Background
Siemens Healthcare needed a Regional Real Estate Manager responsible for locations across Western Europe. The role sat at the junction of real estate, facilities and project management, working with the business and with regional real estate management.
The postholder would own all real estate topics for the assigned locations, from facilities services to larger projects, and act as the point of coordination for stakeholders.
The Challenge
The scope was wide. The manager would run facilities services across several European locations, act as project manager for pre-opening activity including planning, tendering, design, construction and relocation, and deliver small works, asset management plans and annual budgets. The role also involved procuring contractors with the supply chain team and leading them to improve performance against KPIs.
The client set a high bar on experience: office and R&D site facilities, maintenance and fit-out leadership, participation in large construction and fit-out projects in the UK and Europe, and proven expertise in life science or a comparable industry. Environmental, health and safety standards under a zero harm culture were central.
There were practical constraints as well. A full driving licence was critical, and international travel to office locations was expected around 35 per cent of the time. Candidates with this blend of technical, project and regional experience are few.
Communication carried real weight too. The client wanted strong presentation and moderation skills, because the manager would be coordinating many stakeholders and keeping customers satisfied across locations. A university degree in facilities or project management was expected, ideally supported by internationally recognised project management and EHS certification.
Our Approach
- We reviewed the brief with the client, separating the capabilities that were essential from those that could be developed.
- We searched life science, pharmaceutical and technology occupiers, and corporate real estate teams with a European footprint.
- We screened for experience of fit-out and construction projects, contractor performance management and EHS leadership.
- We checked travel and licence requirements early, then managed interview and offer.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens made the appointment.
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