Client Overview
Ashmore Group plc is a leading global specialist investmentmanager with operations spanning international markets and a reputation forexcellence, professionalism and disciplined performance. To support its Londonheadquarters, Ashmore required an experienced Office Manager capable ofoverseeing workplace operations, facilities services and administrativefunctions within a demanding corporate environment.
The role was central to maintaining an efficient, compliantand high-performing workplace, ensuring that employees, visitors andstakeholders experienced consistently high standards across all aspects ofoffice and facilities management.
The Challenge
Ashmore sought a highly capable Office Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of workplace operations while supporting the organisation’s wider commercial objectives.
The successful candidate needed to demonstrate expertise across a broad range of operational disciplines, including:
• Facilities and workplace management
• Supplier and contractor performance management
• Budget management and cost control
• Health, safety and compliance oversight
• Administrative team leadership
• Stakeholder engagement
• Service delivery and workplace experience
• Multi-site coordination, including support for overseas offices
The role required an individual capable of balancing strategic oversight with hands-on operational delivery, ensuring workplace services operated efficiently while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, confidentiality and service excellence.
Strong organisational capability was essential, as the successful candidate would be responsible for managing multiple priorities, coordinating diverse stakeholders and responding effectively to the evolving needs of a fast-paced investment management environment.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with Ashmore’s leadership team to develop a detailed understanding of the role, organisational culture and operational priorities.
We identified that the ideal candidate would require not only strong facilities management experience, but also the leadership capability and commercial awareness necessary to support a high-performance corporate environment.
Targeted Search Process
Drawing upon our specialist Facilities Management and Workplace Management network, we conducted a targeted search focused on experienced professionals with backgrounds in:
• Corporate facilities management
• Workplace and office management
• Professional and financial services environments
• Health and safety compliance
• Supplier and contractor management
• Budgetary control
• Administrative leadership
• Workplace operations and employee experience
The search prioritised candidates with proven experience delivering high-quality workplace services while managing operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Assessment & Selection
Candidates were evaluated against a range of technical, operational and behavioural competencies, including:
• Facilities and workplace management expertise
• Leadership and people management capability
• Health and safety knowledge
• Financial and budget management
• Communication and stakeholder engagement
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Cultural alignment with Ashmore’s professional and performance-driven environment
Through a rigorous assessment process, we identified individuals capable of delivering both operational excellence and long-term value to the organisation.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an exceptional Office Manager who brought extensive experience in workplace operations, facilities management and team leadership.
The successful candidate quickly established themselves as a key member of the organisation, taking ownership of workplace services, facilities operations and administrative functions while driving improvements across several areas of responsibility
Key strengths included:
• Extensive facilities and workplace management experience
• Strong health and safety compliance knowledge
• Proven supplier and contractor management expertise
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Effective leadership of administrative and support teams
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to operational management
Since joining the organisation, the Office Manager has successfully enhanced workplace operations through:
• Streamlining internal processes and administrative procedures
• Optimising supplier relationships and service contracts
• Strengthening health and safety compliance and governance
• Improving operational efficiency across workplace services
• Supporting effective budget management and cost control
• Enhancing service delivery standards throughout the office environment
The appointment has provided Ashmore with a highly effective workplace leader who continues to support operational excellence, employee experience and the smooth running of a critical corporate environment.
Specialist Workplace & Facilities Management Recruitment
Maxwell Stephens partners with organisations across financial services, corporate real estate and professional services sectors to secure exceptional workplace and facilities management talent.
Our expertise spans:
• Office Management
• Workplace Management
• Facilities Management
• Corporate Real Estate
• Property & Workplace Services
• Health & Safety
• Operations Management
• Executive Support Functions
By combining deep market knowledge with an extensive network of facilities and workplace professionals, we help organisations secure the people who create safe, efficient and high-performing working environments.