Maxwell Stephens and Fresh Property Group
Background
Fresh Property Group is a leading expert in the Purpose Built Accommodation sector, with £1.9bn assets under management all across the UK. The group manages primarily student and build-to-rent accommodation portfolios. Maxwell Stephens were initially approached, along with several other agencies, to support the recruitment of a Southern Maintenance Manager. As a result of Maxwell Stephens successfully filling this position, Fresh Property Group has worked exclusively with Maxwell Stephens on numerous recruitment projects over the past several years.
The Positions
Maxwell Stephens have supported Fresh Property Group with the recruitment of a range of senior positions across the organisation. The first placement was for a southern based Maintenance Manager. This position involved taking control of maintenance and hard facilities management responsibilities for the southern sites of the Fresh Property Group portfolio. This included the management of statutory testing, day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance,contractor management, fire safety, mobilisation of new buildings, management of defects, client liaison and more.
Fresh Property Group also approached Maxwell Stephens to fill a Senior Contracts Manager. As part of the central services team role would provide the framework and technical guidance to ensure consistency in the way that services are delivered. Contracts within this remit would include student internet, utilities, security, insurance and waste disposal.
Another position Maxwell Stephens have supported with was Health and Safety Manager. This role would be to ensure that Health and Safety policies were implemented consistently across the entire business, developing statutory compliance on an on-going basis to
improve systems.
The Candidates
Southern Maintenance Manager – This role required a candidate with experience of diagnosing and specifying building repairs and maintenance, along with a proven record of at least 5 years multi-site Hard FM Management. Key skills and knowledge required included but were not limited to: technical knowledge of building fabric and M&E; knowledge of Building Management Systems; an ability to explain complex technical matters clearly and succinctly and an in-depth knowledge of Health and Safety regulations.
Senior Contracts Manager – Proven experience was an essential attribute of the ideal candidate, with a track record of strategically sourcing within a procurement function. They would have the ability to understand and challenge detailed contracts, using effective management skills and an ability to identify and minimise risk to ensure specifications are met and delivered on time and within budget. With exceptional written and verbal communication skills the ideal candidate would have the ability to build and develop productive relationships.
Health and Safety Manager – The ideal candidate for this role would have experience working at a Health and Safety managerial level and
of managing a multi-site portfolio. The role required the ability to provide specialist advice, coaching and practical support across the Health and Safety function of the organisation.
The Results
Maxwell Stephens, along with a number of other recruitment agencies, were initially approached by Fresh Property Group to support with the recruitment of a Maintenance Manager. Following preliminary consultations the decision was made to partner exclusively with Maxwell Stephens on this project.
Adhering to the Maxwell Stephens approach and keeping the needs of the business at the forefront of our recruitment efforts, we were able to provide a tailored shortlist of exceptional candidates, one of which was ultimately offered and accepted the position.
Following this first successful recruitment campaign, Fresh Property Group have continued to work exclusively with Maxwell Stephens over the past several years on a range of senior positions.
Focus on the detail…
Following using a variety of employment agencies in the past I now use Maxwell Stephens for all my recruitment needs from Senior Management to Administration Support. The team at Maxwell Stephens understand our business and not only the skills that are required for the roles, but the type of people. In the past I have dealt with agencies that promise the earth, but do not deliver. With the Maxwell Stephens team we have initial discussions about what we need and then have a structured meeting to discuss the candidates openly. Maxwell Stephens obviously listen to the brief and focus on the detail. A refreshing change to just being sent CVs sporadically which do not seem to have been vetted against our requirements. I would happily recommend Maxwell Stephens to everyone.
