Background & Client Overview
Oxera Consulting, a leading economic and financial consultancy, had experienced significant international growth, expanding its office network into five additional European countries over a three-year period.
Until that point, much of the expansion had been managed internally. However, with the existing Facilities Manager preparing to take maternity leave in early 2020, Oxera recognised an opportunity to strengthen the function and bring greater strategic leadership to its growing property portfolio.
Maxwell Stephens was appointed to recruit a Head of Property & Facilities who could maintain operational continuity while also supporting the next stage of Oxera’s international development.
The successful candidate needed to do more than manage existing offices. They would be expected to help consolidate Oxera’s property strategy, improve Facilities Management across multiple countries and develop the capabilities of the existing team.
The Challenge
Oxera required a senior Facilities Management professional capable of operating within a rapidly growing, international consultancy.
The appointment needed to balance immediate operational responsibility with longer-term strategic priorities.
The successful candidate had to demonstrate:
International Property & FM Experience
The ability to manage and develop workplace operations across multiple European offices, adapting to different locations, suppliers and business requirements.
Strategic Facilities Leadership
Experience moving Facilities Management beyond day-to-day service delivery and developing a more structured, consistent and forward-looking approach.
Team Development
The capability to mentor and develop existing managers, strengthening their strategic thinking and increasing the overall capability of the function.
Project & Change Management
Strong experience delivering office projects, refurbishments, relocations and other property changes in a growing organisation.
Commercial Awareness
The ability to manage budgets, suppliers and contracts while continually looking for opportunities to improve efficiency and value.
Stakeholder Management
Confidence working closely with senior leaders and communicating clearly across different offices, teams and external partners.
The Role
Reporting directly to Oxera’s Partner & Director of HR, the Head of Property & Facilities would lead the organisation’s property and workplace strategy across its European office network.
The role included responsibility for two direct reports covering Facilities, Property and consultancy-support functions, with a particular emphasis on developing their strategic capabilities.
Strategic Facilities Development
Provided advice on Facilities Management best practice, workplace improvements and innovation to help create effective working environments across Oxera’s growing European portfolio.
Vendor & Contract Management
Oversaw suppliers and contracts across services including security, parking, cleaning, catering and technology, ensuring consistent performance and appropriate value for money.
Team Leadership & Development
Managed and developed teams responsible for cleaning, maintenance, PA support, front of house and administrative services.
A key objective was to strengthen the existing management team and enable them to take on greater strategic responsibility.
Budget & Commercial Management
Maintained oversight of Facilities and property expenditure across all locations, improving financial control and identifying opportunities for greater efficiency.
The role also involved continually reviewing the supply chain to improve quality, performance and cost-effectiveness.
Space Planning
Managed the allocation and use of office space to ensure workplaces continued to support changing business and workforce requirements.
This included ensuring spaces remained aligned with relevant safety and environmental expectations.
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Led initiatives to improve energy efficiency and supported the development of broader environmental and sustainability policies across the office network.
Property Projects & Relocations
Oversaw building projects, renovations and office relocations from planning through to delivery.
This required strong project governance, stakeholder communication and careful coordination to minimise disruption to the business.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens conducted a targeted search for senior Facilities and Property professionals with experience managing international office portfolios and complex workplace change.
The search focused on candidates who could combine operational credibility with a more strategic approach to Property and Facilities Management.
Particular attention was given to professionals who could demonstrate:
- international multi-site FM experience
- senior stakeholder management
- office relocation and fit-out expertise
- supplier and contract management
- budgetary control
- sustainability and workplace development
- team leadership and mentoring
- the ability to support continued organisational growth
Cultural fit was equally important.
Oxera needed a professional capable of working within a highly analytical and collaborative consultancy environment while bringing additional structure and strategic direction to the Facilities function.
Outcome & Impact
Maxwell Stephens successfully placed an experienced Head of Property & Facilities, who joined Oxera in January 2020.
The successful candidate brought substantial experience managing international office networks and a strategic approach to Facilities Management and property development.
Stronger International FM Operations
The appointment helped create a more coordinated approach to Facilities Management across Oxera’s European offices, improving consistency and operational efficiency.
Improved Property Strategy
The new Head of Property & Facilities provided greater strategic direction around the organisation’s expanding property portfolio and future workplace requirements.
Enhanced Team Capability
A strong emphasis on coaching and development strengthened the capabilities of the existing Facilities and Property team.
This helped create greater internal resilience and enabled team members to contribute more strategically.
Better Supplier & Cost Management
Improved commercial oversight of suppliers and contracts supported stronger cost control and greater value across the international estate.
Successful Workplace Development
The candidate’s project and property experience supported the continued development, consolidation and improvement of Oxera’s office network.
Stronger Sustainability Focus
Greater attention to energy efficiency and environmental policy helped ensure Facilities Management contributed to wider sustainability objectives.
Outcome
The successful placement provided Oxera with more than interim operational cover during a period of rapid growth.
It gave the organisation a senior Property and Facilities leader capable of strengthening the existing function, developing internal talent and supporting the future evolution of its European office portfolio.
The appointment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens’ ability to understand complex international Facilities Management briefs and identify candidates who can combine strategic property leadership, operational expertise, project delivery and people development.
Looking for a senior Property or Facilities Management professional to support growth across a complex office portfolio? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.