadership
Managing and developing the Facilities Assistant and apprentice, providing clear direction and operational support.
The Candidate Profile
Exane required a professional with previous Facilities Management experience in a professional services or financial services environment.
The ideal candidate also needed:
- strong client-service and communication skills
- a good understanding of health and safety requirements
- relevant IOSH or NEBOSH training or qualifications
- confidence using Microsoft Office
- project and maintenance-management capability
- strong supplier-management experience
- the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced corporate environment
A technical background and knowledge of French were also considered advantageous.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens conducted a targeted search for Facilities Management professionals with proven experience in high-performing corporate and financial environments.
Our assessment process focused on both technical capability and cultural fit.
Candidates were evaluated on their experience in:
- technical building operations
- PPM and reactive maintenance
- business continuity support
- health and safety
- Facilities Helpdesk management
- office moves and fit-outs
- supplier and contract management
- procurement and cost control
- team supervision
- stakeholder communication
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying a candidate who could combine strong operational discipline with a responsive and professional service style.
Following a detailed search and assessment process, Maxwell Stephens successfully placed an experienced Facilities Manager with Exane Group.
Outcome & Impact
The successful candidate brought extensive Facilities Management experience, strong leadership capability and a sound understanding of health and safety requirements.
Stronger Technical Reliability
The Facilities Manager improved oversight of building systems and maintenance activity, helping support the continued technical availability of the workplace.
Improved Maintenance Planning
A structured approach to preventive maintenance helped reduce operational risk and supported the long-term reliability of building assets.
Enhanced Business Continuity Support
Facilities activity became more closely aligned with business continuity requirements, strengthening Exane’s preparedness for disruption.
Better Helpdesk Performance
Effective management of the Facilities Helpdesk supported faster issue resolution and a more responsive service for internal stakeholders.
Improved Supplier Oversight
Closer management of third-party vendors and maintenance providers strengthened accountability and service consistency.
Stronger Cost Control
Effective procurement, invoice monitoring and supplier management supported greater financial discipline across Facilities operations.
Effective Workplace Projects
The candidate successfully coordinated office moves and fit-out activity, including out-of-hours works designed to minimise disruption to the business.
Stronger Team Leadership
Management of the Facilities Assistant and apprentice helped improve coordination and provided clearer operational support across the Facilities function.
Outcome
The successful placement gave Exane Group a Facilities Manager capable of balancing technical operations, maintenance, compliance, business continuity, supplier management and customer service within a demanding financial services environment.
The appointment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens’ ability to recruit Facilities Management professionals who can support complex corporate workplaces where reliability, responsiveness and technical competence are essential.
Looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to strengthen a high-performance corporate or financial services workplace? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.