Client Overview
ISG is a global construction and fit-out specialist, delivering innovative and sustainable environments that support businesses, communities, and individuals. With a workforce of approximately 2,800 professionals operating across multiple regions, ISG is recognised for its commitment to quality, operational excellence, and customer-focused delivery.
To support its continued growth and operational performance, ISG required a Head of UK Facilities Management to lead and develop its facilities strategy across a diverse portfolio of offices throughout the United Kingdom.
The Challenge
ISG sought an experienced facilities management leader capable of providing strategic direction while maintaining operational excellence across multiple locations.
The successful candidate would be responsible for developing and implementing a UK-wide facilities management strategy that aligned with organisational objectives, supported business operations, and enhanced workplace performance.
Key responsibilities included:
- Developing and delivering the UK facilities management strategy
- Leading facilities operations across multiple office locations
- Managing geographically dispersed facilities teams
- Ensuring compliance with health & safety and statutory regulations
- Driving consistency and standardisation across sites
- Managing facilities budgets and operational expenditure
- Overseeing supplier and contractor performance
- Leading office fit-out, refurbishment, and workplace projects
- Supporting workplace wellbeing and employee experience initiatives
- Driving sustainability and environmental improvements
- Managing risk and business continuity requirements
- Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
The role required a combination of strategic leadership, operational expertise, commercial awareness, and the ability to influence stakeholders across a large and complex organisation.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
We worked closely with ISG to understand both the technical requirements and strategic ambitions associated with the role.
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying candidates with:
- Senior facilities management leadership experience
- Multi-site operational management expertise
- Strategic planning and programme delivery capability
- Experience managing large facilities budgets
- Strong compliance and risk management knowledge
- Office fit-out and refurbishment experience
- Team leadership across geographically dispersed locations
- A commitment to workplace wellbeing and sustainability
Targeted Search Strategy
Drawing on our specialist facilities management network, we conducted a targeted search focused on senior facilities professionals with experience leading national portfolios and complex workplace environments.
We prioritised candidates who demonstrated:
- Strong strategic thinking
- Proven operational leadership
- Commercial and financial acumen
- Experience managing change and transformation
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Candidate Assessment
Candidates underwent a comprehensive evaluation process to assess their leadership capabilities, technical expertise, commercial understanding, and ability to align facilities strategy with wider business objectives.
The Outcome
We successfully appointed a highly experienced Head of UK Facilities Management whose background aligned perfectly with ISG’s operational requirements and strategic vision.
The successful candidate brought extensive expertise in facilities leadership, workplace strategy, compliance management, and project delivery, allowing them to make an immediate impact across the organisation.
Results Delivered
Strategic Facilities Leadership
The appointed Head of UK Facilities Management developed and implemented a facilities strategy that aligned closely with ISG’s business objectives, supporting operational efficiency and long-term growth.
Enhanced Operational Consistency
By introducing standardised processes and governance frameworks, the candidate improved consistency across multiple office locations while maintaining high service standards.
Stronger Compliance and Risk Management
The successful candidate strengthened compliance oversight, ensuring facilities operations met statutory requirements and industry best practice standards.
Effective Budget Management
Through careful financial planning and supplier management, facilities expenditure was optimised while maintaining service quality and operational performance.
Successful Workplace Projects
The candidate led office fit-outs, refurbishments, and workplace improvement initiatives that enhanced employee experience and supported changing business needs.
Sustainability and Wellbeing Improvements
A strong focus on workplace wellbeing and environmental performance helped support ISG’s commitment to creating safe, sustainable, and productive working environments.
The Impact
The appointment has strengthened ISG’s facilities management function, providing strategic leadership and operational excellence across its UK portfolio.
Key benefits delivered include:
- Enhanced operational efficiency across multiple locations
- Stronger compliance and governance
- Improved stakeholder engagement and service delivery
- More effective management of facilities budgets and suppliers
- Successful delivery of workplace projects and improvements
- Increased focus on sustainability, safety, and employee wellbeing
This successful placement demonstrates Maxwell Stephens’ expertise in recruiting senior facilities management leaders capable of driving transformation, improving operational performance, and supporting long-term organisational success.