Client Overview
The Royal Institution of Great Britain (Ri) is one of the world's most respected scientific organisations, with a history dating back to 1799. Located in a Grade I listed building in London's Mayfair, the Institution combines scientific research, education, public engagement and commercial activity under one roof.
The building is far more than a historic landmark. It is a busy public destination, hosting internationally recognised lectures, conferences, exhibitions and private events, while also providing office accommodation for employees and commercial tenants. Managing an environment of that kind calls for operational leadership that can balance heritage conservation with the demands of a modern, multi-purpose venue.
The Challenge
The Royal Institution required an experienced Head of Facilities to lead every aspect of facilities management across its estate. This was a strategically important appointment: the individual would need to deliver high operational standards while protecting one of the UK's most historic scientific buildings.
The successful candidate would be responsible for ensuring the building remained safe, compliant, efficient and welcoming for everyone using it, including employees, visitors, event clients, audiences, tenants and contractors.
The role also demanded strong commercial awareness. Maximising the use of the building through venue hire, hospitality and commercial tenants was a key organisational objective, so the facilities function had to support revenue generation as well as day-to-day operations. Listed buildings add a further layer: works, maintenance and event fit-outs all have to respect the fabric of the building and the consents that protect it, which narrows the field of candidates who have done comparable work before.
Following a competitive tender process involving several specialist recruitment agencies, Maxwell Stephens was appointed to support the search.
Our Approach
Understanding the unusual nature of the opportunity, we conducted a highly targeted search across the facilities management sector, focusing on senior professionals with experience of running customer-facing environments where heritage, hospitality, commercial operations and compliance intersect.
Our process concentrated on identifying candidates who could demonstrate:
- Extensive senior facilities management leadership experience.
- Strong contract management and procurement expertise.
- Proven experience managing outsourced service providers.
- Business continuity and risk management capability.
- Budget ownership and commercial awareness.
- Experience supporting hospitality, events or public-facing venues.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- The ability to balance operational delivery with long-term strategic planning.
Beyond technical capability, cultural fit was a critical element of the search. The Royal Institution needed a leader who could communicate effectively with stakeholders at every level, build trusted relationships, lead through influence rather than authority, and pursue continuous improvement while respecting the heritage and values of the organisation.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens delivered a high-quality shortlist, presenting three candidates for interview. Following a competitive interview process, one of our candidates was appointed as Head of Facilities.
The successful individual brought extensive experience across facilities management, contract management, procurement, business continuity, hospitality services, people leadership and operational strategy. Their collaborative leadership style, commercial mindset and ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships made them a strong fit for the organisation.
Today, the Head of Facilities plays a central role in ensuring The Royal Institution continues to provide a first-rate experience for employees, visitors, event clients and tenants, while safeguarding one of London's most important scientific and historic buildings.
Feedback
I've known Peter for a number of years and he has always been attentive honest and approachable. He always looks to find the right role for you and works hard to ensure you're fully prepared for interviews. I would highly recommend his and his team.
Why This Placement Worked
This appointment shows what a targeted search can do for an organisation whose building is both a workplace and a public venue. By looking specifically for leaders who had worked where heritage, hospitality and compliance meet, rather than for generalist facilities managers, we gave The Royal Institution a shortlist it could choose from with confidence.
If you are recruiting a senior facilities leader for a listed, public-facing or operationally complex building, Maxwell Stephens can help you define the brief and reach candidates with directly comparable experience. Get in touch with our team.