Background & Client Overview
Turner & Townsend, a global professional services organisation specialising in consultancy, programme management, project delivery and operations, appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit an experienced Facilities Manager for its London office.
The role was central to maintaining a professional, efficient and productive workplace that reflected Turner & Townsend’s brand, values and high standards of client service.
The successful candidate needed to combine strong operational Facilities Management experience with team leadership, supplier management, health and safety knowledge, workplace coordination and excellent communication skills.
The Challenge
Turner & Townsend required a Facilities Manager capable of taking ownership of a broad range of workplace services while ensuring the London office remained safe, compliant and consistently well presented.
The role involved both strategic oversight and hands-on operational management, with responsibility for internal teams, external suppliers and the day-to-day needs of employees and visitors.
Key requirements included:
Workplace Standards
Maintaining consistently high standards across the London office and ensuring the workplace supported both productivity and the organisation’s professional image.
Team Leadership
Managing a local Facilities team comprising a Facilities Coordinator and three receptionists, providing direction and ensuring high levels of customer service.
Supplier & Contract Management
Overseeing catering, hard FM, soft FM and other service providers, monitoring performance against contractual requirements and ensuring invoices were processed appropriately.
Health & Safety Management
Maintaining compliance with relevant legislation and company standards, including first-aid provision, emergency procedures and safe systems of work.
Reception & Front-of-House Services
Ensuring reception remained fully operational during core business hours and delivered a professional experience for employees, clients and visitors.
Workplace Support
Managing essential office services including telephone systems, stationery, kitchen supplies and workplace equipment.
Security & Access Management
Overseeing security processes, including the management and issue of access passes.
Moves & Changes
Coordinating internal staff moves, including floor plans, furniture requirements, IT infrastructure and telephone arrangements.
Tenant Management
Managing the relationship with the occupier of sublet space and ensuring associated charges were administered in accordance with lease provisions.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens carried out a targeted search for Facilities Management professionals with proven experience in high-quality corporate office environments.
The search focused on candidates who could demonstrate a strong balance of operational capability and people management.
Particular emphasis was placed on professionals with experience in:
- managing Facilities and front-of-house teams
- overseeing hard and soft FM suppliers
- maintaining workplace health and safety standards
- coordinating office moves and workplace change
- managing landlord, tenant and supplier relationships
- delivering a consistently high level of internal customer service
- handling multiple operational priorities in a fast-paced environment
Communication skills and cultural fit were equally important.
Turner & Townsend needed someone who could work confidently with employees, senior stakeholders, suppliers and visitors while maintaining the professionalism expected within a leading global consultancy.
Following a detailed search and assessment process, Maxwell Stephens successfully recruited an experienced Facilities Manager for the London office.
Outcome & Impact
The successful candidate brought extensive Facilities Management experience, strong leadership capability and a sound understanding of health and safety requirements.
Their appointment strengthened several areas of Turner & Townsend’s workplace operations.
Consistently High Workplace Standards
The new Facilities Manager maintained strong standards across the London office, helping ensure the workplace continued to reflect Turner & Townsend’s professional brand and expectations.
Stronger Team Leadership
Effective management of the Facilities Coordinator and reception team improved coordination, accountability and consistency across workplace services.
Improved Supplier Management
Closer oversight of hard FM, soft FM, catering and other suppliers strengthened service delivery and helped ensure contractual requirements were met.
Enhanced Health & Safety Management
The candidate maintained appropriate health and safety arrangements, including emergency procedures, first-aid provision and safe systems of work.
Improved Workplace Coordination
A structured approach to internal moves, office services, equipment and infrastructure helped reduce disruption and ensure the workplace continued to support changing business requirements.
Stronger Front-of-House Operations
Consistent management of reception and visitor services helped maintain a professional and welcoming experience throughout core business hours.
Effective Stakeholder Communication
The Facilities Manager’s strong communication and project-management skills supported productive relationships with internal teams, external suppliers and the tenant occupying sublet space.
Outcome
The successful placement provided Turner & Townsend with a Facilities Manager capable of balancing operational delivery, workplace standards, compliance, supplier performance and team leadership.
The appointment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens’ ability to identify Facilities Management professionals who can operate effectively within demanding corporate environments and deliver a consistently high standard of workplace service.
Looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to lead a high-performing corporate workplace? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.