Client Overview
Paddington Works is a premium flexible workspace and property operator, creating vibrant, design-led environments that bring together businesses, entrepreneurs and communities across West London. Combining coworking spaces, private offices, event facilities and residential accommodation, the organisation places significant emphasis on workplace experience, operational excellence and community engagement.
As part of its continued growth, Paddington Works required an experienced Operations Manager to oversee a diverse mixed-use portfolio spanning commercial and residential assets, ensuring the highest standards of facilities management, customer experience and operational performance.
The Challenge
Paddington Works required a highly capable Operations Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day management of multiple sites while supporting the organisation’s commitment to delivering exceptional occupier experiences.
This was not a traditional facilities management role. The successful candidate needed to combine operational leadership, property management expertise and strong stakeholder engagement skills within a dynamic and customer-focused environment.
Key areas of responsibility included:
• Multi-site operations management
• Facilities and property management
• Commercial and residential asset oversight
• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) management
• Reactive maintenance coordination
• Contractor and supplier management
• Budget management and financial control
• Capital improvement and refurbishment projects
• Occupier experience and customer service delivery
• Health, safety and compliance management
• Space utilisation and workplace optimisation
• Community engagement and operational excellence
The role demanded an individual capable of balancing strategic oversight with hands-on operational delivery while maintaining the high standards expected across a premium mixed-use portfolio.
In addition to technical capability, Paddington Works required someone who shared the organisation’s values around wellbeing, sustainability and creating environments where people and businesses can thrive.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
Having worked with Paddington Works previously, Maxwell Stephens understood the importance of securing a candidate who could align with both the technical requirements of the role and the culture of the organisation.
Working closely with the leadership team, we developed a detailed understanding of the portfolio, operational priorities and the personal qualities required for success.
Specialist Search Process
Drawing upon our extensive Facilities Management and Property Management network, we conducted a targeted search focused on candidates with experience across:
• Facilities Management
• Property Operations
• Mixed-Use Developments
• Flexible Workspace Environments
• Residential Property Management
• Contractor and Supplier Management
• Capital Projects and Refurbishments
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Workplace Experience
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying candidates with strong operational leadership skills, project management capability and a customer-centric approach.
Candidate Assessment
Candidates were assessed against a comprehensive range of technical, operational and behavioural competencies, including:
• Multi-site operational management
• Facilities and property management expertise
• Budget management and commercial awareness
• Contractor management capability
• Project delivery and refurbishment experience
• Health, safety and compliance knowledge
• Stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Customer service and occupier experience focus
• Cultural alignment with Paddington Works’ values
Throughout the process, complete confidentiality was maintained while ensuring the opportunity was positioned effectively to attract high-calibre professionals.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced Operations Manager who brought a strong combination of facilities management expertise, commercial awareness and operational leadership.
The successful candidate demonstrated the technical capability, project management experience and customer-focused mindset required to oversee a diverse mixed-use portfolio.
Key strengths included:
• Extensive facilities and operations management experience
• Strong commercial and residential property knowledge
• Proven contractor and supplier management expertise
• Effective budget management and financial control capability
• Experience delivering refurbishment and improvement projects
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach
• Strong alignment with Paddington Works’ community-focused culture
Following their appointment, the Operations Manager quickly integrated into the organisation and assumed responsibility for the operational performance of the portfolio.
Results Delivered
The appointment delivered significant benefits across Paddington Works’ operations, including:
• Enhanced facilities and property management oversight
• Improved coordination of planned and reactive maintenance activities
• Strengthened contractor and supplier management
• Effective delivery of operational improvement projects
• Enhanced occupier and resident experience
• Improved budget control and operational efficiency
• Stronger health, safety and compliance performance
• Continued support for the organisation’s growth and community-focused objectives
The successful placement provided Paddington Works with an Operations Manager capable of delivering operational excellence across both commercial and residential environments while supporting the organisation’s vision of creating exceptional places to work, live and collaborate.
Specialist Facilities & Property Recruitment
Maxwell Stephens supports property owners, flexible workspace operators, commercial landlords and mixed-use developments with specialist recruitment solutions across facilities, workplace and property management.
Our expertise includes:
• Operations Management
• Facilities Management
• Property Management
• Mixed-Use Developments
• Workplace Operations
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Contractor Management
• Strategic Facilities Leadership
By combining specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise with a deep understanding of modern workplace and property environments, we help organisations secure the professionals responsible for creating safe, efficient and high-performing spaces.