Client Overview
National Express is one of the UK's leading public transport operators, delivering bus and coach services across the country while managing a substantial property and operational estate. Supporting thousands of employees and millions of passenger journeys each year, maintaining safe, compliant and efficient facilities is critical to the organisation's continued success.
To support its expanding estate and capital investment programme, National Express partnered with Maxwell Stephens to recruit a Project Manager responsible for delivering facilities and estates projects across its national portfolio.
The Challenge
National Express required an experienced Project Manager capable of leading a broad range of estates and facilities projects across multiple operational sites.
This was a highly varied role requiring a combination of project management expertise, estates knowledge and operational facilities management experience. The successful candidate would be based from Birmingham while travelling regularly across the UK to oversee projects and support operational teams.
Key responsibilities included:
- Managing estates and property improvement projects across multiple locations.
- Planning and delivering refurbishment, maintenance and workplace change projects.
- Coordinating office moves and operational change programmes.
- Managing contractors, consultants and specialist suppliers.
- Overseeing planned maintenance and capital works.
- Preparing project scopes, specifications and business cases.
- Managing project budgets and capital expenditure.
- Ensuring statutory compliance and Health & Safety standards were maintained.
- Building strong relationships with operational managers and senior stakeholders.
- Supporting the ongoing development of National Express's property portfolio.
The organisation required someone with a broad Facilities Management background who could combine strategic planning with hands-on project delivery while working within a fast-moving operational environment.
Our Approach
Working closely with National Express, Maxwell Stephens developed a detailed understanding of both the technical requirements and operational culture of the business.
Using our specialist Facilities Management network, we conducted a targeted search for professionals with experience across estates management, capital projects and multi-site operations.
Our assessment focused on candidates who demonstrated:
- Proven experience delivering estates and facilities projects.
- Multi-site operational Facilities Management expertise.
- Strong contractor and supplier management capability.
- Budget and capital project management experience.
- Knowledge of transport, infrastructure or operational environments.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- A proactive, commercially aware and solutions-focused approach.
Each shortlisted candidate underwent a comprehensive interview process, assessing both technical competence and cultural fit before presentation to the client.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced Project Manager who brought a strong blend of estates, facilities and project management expertise.
The successful candidate quickly became an integral part of the National Express property team, taking ownership of projects across the estate while supporting operational improvements and long-term asset management.
Results Delivered
Successful Multi-Site Project Delivery
The appointed Project Manager successfully coordinated facilities and estates projects across National Express's nationwide property portfolio, ensuring projects were delivered safely, efficiently and on schedule.
Improved Estates Management
A structured approach to maintenance planning and property improvements enhanced operational standards across multiple locations.
Strong Contractor Management
Effective management of contractors and external suppliers improved project delivery, service quality and cost control.
Effective Budget Control
Careful management of project budgets and capital expenditure ensured value for money while supporting National Express's wider investment strategy.
Enhanced Operational Support
Working closely with operational teams, the successful candidate delivered workplace improvements with minimal disruption to day-to-day transport operations.
The Impact
The appointment strengthened National Express's ability to deliver capital projects, manage its property portfolio and maintain high operational standards across a geographically diverse estate.
By combining technical expertise, commercial awareness and strong stakeholder management, the successful candidate helped support the organisation's ongoing investment in its facilities and infrastructure.
This assignment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens' expertise in recruiting experienced Facilities, Estates and Project Management professionals for complex, multi-site organisations where operational resilience, compliance and effective project delivery are business critical.