Client Overview
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) is one of the world’s leading learned societies dedicated to the advancement of astronomy, geophysics and related sciences. Based at Burlington House in central London, the Society occupies a prestigious Grade II* listed building that serves as both a workplace and a centre for scientific collaboration, education and public engagement.
As the organisation prepared for a significant programme of estate improvements and the future appointment of a permanent Facilities Manager, it required experienced interim facilities support to ensure operational continuity and maintain high standards across its historic estate.
The Challenge
The Royal Astronomical Society faced a critical resourcing gap during a period of organisational and estate transition.
With a major refurbishment programme under consideration, a hybrid working environment and a complex heritage property to manage, the organisation required a facilities professional capable of providing immediate operational support while helping to establish stronger facilities management processes.
Key areas of responsibility included:
• Day-to-day facilities management support
• Health, safety and compliance oversight
• Planned and reactive maintenance coordination
• Contractor management and supervision
• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) implementation
• Facilities administration and record management
• Building presentation and workplace standards
• AV and workplace support services
• Reception and front-of-house support
• Stakeholder engagement and user support
• Early-stage refurbishment project assistance
The role demanded a highly adaptable individual capable of operating within a small team while balancing practical facilities delivery with longer-term operational improvements.
Experience within heritage or complex buildings was particularly valuable given the unique requirements associated with managing a historic Grade II* listed property.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with the Royal Astronomical Society to gain a detailed understanding of both the immediate operational challenges and the organisation’s future estate plans.
The successful candidate would need to provide stability during a transitional period while helping lay the foundations for future facilities and property initiatives.
Specialist Search Process
Drawing upon our extensive Facilities Management network, we conducted a targeted search focused on candidates with experience across:
• Facilities Management
• Heritage and Listed Buildings
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Maintenance Coordination
• Contractor Management
• Workplace Services
• Front-of-House Operations
• Building Improvement Projects
• Small Team and Standalone FM Environments
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying candidates who demonstrated a proactive approach, strong organisational capability and the flexibility required to operate effectively within a developing facilities function.
Candidate Assessment
Candidates were assessed against a range of technical and behavioural competencies, including:
• Facilities and building management expertise
• Health, safety and compliance knowledge
• Maintenance planning and coordination
• Contractor supervision and control
• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Problem-solving and operational delivery
• Adaptability and self-management
• Experience within heritage environments
Our assessment process focused on securing an individual capable of making an immediate positive impact while supporting longer-term estate objectives.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced facilities professional who quickly integrated into the organisation and provided immediate operational support.
The successful candidate brought strong facilities management expertise, practical problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to improving operational processes.
Key strengths included:
• Strong hands-on facilities management experience
• Health and safety compliance expertise
• Contractor management and coordination capability
• Experience supporting maintenance programmes and workplace operations
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Ability to operate independently within a small team environment
Following their appointment, the Facilities professional quickly established effective working relationships across the organisation and introduced greater structure and visibility to facilities operations.
Key achievements included:
• Implementing a clear and manageable Planned Preventative Maintenance programme
• Improving compliance monitoring and audit readiness
• Enhancing the overall presentation and functionality of the building
• Providing reliable support across facilities, workplace and reception functions
• Supporting the early planning stages of the refurbishment programme
• Strengthening facilities processes and operational controls
Results Delivered
The appointment delivered significant benefits to the Royal Astronomical Society during a critical period of transition, including:
• Immediate operational continuity and facilities support
• Improved maintenance planning and asset management visibility
• Enhanced health, safety and compliance oversight
• Stronger contractor management and control processes
• Improved workplace standards and user experience
• Increased readiness for future capital and refurbishment projects
• Greater operational resilience within the facilities function
• A stronger foundation for future permanent recruitment
The successful placement provided the Royal Astronomical Society with the facilities expertise required to support both day-to-day operations and the organisation’s longer-term estate strategy.
Specialist Facilities & Estates Management Recruitment
Maxwell Stephens supports heritage organisations, learned societies, membership bodies, charities and commercial organisations with specialist recruitment solutions across facilities, workplace and property management.
Our expertise includes:
• Facilities Management
• Interim Facilities Leadership
• Heritage & Listed Buildings
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Maintenance Management
• Workplace Services
• Property & Estates Operations
• Capital Projects & Estate Transformation
By combining specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise with a deep understanding of operational and heritage environments, we help organisations secure the professionals responsible for maintaining safe, compliant and high-performing workplaces and estates.