Client Overview
The University of Cambridge’s Department of Physics, home to the internationally renowned Cavendish Laboratory, is one of the world’s leading centres for scientific research and innovation. With a legacy that includes 32 Nobel Prize winners, the department continues to play a pivotal role in advancing global scientific understanding through pioneering research, teaching and collaboration.
As the department prepared for its future relocation to the Ray Dolby Centre, a state-of-the-art research facility designed to support the next generation of scientific discovery, the University required an experienced Soft Facilities Manager to support both day-to-day operations and the successful delivery of a major period of organisational transition.
The Challenge
The Department of Physics required a highly capable facilities professional to lead the delivery of soft facilities services across a complex and operationally demanding research environment.
This was a strategically important appointment, requiring an individual capable of supporting world-leading research activities while maintaining exceptional service standards across a diverse estate comprising offices, laboratories, workshops, teaching spaces and event facilities.
The successful candidate would be responsible for:
• Managing soft facilities services across the department
• Overseeing reception, concierge and front-of-house operations
• Managing cleaning, catering and security contracts
• Supporting laboratories, workshops and specialist research environments
• Driving sustainability initiatives and environmental performance improvements
• Ensuring compliance with health, safety and fire safety requirements
• Supporting business continuity planning and operational resilience
• Managing facilities budgets and service level agreements
• Advising on facilities requirements relating to new developments and refurbishment projects
• Supporting the department’s transition to the Ray Dolby Centre
The role required a facilities leader capable of balancing operational delivery with strategic planning while working within one of the world’s most prestigious academic and research institutions.
Our Approach
Understanding the Environment
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with the University to develop a detailed understanding of both the operational requirements of the role and the unique culture of the Department of Physics.
The successful candidate would need to demonstrate not only strong facilities management expertise but also the ability to operate effectively within a complex stakeholder environment involving academics, researchers, operational teams, contractors and senior university leadership.
Specialist Search Process
Drawing upon our extensive Facilities Management network, we conducted a targeted search focused on professionals with experience across:
• Soft Facilities Management
• Higher Education environments
• Research and laboratory facilities
• Science and technology estates
• Corporate and public-sector facilities operations
• Contract and supplier management
• Health, safety and compliance management
• Sustainability and environmental initiatives
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying candidates who could demonstrate experience managing complex facilities services while maintaining high standards of customer service, operational performance and stakeholder engagement.
Candidate Assessment
Candidates were assessed against a range of technical and leadership competencies, including:
• Soft services management
• Contractor and supplier performance management
• Strategic planning and service improvement
• Budget management and commercial awareness
• Health, safety and compliance knowledge
• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Change management and organisational transition
Our process focused on identifying an individual capable of supporting both the department’s immediate operational needs and its long-term strategic objectives.
The Outcome
Following a comprehensive search and selection process, Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced Soft Facilities Manager who closely matched the department’s technical, operational and cultural requirements.
The successful candidate brought extensive facilities management experience, strong leadership capability and a collaborative approach to service delivery.
Since joining the Department of Physics, they have taken responsibility for the effective management of critical soft facilities services while supporting preparations for the department’s transition to the Ray Dolby Centre.
Key strengths included:
• Extensive soft facilities management expertise
• Strong contract and supplier management capability
• Experience operating within complex estates and stakeholder environments
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• A proactive approach to service improvement and operational efficiency
• Strong understanding of compliance, health and safety and business continuity
The appointment provided the University with a facilities leader capable of supporting a world-class research environment while helping to shape the future workplace and facilities strategy of one of the most respected scientific institutions in the world.
Candidate Testimonial
“Hi Peter, words cannot express my utmost gratitude for helping me land this role. I could not be happier!”
Specialist Facilities Management Recruitment
Maxwell Stephens supports universities, research institutions and complex operational environments in securing exceptional facilities management professionals.
Our expertise includes:
• Soft Facilities Management
• Estates Management
• Workplace & Facilities Services
• Higher Education Facilities Management
• Research & Laboratory Environments
• Property & Facilities Leadership
• Health, Safety & Compliance
• Operational and Strategic FM Appointments
By combining specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise with an in-depth understanding of complex estates, we help organisations secure the talent needed to create safe, efficient and high-performing environments where people, research and innovation can thrive.