Background & Client Overview
Gard, a leading organisation within the marine insurance sector, appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit an experienced Facilities Officer to support the effective management of its office and residential property portfolio.
The role carried responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the main office together with three residential properties, requiring a professional capable of balancing practical Facilities Management, maintenance, health and safety and emergency responsibilities.
Reporting directly to the Office Manager and working on-site full time, the successful candidate needed to be proactive, dependable and confident working independently, while maintaining high standards across both workplace and residential environments.
The Challenge
Gard required a Facilities Officer who could integrate quickly into the organisation and take ownership of a varied operational remit.
Health and safety was a particularly important element of the position, alongside practical maintenance capability and the ability to respond effectively to Facilities issues as they arose.
Key requirements included:
Office & Residential Facilities Management
Managing Facilities-related matters across the main office and three residential properties, ensuring each location remained safe, functional and appropriately maintained.
Health & Safety Management
Taking responsibility for day-to-day workplace health and safety requirements and helping ensure appropriate procedures and documentation were maintained.
Fire Safety & First Aid
Supporting workplace emergency preparedness through responsibilities including First Aider and Fire Warden duties.
Maintenance & Repairs
Applying strong practical maintenance skills to identify issues, coordinate repairs and help ensure Facilities problems were resolved promptly.
Time & Priority Management
Managing a varied workload efficiently and prioritising urgent operational requirements without losing focus on routine responsibilities.
Independent Working
Operating confidently with a high degree of autonomy while keeping the Office Manager informed of Facilities issues and priorities.
Working Under Pressure
Responding calmly and effectively to unexpected building, maintenance or safety issues within a busy corporate environment.
The Candidate Profile
Gard required a professional with a combination of Facilities Management experience and practical workplace knowledge.
The ideal candidate needed:
- an IOSH qualification
- strong maintenance skills
- excellent time-management capability
- a self-motivated and proactive approach
- the ability to work independently
- strong problem-solving skills
- confidence working under pressure
- a professional and dependable attitude
Given the full-time, office-based nature of the position, cultural fit and reliability were also particularly important.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens developed a targeted recruitment strategy based on a detailed understanding of Gard's operational and cultural requirements.
Understanding the Requirement
We worked closely with Gard to establish the responsibilities, technical requirements and personal qualities needed for the Facilities Officer position.
This enabled us to build a clear candidate profile covering both practical Facilities competence and health and safety expertise.
Targeted Candidate Search
Using our specialist Facilities Management network and industry connections, we identified candidates with relevant experience across workplace operations, maintenance and health and safety.
Detailed Assessment
Candidates were assessed on their:
- Facilities Management experience
- health and safety knowledge
- practical maintenance skills
- organisation and time management
- ability to work independently
- problem-solving capability
- performance under pressure
- interpersonal and communication skills
- cultural fit with Gard
Shortlisting & Placement
Following detailed screening and interviews, Maxwell Stephens presented Gard with a shortlist of suitable candidates and supported the organisation through the final selection process.
We subsequently placed an experienced Facilities Officer who closely matched the requirements of the role.
Outcome & Impact
The successful candidate brought a strong Facilities Management background, health and safety expertise and a proactive approach to day-to-day problem-solving.
Stronger Facilities Oversight
The appointment provided Gard with dedicated Facilities support across both the office and residential properties, strengthening day-to-day operational control.
Enhanced Health & Safety
The candidate's experience and IOSH knowledge supported a structured approach to workplace safety and associated responsibilities.
Improved Maintenance Response
Strong practical skills and a proactive working style helped ensure maintenance issues were identified and addressed efficiently.
Greater Emergency Preparedness
First Aid and Fire Warden responsibilities strengthened the organisation's ability to respond appropriately to workplace incidents and emergencies.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Strong organisation and time management helped the Facilities Officer balance routine responsibilities with urgent Facilities requirements.
Dependable Day-to-Day Support
The candidate's ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with the Office Manager provided Gard with reliable, consistent Facilities Management support.
Outcome
The successful placement gave Gard a Facilities Officer capable of balancing health and safety, practical maintenance, property support and day-to-day workplace operations across a varied property portfolio.
The appointment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens' ability to recruit Facilities Management professionals for roles where technical capability, reliability, initiative and attention to detail are equally important.
Looking for an experienced Facilities Officer or Facilities Coordinator to strengthen your workplace and property operations? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.