Client Overview
Harley-Davidson Motor Company is one of the world’s most iconic automotive and lifestyle brands, recognised globally for its heritage, engineering excellence and powerful brand identity.
Operating across international markets, the organisation requires a facilities management function capable of supporting complex business operations, maintaining high-performing workplace environments and aligning property and infrastructure strategy with wider corporate objectives.
To support its operations across EMEA and Asia Pacific, Harley-Davidson required an experienced Manager of Facilities capable of overseeing regional facilities performance, asset optimisation, compliance, safety and strategic project delivery across a diverse international portfolio.
The Challenge
Harley-Davidson required a senior facilities professional capable of managing a geographically dispersed estate while supporting both operational delivery and long-term corporate strategy.
This was a complex regional appointment requiring a combination of technical facilities expertise, commercial awareness, project management capability and international stakeholder engagement.
Key areas of responsibility included:
• Regional facilities management across EMEA and Asia Pacific
• Building maintenance and infrastructure oversight
• Asset optimisation and space planning
• Health, safety and environmental compliance
• Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
• Contractor and supplier management
• Construction and refurbishment project management
• Property acquisition and disposal support
• Budget management and cost control
• Sustainability and environmental performance
• Operational risk management
• Stakeholder engagement across international teams
The successful candidate needed to demonstrate the ability to operate across different markets, manage complex regulatory requirements and maintain consistently high standards of safety, compliance and operational performance.
The role required an individual capable of aligning facilities management activity with Harley-Davidson’s wider corporate strategy while supporting the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation and operational excellence.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with Harley-Davidson to gain a detailed understanding of the regional scope, operational complexity and strategic priorities associated with the role.
The successful candidate would need to demonstrate not only strong facilities management experience but also the leadership capability required to influence stakeholders across multiple countries and business functions.
Specialist Search Process
Drawing upon our extensive Facilities Management and Corporate Real Estate network, we conducted a targeted search focused on senior professionals with experience across:
• Regional Facilities Management
• International Property Portfolios
• Corporate Real Estate
• Building Maintenance and Infrastructure
• Construction and Project Management
• Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance
• Space Planning and Workplace Strategy
• Contractor and Supplier Management
• Property Acquisition and Disposal
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying candidates with experience managing facilities across multiple locations while delivering both operational consistency and strategic value.
Candidate Assessment
Candidates were assessed against a comprehensive range of technical, commercial and leadership competencies, including:
• Regional facilities management expertise
• Building maintenance and asset management knowledge
• Project management and construction experience
• Compliance and risk management capability
• Budget management and financial control
• Stakeholder engagement across multiple regions
• Supplier and contractor performance management
• Sustainability and continuous improvement focus
• Cultural alignment with Harley-Davidson’s values and brand identity
Our assessment process focused on identifying a facilities leader capable of delivering immediate operational impact while supporting long-term regional facilities strategy.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced Manager of Facilities with more than a decade of experience across building maintenance, construction, project management and corporate facilities operations.
The successful candidate brought strong technical expertise, a formal background in Facilities Management and proven experience supporting property acquisition, disposal and infrastructure improvement projects.
Key strengths included:
• Extensive regional facilities management experience
• Strong building maintenance and infrastructure knowledge
• Proven construction and project management capability
• Experience supporting property acquisition and disposal activity
• Strong health, safety and environmental compliance expertise
• Effective budget management and cost control skills
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication capability
• A proactive approach to operational improvement and service excellence
Following their appointment, the Manager of Facilities assumed responsibility for supporting the operational performance and strategic development of Harley-Davidson’s regional facilities portfolio.
Results Delivered
The appointment delivered significant benefits across Harley-Davidson’s EMEA and Asia Pacific operations, including:
• Enhanced regional facilities management oversight
• Improved asset optimisation and space planning
• Strengthened health, safety and environmental compliance
• Stronger contractor and supplier performance management
• Improved support for construction and refurbishment projects
• Greater alignment between facilities strategy and corporate objectives
• Enhanced operational efficiency across multiple markets
• Increased focus on sustainability and long-term asset performance
The successful placement provided Harley-Davidson with a facilities leader capable of supporting operational excellence, regulatory compliance and strategic growth across a complex international property portfolio.
Specialist Facilities & Corporate Real Estate Recruitment
Maxwell Stephens supports global brands, corporate occupiers and international organisations with specialist recruitment solutions across facilities management, workplace and corporate real estate.
Our expertise includes:
• Regional Facilities Management
• Corporate Real Estate
• Facilities Leadership
• Building Maintenance & Infrastructure
• Project Management
• Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance
• Asset Management
• Workplace & Property Services
By combining specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise with a deep understanding of complex operational environments, we help organisations secure the professionals responsible for creating safe, efficient and high-performing workplaces across regional and international portfolios.