Background
Stewart Investors, a specialist investment manager within First Sentier Investors (formerly First State Investments), manages global investment portfolios on behalf of institutional and individual clients. Known for its long-term investment philosophy and sustainable approach, the business operates internationally with offices across Europe, Asia and Australia.
When the organisation needed to replace an Office Manager who had been with the business for 17 years, Stewart Investors recognised that the search called for more than technical capability: the appointee also had to fit a distinctive culture. Maxwell Stephens was appointed to lead the search for a Property Manager based at the firm's Edinburgh headquarters.
The Challenge
Replacing a long-serving employee is never straightforward. The knowledge that leaves with them — of the building, the suppliers, the landlord and the people — is rarely written down, and the incoming manager inherits expectations shaped by a predecessor everyone knew well. Stewart Investors needed a Property Manager who could take ownership of a broad operational remit from the outset while preserving the collaborative culture that had become integral to the organisation.
The successful candidate would oversee workplace operations in Edinburgh while supporting satellite offices in London, Singapore and Sydney, ensuring consistency with global corporate standards and local regulatory requirements.
Key responsibilities included:
- Managing day-to-day workplace and property operations.
- Maintaining physical security and access control.
- Negotiating leases and managing landlord relationships.
- Coordinating office refurbishments, moves and workplace projects.
- Managing planned maintenance of mechanical and electrical assets.
- Producing operational reporting and workplace analytics.
- Managing departmental budgets, invoices and financial controls.
- Supporting Health & Safety compliance across multiple international locations.
- Acting as the key liaison for Office Management teams across the global office network.
The role demanded an experienced workplace professional capable of operating independently while collaborating effectively across international teams. Supporting offices in three other cities from an Edinburgh base also means setting standards remotely, through local office teams, rather than by walking the floor.
Our Approach
Recognising the significance of replacing a highly valued long-serving employee, Maxwell Stephens invested considerable time working alongside Stewart Investors before commencing the search.
Through a series of detailed consultation meetings, we built a thorough understanding of the organisation's structure, culture and leadership style, which allowed us to define precisely what success would look like in the role.
Our executive search focused on professionals with experience in:
- Corporate Property and Facilities Management.
- Financial services and investment management environments.
- Multi-site workplace operations.
- Budget and supplier management.
- Office relocations and refurbishment projects.
- Health & Safety and statutory compliance.
- Stakeholder engagement across international businesses.
Alongside technical capability, particular emphasis was placed on candidates who demonstrated initiative, emotional intelligence, adaptability and the confidence to work within a collaborative, low-hierarchy culture.
Following a comprehensive search and assessment process, we presented a shortlist of strong candidates.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens identified a Property Manager who combined strong operational expertise with a close cultural fit.
The successful candidate brought extensive experience managing workplace operations, property services and facilities across corporate environments, and was able to make an immediate contribution to the business.
Since joining Stewart Investors, they have:
- Maintained high operational standards across the Edinburgh headquarters.
- Supported workplace operations across international offices.
- Strengthened supplier and landlord relationships.
- Delivered office improvement and workplace projects.
- Enhanced Health & Safety compliance and operational governance.
- Improved reporting, budget management and workplace efficiency.
- Preserved the collaborative workplace culture valued by the organisation.
The appointment demonstrated Maxwell Stephens' ability to deliver not only technically capable professionals, but people who integrate into an organisation's culture and long-term plans.
Client Testimonial
“We needed to replace our office manager of 17 years recently and found Peter and his team exceptionally helpful through the process. We were novices in conducting this sort of search so Peter spent a good period of time with us before looking for candidates to ensure that he had fully captured our requirements and most importantly, the particular culture of our organisation. The shortlist of candidates that were presented to us were an appropriate range and we actually struggled to narrow down that to those we wished to interview. We then eventually offered the role to one of the candidates and so far all is going very well. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Peter and his team in this specialist area.”
Why This Placement Worked
Replacing a long-serving employee requires more than matching a job description. It demands a real understanding of culture, leadership style and organisational values — and the time to capture those before the search begins, not after a first shortlist has missed.
By combining detailed consultation with a rigorous executive search process, Maxwell Stephens helped Stewart Investors secure a Property Manager who could build on an already successful workplace operation while bringing fresh ideas and long-term value.
If you are replacing a long-serving property or office manager and need someone who fits the culture as well as the job description, Maxwell Stephens can help you define the brief and reach the right candidates. Get in touch with our team.