Background & Client Overview
Ready Steady Store, a UK self-storage provider, appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit an experienced Interim Facilities Manager to provide immediate operational support during a critical period.
The role was responsible for the day-to-day management of facilities at the company’s Manchester head office, while also supporting smooth Facilities Management operations across its wider national office network.
With an initial assignment of up to six months, Ready Steady Store required someone who could step into the position quickly, assess priorities and take ownership of a broad range of Facilities responsibilities with minimal disruption to the business.
The Challenge
The principal challenge was the need for an experienced Facilities Manager who could start immediately and make an impact from day one.
The successful candidate needed to combine broad operational FM knowledge with strong problem-solving skills, leadership capability and the confidence to manage a varied workload independently.
Key requirements included:
Interim Facilities Leadership
Providing immediate stability and operational oversight during the temporary assignment, while ensuring essential Facilities services continued without interruption.
Multi-Site Facilities Management
Managing issues at the Manchester head office while also supporting Facilities requirements across the organisation’s wider national estate.
Property Management
Handling property-related matters and ensuring buildings remained safe, functional and appropriately maintained.
Security Management
Overseeing security systems and associated processes to protect employees, premises and business assets.
Health & Safety
Managing workplace health and safety responsibilities, including risk assessments, fire evacuation procedures and other compliance requirements.
Budget Management
Monitoring Facilities expenditure and ensuring services and works remained financially controlled.
Contractor Management
Coordinating external contractors, monitoring their performance and ensuring works were completed safely and to the required standard.
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
Maintaining appropriate disaster-recovery arrangements and helping ensure the organisation was prepared to respond to operational disruption.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens conducted a focused search for experienced interim Facilities Management professionals who were available at short notice and capable of taking immediate ownership of a broad operational remit.
Given the urgency of the assignment, our screening process concentrated on both capability and readiness.
Candidates were assessed on their:
- Facilities Management experience
- ability to manage multi-site operations
- knowledge of security and property matters
- budget-management skills
- contractor-management experience
- health and safety knowledge
- experience with risk assessments and emergency procedures
- communication and stakeholder-management capability
- ability to work independently and solve problems quickly
Cultural fit was equally important. Ready Steady Store needed someone who could integrate rapidly into the organisation, build relationships with stakeholders at all levels and provide confident leadership during a period of temporary cover.
Following a detailed but efficient assessment process, Maxwell Stephens successfully placed a highly qualified Interim Facilities Manager.
Outcome & Impact
The successful candidate brought more than five years of relevant Facilities Management experience and quickly assumed responsibility for the organisation’s key workplace and property requirements.
Immediate Operational Support
The Interim Facilities Manager was able to step into the role quickly, providing Ready Steady Store with continuity and experienced Facilities leadership when it was most needed.
Stronger Property & Facilities Oversight
The candidate’s experience across property matters, maintenance and day-to-day Facilities operations helped ensure issues were managed proactively rather than reactively.
Improved Security Management
Strong practical knowledge of workplace security systems supported the effective management of security arrangements across the organisation.
Enhanced Health & Safety
The candidate brought proven experience in risk assessments, fire evacuation procedures and wider health and safety management, helping maintain appropriate standards throughout the assignment.
Effective Contractor Management
External contractors were managed and coordinated effectively, helping ensure works and services were delivered to the required standards.
Stronger Budget Control
The successful candidate applied sound financial management to Facilities expenditure, supporting greater control over costs and operational priorities.
Greater Business Resilience
Experience in disaster recovery and emergency planning strengthened the organisation’s ability to respond to unexpected operational issues.
Effective Stakeholder Communication
Strong interpersonal and communication skills enabled the Interim Facilities Manager to work effectively with employees, contractors and senior stakeholders across the business.
Outcome
The successful placement gave Ready Steady Store an experienced Facilities Management professional capable of providing immediate operational stability, strong compliance oversight and effective multi-site support.
The assignment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens’ ability to respond quickly to urgent interim recruitment requirements and identify candidates who can enter an organisation, understand the priorities and deliver from the outset.
Looking for an Interim Facilities Manager who can provide immediate support to your property or workplace operations? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.