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Background
Founded in 1969, Sotheby's Institute of Art is one of the world's leading postgraduate institutions dedicated to the study of art, the art market and cultural heritage. Offering internationally respected programmes across subjects including Art Business, Contemporary Art, Fine & Decorative Art, Design, and Modern & Contemporary Asian Art, the Institute attracts students from around the globe.
Its London campus occupies an elegant collection of Georgian buildings on Bedford Square, one of the capital's finest historic garden squares. Balancing the operational needs of a modern educational institution within a heritage setting requires exceptional Facilities leadership.
Following a number of unsuccessful recruitment campaigns through several agencies, Sotheby's Institute of Art appointed Maxwell Stephens exclusively to recruit a Head of Facilities & Operations a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for overseeing every aspect of the Institute's London estate and operational services.
The Challenge
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Facilities & Operations would become a member of the senior leadership team, responsible for delivering a safe, efficient and welcoming environment for students, staff, visitors and external clients.
The role combined strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership, requiring responsibility across Facilities Management, Front of House, compliance, workplace planning and commercial operations.
Key responsibilities included:
- Leading all Facilities and Building Operations.
- Managing hard and soft Facilities Management services.
- Overseeing Front of House and customer service teams.
- Managing contractor performance and supplier relationships.
- Developing long-term space planning strategies.
- Building strong relationships with landlords and professional advisers.
- Managing Health & Safety, compliance and risk management.
- Overseeing maintenance, cleaning, security and first aid provision.
- Coordinating room utilisation and operational planning.
- Managing operational budgets and performance reporting.
- Driving continuous improvement across workplace services.
- Supporting the Institute's wider commercial and operational strategy.
The successful candidate needed to combine commercial awareness with exceptional leadership while maintaining the premium standards expected by one of the world's leading art institutions.
Our Approach
Understanding the importance of both cultural fit and operational expertise, Maxwell Stephens undertook a targeted executive search focused on experienced senior Facilities leaders from premium education, cultural, hospitality and corporate environments.
Working closely with the Institute's leadership team, we developed a detailed profile of the ideal candidate, balancing technical competence with strategic leadership and customer-focused service delivery.
Our search focused on professionals with experience in:
- Senior Facilities and Estates Management.
- Heritage and prestigious buildings.
- Front of House and customer experience.
- Space planning and workplace strategy.
- Health & Safety and statutory compliance.
- Contractor procurement and supplier management.
- Operational budgeting and financial management.
- Team leadership and organisational development.
- Commercial property operations.
Alongside technical capability, we placed particular emphasis on identifying individuals with outstanding interpersonal skills, executive presence and the ability to build trusted relationships across every level of the organisation.
Candidates with higher education experience, property qualifications and an appreciation of the arts and cultural sector were especially attractive.
The Outcome
Following an extensive executive search and comprehensive assessment process, Maxwell Stephens presented a carefully selected shortlist of four exceptional candidates.
All four candidates progressed to interview, demonstrating the quality and accuracy of the search process.
Following the final interview stages, one candidate was successfully appointed as Head of Facilities & Operations.
The successful individual brought extensive leadership experience across Facilities Management, workplace operations and property management, enabling them to make an immediate impact across the Institute.
Since joining Sotheby's Institute of Art, they have successfully:
- Strengthened Facilities and operational performance.
- Enhanced customer experience across the campus.
- Improved contractor management and supplier performance.
- Developed more effective space planning processes.
- Strengthened Health & Safety governance and compliance.
- Supported long-term operational and property strategy.
- Delivered a premium environment for students, faculty and visitors.
The appointment provided Sotheby's Institute of Art with the strategic operational leadership required to support its continued reputation as one of the world's foremost centres for art education.
Executive Search for Prestigious Educational Institutions
Recruiting senior operational leaders for internationally recognised institutions demands a deep understanding of leadership, culture and workplace excellence.
Through our specialist Facilities Management executive search expertise, Maxwell Stephens successfully delivered a senior appointment capable of supporting both the day-to-day operation and long-term strategic development of one of the world's most respected educational organisations.