Background
HENI is an internationally recognised arts services company, partnering with many of the world's leading artists, studios and estates. Operating across publishing, printmaking, digital media, film, fine art logistics and archival research, HENI provides a unique range of specialist services that support the creation, preservation and presentation of contemporary art.
As the business continued to expand its London footprint, HENI identified the need for its first dedicated Facilities Manager to oversee approximately 10 sites across the capital and establish a professional Facilities Management function capable of supporting future growth.
Recognising the specialist nature of the appointment, HENI appointed Maxwell Stephens to lead the recruitment campaign.
The Challenge
Unlike many traditional Facilities Management appointments, this was a newly created position requiring someone who could build the Facilities function from the ground up.
The successful candidate would be responsible for developing policies, systems and operational standards while ensuring consistent service delivery across a diverse portfolio of offices, studios and specialist facilities.
Key responsibilities included:
- Establishing HENI's Facilities Management function.
- Managing Facilities operations across approximately 10 London sites.
- Developing Facilities policies, procedures and operational standards.
- Managing planned and reactive maintenance.
- Ensuring statutory compliance across the property portfolio.
- Leading Health & Safety and workplace risk management.
- Coordinating contractors and outsourced service providers.
- Supporting office moves and workplace change projects.
- Managing Facilities budgets and expenditure.
- Reducing operational risk for employees and visitors.
- Driving continuous improvement across workplace services.
The appointment required an experienced Facilities leader who was equally comfortable developing strategy, implementing systems and delivering operational excellence.
Our Approach
Working closely with HENI's senior leadership team, Maxwell Stephens developed a detailed understanding of the organisation's culture, operational requirements and future ambitions.
Our executive search focused on experienced Facilities professionals with a proven track record of establishing and developing Facilities functions within growing organisations.
We prioritised candidates with expertise in:
- Multi-site Facilities Management.
- Building Facilities functions from inception.
- Contractor and outsourced service management.
- CAFM implementation and workplace technology.
- Health & Safety and statutory compliance.
- Facilities budget management.
- Planned and reactive maintenance.
- Workplace systems and operational processes.
- Change management and business growth.
Alongside technical capability, we sought candidates with a proactive mindset, excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive within a creative, entrepreneurial environment.
The Outcome
Following a comprehensive executive search and assessment process, Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an outstanding Facilities Manager.
The successful candidate brought extensive multi-site Facilities Management experience together with the practical knowledge required to establish a modern, scalable Facilities function.
Since joining HENI, they have successfully:
- Built and implemented a dedicated Facilities Management function.
- Standardised Facilities processes across multiple sites.
- Improved contractor management and supplier performance.
- Strengthened Health & Safety and statutory compliance.
- Introduced operational systems and best practice.
- Supported workplace expansion and office moves.
- Enhanced operational efficiency across the London portfolio.
The appointment provided HENI with the strategic and operational Facilities leadership required to support its continued growth while maintaining exceptional workplace standards across its expanding estate.
Building Facilities Functions for High-Growth Organisations
Recruiting the first Facilities leader into a growing business requires more than technical expertise—it demands vision, leadership and the ability to build operational excellence from the ground up.
Through our specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise, Maxwell Stephens successfully delivered a transformational appointment that continues to support HENI's long-term growth and operational success.
Candidate Testimonial
"I've worked with Maxwell Stephens throughout my career and once again they delivered an outstanding experience. They took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for and kept me informed at every stage of the recruitment process. Communication was excellent throughout and I always felt supported. I would highly recommend Maxwell Stephens to anyone looking for their next Facilities Management opportunity."