Background
Fulcrum looks after health centre premises in London. It asked Maxwell Stephens to recruit Assistant Operations Managers, one on a permanent basis and one on a fixed-term basis that could become permanent, to cover a group of six properties, mainly in South and West London.
The roles are part office-based and part out on site, with around two or three days in the office and the rest visiting centres.
The Challenge
The work is compliance-led. Post holders carry out audits and site visits, review reports and keep health and safety and statutory compliance in order, so attention to detail is essential. The client wanted at least an IOSH qualification, with NEBOSH a bonus, and preferred people with hands-on FM experience who could contribute straight away.
They also take on LIFT projects, asset management and lifecycle plans, and often lead monthly meetings. That calls for confident, approachable people who can deal with customers, sub-tenants and patients. Healthcare experience was ideal, but candidates from schools, police centres and similar public sector settings were considered, and PFI or PPP experience and CAFM knowledge were welcome. The client also had a Monitoring Officer vacancy, an admin-heavy post for someone keen to build a career in FM.
Cultural fit was a stated requirement. The client wanted people who were easy going but hard working, and was keen to move quickly, so a thin shortlist or slow process risked losing the best candidates. The timing of the fixed-term role mattered too, because the current post holder still had a notice period to work and a handover was desirable.
Our Approach
- We took the brief on both appointment types, including the handover needed for the fixed-term post and the culture the client wanted: relaxed, but committed.
- We targeted FM service providers and public sector estates teams with healthcare or PFI exposure, as well as candidates with a strong compliance background.
- We screened for safety qualifications, audit experience, CAFM skills and the ability to chair meetings with a range of stakeholders.
- We moved quickly, presenting CVs as they came in and managing candidates through offer.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens made the appointment.
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