Background
Fred Perry is one of Britain's most iconic fashion brands, recognised globally for its rich sporting heritage, timeless design and distinctive Laurel Wreath logo. With headquarters in London and a network of international retail stores, showrooms and offices, the business operates across Europe, North America and Asia, maintaining exceptionally high standards across every aspect of its estate.
To support its continued growth and evolving property portfolio, Fred Perry appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit a Facilities Manager responsible for leading workplace and facilities operations across its Head Office, London showrooms and wider property estate.
The Challenge
Fred Perry required an experienced Facilities Manager capable of combining strategic oversight with hands-on operational delivery across a diverse mix of corporate and retail environments.
Reporting directly to the Finance Director, the successful candidate would take responsibility for ensuring the organisation's workplaces remained safe, efficient and fully compliant while supporting future business growth and property projects.
The role encompassed responsibility for:
- Managing facilities operations across Head Office and London showrooms.
- Delivering office relocation and workplace improvement projects.
- Managing planned and reactive building maintenance.
- Procuring and managing facilities service contracts.
- Negotiating supplier agreements and driving value for money.
- Managing Health & Safety and statutory compliance.
- Overseeing energy procurement and sustainability initiatives.
- Budget management and cost control.
- Managing building management systems and workplace infrastructure.
- Supporting the wider international property portfolio.
Fred Perry required an individual who could balance technical expertise with commercial awareness while building strong relationships across the business.
Our Approach
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with Fred Perry's leadership team to develop a detailed understanding of the organisation's operational requirements, workplace culture and long-term property strategy.
Using our specialist Facilities Management network and executive search methodology, we identified candidates with experience across premium retail, corporate headquarters and multi-site property portfolios.
Our search focused on professionals who demonstrated:
- Extensive Facilities Management experience.
- Strong Health & Safety expertise, supported by IOSH or NEBOSH qualifications.
- Experience delivering office relocations and workplace projects.
- Commercial contract negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Budget management and cost optimisation expertise.
- Strong technical knowledge of building services and energy management.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Candidates with international property management experience and exposure to European or North American operations were considered particularly valuable given the global nature of the organisation.
The Outcome
Following a comprehensive executive search and assessment process, Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced Facilities Manager who brought a strong combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness and project management capability.
The successful candidate quickly assumed responsibility for Fred Perry's workplace operations, delivering immediate improvements across facilities management, supplier performance and operational efficiency.
Key strengths included:
- Extensive corporate and retail Facilities Management experience.
- Proven Health & Safety leadership.
- Successful delivery of workplace relocation and refurbishment projects.
- Strong contract negotiation and supplier management capability.
- Technical expertise across building services and workplace infrastructure.
- A collaborative leadership style with excellent stakeholder management skills.
Results Delivered
The successful appointment delivered significant benefits to Fred Perry, including:
Operational Excellence
Efficient management of facilities services across Head Office and showroom locations, ensuring high standards of workplace performance and reliability.
Health & Safety Leadership
Robust management of statutory compliance, workplace safety and operational risk, ensuring all facilities operated to the highest regulatory standards.
Project Delivery
Successful coordination of office relocation and workplace improvement projects with minimal disruption to business operations.
Commercial Value
Improved supplier management, contract performance and cost control, delivering value while maintaining premium workplace standards.
Stronger Workplace Experience
Enhanced collaboration across departments and proactive management of workplace services contributed to a more efficient and productive working environment.
The Impact
The appointment strengthened Fred Perry's Facilities Management function, providing experienced leadership across workplace operations, compliance and property management.
This successful assignment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens' expertise in recruiting Facilities Management professionals for premium retail brands, corporate headquarters and international property portfolios where operational excellence and brand standards are equally important.