Background
Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields (CSTM) is a respected London charity dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion. Operating from its central London headquarters, the organisation provides a range of essential services while managing a busy and complex operational environment.
As the organisation evolved, so too did the demands placed upon its property and workplace infrastructure. What had originally been a combined IT and Facilities function had become increasingly complex as the building matured and operational requirements expanded. Recognising that specialist expertise was now required, CSTM partnered exclusively with Maxwell Stephens to recruit both a Facilities & Premises Manager and a Facilities & Premises Officer, creating a dedicated facilities function capable of supporting the organisation's long-term ambitions.
The Challenge
Following several organisational changes, CSTM recognised that combining IT and Facilities responsibilities within a single role was no longer sustainable. The growing complexity of building management, statutory compliance and ongoing capital improvements required dedicated facilities leadership.
The newly created Facilities & Premises Manager would be responsible for establishing best practice across all aspects of property management while working closely with senior leadership to deliver operational improvements.
Key responsibilities included:
- Developing and implementing planned preventative maintenance programmes.
- Managing building fabric, maintenance contractors and service providers.
- Leading health, safety and statutory compliance across the organisation.
- Delivering small capital works and refurbishment projects.
- Managing facilities budgets and procurement activities.
- Coordinating IT infrastructure and telecommunications projects alongside specialist contractors.
- Supporting business continuity planning and operational resilience.
- Building stronger collaborative relationships with St Martin-in-the-Fields Church and key external stakeholders.
Alongside this appointment, the Facilities & Premises Officer role was introduced to provide day-to-day operational support and ensure consistent service delivery across the estate.
Our Approach
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with CSTM's leadership team to understand not only the technical requirements of the appointments but also the organisation's culture, values and long-term strategic objectives.
Our executive search focused on professionals who combined:
- Facilities Management expertise within complex occupied buildings.
- Strong contractor and supplier management experience.
- Health & Safety and statutory compliance knowledge.
- Project management and refurbishment experience.
- Budget management and commercial awareness.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
- A collaborative, hands-on leadership style suited to the charitable sector.
Every shortlisted candidate underwent a comprehensive assessment evaluating technical competence, leadership capability and cultural fit to ensure they could thrive within a mission-led organisation.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully recruited an experienced Facilities & Premises Manager together with a Facilities & Premises Officer, establishing a dedicated facilities function capable of supporting both current operations and future organisational growth.
The successful Facilities & Premises Manager quickly embedded within the organisation, using existing building condition surveys and compliance audits to prioritise improvements, strengthen governance and introduce more structured facilities management processes.
Results Delivered
Stronger Facilities Leadership
The creation of a dedicated facilities management structure provided clear ownership of building operations, maintenance and compliance.
Improved Building Maintenance
Planned maintenance programmes and proactive contractor management reduced reactive issues while improving the overall condition of the property.
Enhanced Compliance
Health & Safety procedures, statutory obligations and compliance processes were strengthened, providing greater operational resilience and reducing organisational risk.
Successful Project Delivery
The appointed manager supported ongoing IT infrastructure improvements, coordinated telecommunications upgrades and successfully delivered a range of facilities improvement projects.
Better Stakeholder Collaboration
Closer working relationships were established with St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, contractors and service providers, creating greater operational efficiency and supporting the charity's wider strategic objectives.
The Impact
By creating a dedicated Facilities function, Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields significantly strengthened the management of its estate while freeing other departments to focus on their core responsibilities.
The appointments delivered improved governance, enhanced compliance, better maintenance planning and stronger operational support, ensuring the organisation's buildings continue to support the delivery of its vital charitable services.
This successful assignment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens' expertise in recruiting Facilities Management professionals for charities, not-for-profit organisations and mission-led institutions where operational excellence and cultural alignment are equally important.