Background
Founded in 2009, The Royal Foundation was established as the principal charitable foundation of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales and Prince Harry. The Foundation was created to bring together charitable initiatives capable of delivering meaningful, long-term social impact across a range of important causes, including mental health, conservation, young people and support for the Armed Forces community.
Operating from its offices within Kensington Palace, the Foundation required an experienced Office & Systems Manager to oversee its workplace operations, Facilities Management and business support functions.
Recognising our specialist expertise in recruiting Workplace and Facilities professionals, Maxwell Stephens was appointed exclusively to manage this high-profile executive search.
The Challenge
The Office & Systems Manager played a pivotal role in ensuring the Foundation's offices operated efficiently, securely and professionally while supporting the wider charitable objectives of the organisation.
This was a broad operational leadership position combining Workplace Management, Facilities Management, Health & Safety, procurement and office systems into one strategically important role.
Key responsibilities included:
- Managing the day-to-day operation of the Foundation's offices.
- Leading all Facilities Management services.
- Managing contractors and outsourced service providers.
- Overseeing utilities, maintenance, cleaning, catering and waste management.
- Managing reception, office services and archiving.
- Negotiating supplier contracts and lease agreements.
- Managing IT, telecommunications and office systems suppliers.
- Leading Health & Safety compliance and workplace risk management.
- Developing business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
- Managing office relocations, refurbishments and workplace improvement projects.
- Supporting the wider leadership team with operational planning and administration.
Given the profile of the organisation, the successful candidate needed to combine operational excellence with complete professionalism, discretion and exceptional stakeholder management skills.
Our Approach
As the Foundation's exclusive recruitment partner, Maxwell Stephens invested significant time in understanding not only the technical requirements of the role but also the unique culture and values of the organisation.
We held several detailed briefing meetings with senior stakeholders to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Foundation's operational structure, workplace environment and leadership expectations before beginning our executive search.
Our search focused on professionals with proven experience across:
- Workplace and Facilities Management.
- Office Operations leadership.
- Procurement and supplier management.
- Contract negotiation.
- Health & Safety compliance.
- Project management.
- Office relocations and refurbishment projects.
- Business continuity planning.
- Budget management.
- Stakeholder engagement.
Alongside technical expertise, the Foundation required someone with outstanding emotional intelligence, diplomacy and discretion.
Candidates were carefully assessed for their professionalism, integrity and ability to operate confidently within a high-profile organisation where confidentiality and trust were paramount.
The Outcome
Following a comprehensive executive search, Maxwell Stephens presented a carefully selected shortlist of six exceptional candidates, all of whom progressed to formal first-stage interviews.
Several candidates were subsequently invited to complete further interviews and presentation exercises before the Foundation selected the successful appointment.
The successful candidate brought extensive experience across Workplace Operations, Facilities Management and Office Services together with exceptional organisational and communication skills.
Since joining the Foundation, they have successfully:
- Led the efficient day-to-day operation of the Foundation's offices.
- Managed all Facilities Management and workplace services.
- Strengthened supplier relationships and contract performance.
- Enhanced Health & Safety compliance and workplace governance.
- Supported office projects and workplace improvements.
- Improved operational systems and administrative processes.
- Maintained the highest standards of professionalism and discretion across the organisation.
Their ability to combine operational excellence with calm leadership and exceptional organisational skills has made them a valued member of the Foundation's senior operational team.
Recruiting Workplace Leaders for High-Profile Organisations
Appointments within internationally recognised organisations require more than technical capability. They demand exceptional judgement, integrity, professionalism and cultural fit.
Through our specialist Workplace and Facilities Management recruitment expertise, Maxwell Stephens successfully delivered a candidate who possessed not only the operational skills required but also the maturity, discretion and leadership qualities essential for supporting one of the UK's most recognised charitable organisations.
Candidate Testimonial
"Maxwell Stephens successfully placed me into my current high-profile role. Throughout the recruitment process they prepared me thoroughly for interviews, offered excellent coaching and maintained regular communication before, during and after my appointment to ensure everything was progressing well. Job searching today can often feel impersonal, but Maxwell Stephens genuinely understood my skills, experience and career aspirations. That personal approach is exactly why they remain my preferred recruitment agency."