Background & Challenge
Holman Fenwick Willan LLP required an experienced Facilities Management leader to transform and strengthen its FM function.
The brief went well beyond day-to-day operational management. The successful candidate needed to review the existing structure, improve service delivery, reduce costs, strengthen procurement and reporting, support international property projects and ensure the Facilities Management strategy aligned with the firm’s wider commercial objectives.
Maxwell Stephens successfully placed a candidate with the strategic, operational and commercial experience required to lead this transformation.
Solution & Achievements
FM Audit & Department Restructure
Conducted a comprehensive review of the existing Facilities Management function, identifying opportunities to improve structure, accountability, workflows and service delivery. A full departmental restructure was then implemented to create a more efficient and strategically focused FM operation.
Significant Cost Savings
Delivered annualised cost savings of more than 15% through the rationalisation of internal and external expenditure. These savings were achieved while maintaining and improving service standards.
Outsourcing & Service Improvement
Reviewed multiple service streams and introduced a more effective outsourcing strategy. Bundling selected services helped improve operational efficiency, strengthen supplier accountability and enhance the overall internal client experience.
International & UK Project Management
Managed both international and UK fit-out projects from Request for Proposal through to practical completion. This included coordinating suppliers, contractors and stakeholders and travelling internationally to support project delivery and engage directly with local teams.
Business Continuity & Emergency Planning
Developed a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan for the London office, strengthening organisational preparedness and operational resilience.
The candidate also mobilised emergency evacuation documentation and procedures for higher-risk international locations, helping improve consistency and preparedness across the wider business.
Global Real Estate Strategy
Provided strategic direction for the firm’s global real estate portfolio, supporting international offices with property requirements and advising on the acquisition of new premises where required.
This moved the Facilities Management function beyond operational delivery and into a more strategic role supporting the firm’s longer-term property requirements.
FM Helpdesk & Management Information
Established a new Facilities Management Helpdesk to improve the management and visibility of service requests.
The new system provided stronger management information, enabling performance to be monitored more effectively and supporting better planning and strategic decision-making.
Board-Level Strategic Alignment
Worked closely with the board to ensure Facilities Management services supported the firm’s wider strategic vision and commercial objectives.
This strengthened the connection between FM activity and the priorities of the wider business, ensuring property and workplace decisions were approached from both an operational and commercial perspective.
Procurement & Supplier Management
Introduced a more structured procurement process covering supplier selection, commercial evaluation, invoice reconciliation and forward planning.
The new approach improved control over external expenditure while supporting stronger supplier performance and more informed purchasing decisions.
Industry Engagement & Professional Development
Represented the organisation at industry seminars and actively developed relationships across the Facilities Management profession.
The candidate also established a bi-monthly networking event in London, creating opportunities for FM professionals to exchange knowledge, develop relationships and discuss industry developments.
Impact
The placement delivered a wide-ranging transformation of the Facilities Management function, strengthening its commercial performance, operational structure and strategic influence within the firm.
Reduced Operating Costs
More than 15% in annualised cost savings were achieved while maintaining a strong focus on service quality.
Improved FM Service Delivery
Departmental restructuring, outsourcing and improved processes created a more efficient and responsive Facilities Management operation.
Stronger Strategic Influence
Facilities Management became more closely aligned with board-level priorities, global property strategy and the firm’s wider commercial objectives.
Enhanced Operational Resilience
Improved business continuity and emergency-planning arrangements strengthened the organisation’s ability to respond to disruption across both UK and international operations.
Better Performance Visibility
The introduction of an FM Helpdesk and stronger management information provided greater transparency around service performance and supported more informed decision-making.
Improved Commercial Governance
A more structured procurement and supplier-management approach strengthened financial control and supported better value from external service providers.
The placement demonstrates Maxwell Stephens’ ability to identify senior Facilities Management professionals who can do far more than maintain existing operations. The right appointment can transform an FM function, deliver measurable cost savings, strengthen resilience and position Facilities Management as a strategic contributor to organisational performance.
Looking for a senior FM professional to transform your Facilities Management function? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.
The strategic placement led to significant improvements in operational efficiency and cost management at Holman Fenwick Willan LLP. The successful candidate’s initiatives not only reduced costs but also enhanced service delivery and aligned FM operations with the firm's broader strategic goals. This case highlights Maxwell Stephens' ability to identify and place high-caliber professionals who drive transformational change in Facilities Management roles.