Background
Travis Perkins, a leading supplier in the building and construction industry, sought to fill a critical role within their Group Property department. The Facilities Manager position required a seasoned professional capable of managing day-to-day relationships with colleagues across a large geographical region, overseeing hard and soft FM suppliers, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, and driving cost savings while meeting performance objectives.
The Challenge
Finding a candidate with the required blend of skills and experience, who could also handle the complexity of managing a large geographical portfolio and interacting with senior stakeholders, was a significant challenge. The role demanded someone who could seamlessly transition from temporary to permanent status while ensuring continuous service delivery.
The Facilities Manager was tasked with:
• Managing a portfolio of approximately 400 sites, ensuring FM services such as mechanical and electrical maintenance, cleaning, waste management, and catering were maintained to high standards.
• Leading supplier relationship management, including direct line management of supplier account managers.
• Conducting supplier and building audits, compiling asset condition reports, and informing Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) regimes.
• Supporting regional and national procurement programs to deliver value for money.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for FM-related matters, including incident management and ensuring compliance with UK legislation.
We utilised a comprehensive search strategy to identify and engage with potential candidates. Our approach included:
1. Market Mapping: We conducted a thorough market analysis to identify candidates with the right mix of experience in facilities management and procurement.
2. Candidate Engagement: Using our extensive network, we reached out to potential candidates who had a proven track record in managing large-scale FM operations.
3. Rigorous Screening: Candidates were meticulously screened to ensure they met the essential qualifications and experience criteria. This included evaluating their ability to manage large budgets, influence senior stakeholders, and maintain compliance with UK legislation.
4. Client Collaboration: We worked closely with Travis Perkins to understand their specific needs and cultural fit, ensuring the selected candidate would seamlessly integrate into their team.
The Results
After a detailed and thorough search process, we successfully placed a highly qualified Facilities Manager on a temp-to-perm basis. The appointed candidate brought over 10 years of experience in facilities management, a deep understanding of both hard and soft services, and the ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
Key Outcomes:
• Seamless Transition: The candidate efficiently transitioned into the role, maintaining continuity in FM services across the portfolio.
• Enhanced Compliance and Performance: Through proactive supplier management and rigorous compliance monitoring, the candidate ensured all statutory and contractual obligations were met.
• Cost Savings and Efficiency: The candidate's expertise in procurement and budget management contributed to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.