Case study: National Head of Property, Facilities Management and Mobilisations

National Head of Property, Facilities Management and Mobilisations

Client Business

Investment company / Owner of PBSA developments.

The Asset owner / developer were embarking on moving their model to that of owner-operator. With long standing management agreements in place with multiple providers, the decision had been made bring this back in-house and develop a single, wholly owned provider company.

Search requirements  

To bring all properties in line with ‘one brand’ and one clear operating standard across the portfolio. The role required significant exposure to PBSA as well as the ability to unify potentially fragmented teams across the estate. The focus would be on operating standards, H&S, and best practice and the incoming candidate would quickly need to establish commercial control on OPEX and CAPEX budgets.

There was an additional need for the candidate to value a hands-on approach and demonstrate success in building and retaining teams with varied skill sets.

COREcruitment sought candidates with exceptional leadership qualities and previous career experience within PBSA estates, particularly during times of growth or change.

We created a long list of 20 candidates who were measured against criteria which included conflict resolution, influencing skills and market knowledge. The long list of candidates was compiled from 

COREcruitment’s network of candidates, competitor businesses, targeted selection via industry referrals and a targeted advertising campaign utilising multiple marketing channels.

COREcruitment's Solution

At the shortlist stage candidates were evaluated on their past achievements, personal motivations, demonstrable team successes and their desire to add value through complex change.

Six candidates were taken through to first interview with MD and OD and this stage was kept rather informal at the request of the interviewers. Character and fit were of the utmost importance and the preference was to engage in open conversation to assess suitability and potential dynamic match.

Second round interviews were more formal and offered to 3 of the 6 candidates. At this point they were asked to produce and present 30, 60, 90 day plans along with detailed SWOT analysis. They were also required to evidence their ability to implement commercial controls across contract and project management.

The final candidate selected came from an industry competitor who was seen as an innovator and a ‘doer’ in their field. He had been instrumental in the growth and stability of a successful PBSA business and had been responsible for the full integration of the Property and FM functions within it.

The duration of the search was 6 weeks from assignment to offer stage.