Background
Pernod Ricard UK needed a Facilities Assistant for its office. The role reported to the Facilities Manager within a team of four, which also included two facilities colleagues and a receptionist, and sat within the wider HR team.
The purpose was to give employees a professional, friendly and efficient facilities service while supporting the Facilities Manager on premises management and suppliers.
The Challenge
An assistant role in a busy corporate office covers a long list of tasks, and each one has to be done reliably. This one included first aid and fire safety training records, monthly first aid kit checks, fire extinguisher maintenance and display screen equipment assessments.
It also covered security passes and access levels, new starter and leaver processes, facilities inductions, office licensing, stationery budgets and fleet administration such as MOT collections and licence checks. Daily inspections of reception, tea points, the staff shop and other shared areas kept the standard visible to everyone, and the assistant covered switchboard and helpdesk tickets when needed.
The client was looking for early-career facilities experience of one to two years, a safety qualification such as IOSH or NEBOSH, and an FM qualification at levels one to three. Candidates who are organised, personable and keen to build a facilities career are not always easy to identify from a CV alone.
The role also called for a steady personality. The assistant would deal with every employee in the UK business, and with outside suppliers, and would be expected to flag problems with seating, costs or supplier performance to the Facilities Manager early. Good judgement about when to act and when to escalate was part of the job.
Our Approach
- We briefed on the day-to-day mix of safety administration, front-of-house presence and supplier coordination.
- We approached junior facilities and office services professionals who already held, or were working towards, IOSH, NEBOSH or an FM qualification.
- We screened for attention to detail, customer manner and the ability to manage many small tasks without losing any.
- We prepared candidates for interview and supported the process through to offer.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens made the appointment.
If you are building out a corporate facilities or office services team, talk to Maxwell Stephens to discuss the profile you need.
Planning a similar appointment?
If you are recruiting for a similar role, our team can help you define the brief, reach the right candidates and manage the process through to appointment.