Background
Founded in 1945, Mattel is one of the world's leading toy and family entertainment companies, creating some of the most recognisable brands in history, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and UNO®. Operating across more than 35 countries, Mattel combines innovation, creativity and operational excellence to deliver products enjoyed by millions of families worldwide.
Supporting its UK operations from its headquarters in Maidenhead, Mattel required an experienced Associate Manager of Facilities to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of its workplace and Facilities Management function.
Recognising the importance of securing the right individual, Mattel appointed Maxwell Stephens exclusively to lead the recruitment campaign.
The Challenge
The Associate Manager of Facilities would play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of Mattel's UK headquarters while helping to create a safe, efficient and engaging workplace for more than 140 employees.
This was a broad operational leadership role combining Facilities Management, Health & Safety, supplier management, workplace services and property management.
Responsibilities included:
- Leading the day-to-day Facilities Management function.
- Managing all workplace services across the UK office.
- Overseeing Health & Safety compliance.
- Managing the UK property portfolio and associated insurance requirements.
- Leading supplier procurement, contract management and performance reviews.
- Managing operational budgets and driving cost efficiencies.
- Developing workplace initiatives to improve the employee experience.
- Managing the Facilities intranet and internal communications.
- Representing Facilities at management meetings and business initiatives.
- Supporting business continuity and operational resilience.
The successful candidate needed to balance operational excellence with a highly collaborative approach, working closely with senior leadership while delivering first-class service to employees across the business.
Our Approach
Maxwell Stephens undertook a targeted executive search focused on experienced client-side Facilities Management professionals from blue-chip corporate and FMCG environments.
Given the nature of the organisation, technical capability alone would not be enough.
Mattel wanted someone who embraced innovation, enjoyed solving problems, took ownership and genuinely cared about creating a positive workplace experience.
Our search prioritised candidates with:
- Significant corporate Facilities Management experience.
- Experience within blue-chip or FMCG organisations.
- Strong supplier and contract management expertise.
- Commercial awareness and budget management experience.
- Health & Safety leadership.
- Excellent negotiation and procurement skills.
- Workplace improvement and employee engagement experience.
- Outstanding organisational and communication skills.
- A calm, proactive and solutions-focused leadership style.
Throughout the recruitment process, we carefully assessed each candidate's technical expertise alongside their leadership style, cultural fit and ability to thrive within Mattel's collaborative and high-performing environment.
The Outcome
Following a comprehensive executive search, Maxwell Stephens successfully introduced an outstanding Associate Manager of Facilities who closely aligned with Mattel's operational requirements and company culture.
The successful candidate brought extensive corporate Facilities Management experience together with strong commercial awareness, supplier management expertise and a genuine passion for creating exceptional workplaces.
Since joining Mattel, they have played a key role in:
- Leading the day-to-day Facilities Management function.
- Maintaining safe, compliant and efficient workplace operations.
- Strengthening supplier performance and contract management.
- Driving workplace improvements and employee-focused initiatives.
- Supporting business continuity across the UK operation.
- Delivering effective cost management while maintaining high service standards.
- Helping create a workplace that reflects Mattel's collaborative and innovative culture.
Their proactive approach and strong stakeholder management skills have made them a valued member of the leadership team and an important contributor to the ongoing success of Mattel UK.
Building Long-Term Recruitment Partnerships
At Maxwell Stephens, we believe successful recruitment is built on understanding both the organisation and the individual.
By combining specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise with a genuine commitment to long-term relationships, we continue to help organisations like Mattel recruit professionals who not only possess the right technical skills but also strengthen workplace culture and organisational performance.
Candidate Testimonial
"I have known the team at Maxwell Stephens for several years, both as a candidate and later as a hiring manager. They are the only recruiter I genuinely feel comfortable approaching because they take the time to understand what you're looking for, actively seek out the right opportunities and always provide honest advice. They treat candidates with respect and never make you feel like just another transaction. That is exactly why, when I needed to recruit myself, Maxwell Stephens was my first choice."