Client Background
Aspect Capital Limited is a leading firm specialising in advanced automated trading systems for the futures markets. As a key player in the financial technology sector, Aspect Capital required a strategic approach to manage its real estate and facilities to support its high-tech operations and growth trajectory.
The Challenge
Aspect Capital approached us with the need to recruit a Facilities Project Lead for a two-year project term. The role was crucial for developing and implementing a long-term real estate strategy and revamping the facilities management (FM) services. The candidate needed to:
• Create a comprehensive property strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Manage a major corporate real estate relocation project.
• Handle complex commercial and contractual negotiations.
• Establish new FM structures and processes.
• Ensure effective procurement and management of FM services.
Given the project's scope and significance, the ideal candidate had to possess a blend of strategic vision, project management expertise, and strong negotiation skills.
Our Approach included:
• In-Depth Analysis: We conducted a thorough review of the role’s requirements and key responsibilities to understand the specific competencies needed.
• Targeted Search: Utilising our extensive network, we identified candidates with a proven track record in managing large-scale real estate projects, strategic FM planning, and high-stakes negotiations.
• Candidate Evaluation: We assessed candidates based on their experience in property strategy development, project leadership, and ability to report effectively to senior management.
The Results
We successfully placed a highly qualified Facilities Project Lead with Aspect Capital. Here’s how the candidate excelled in the role:
• Strategic Development: The candidate developed and delivered a comprehensive property strategy, realigning the property portfolio with Aspect Capital’s business objectives and ensuring long-term value.
• Project Leadership: They led a £6M corporate real estate relocation project, establishing a new FM structure that supported the company’s evolving needs.
• Contract Negotiations: The candidate handled commercial and contractual negotiations for IT colocation data centres, securing favorable terms for the company.
• Brand Consistency: They successfully mobilised the Aspect brand internationally across client sites and collateral, enhancing global recognition.
• Service Procurement: The candidate procured hard FM service contracts for newly built premises, addressing base build considerations, third-party rights, defect periods, and subcontractor warranties.
• Maintenance Oversight: They managed maintenance regimes for all sites, including critical infrastructure, ensuring operational reliability.
• Strategic Planning: The candidate contributed to annual corporate and business plans, with their work featured in the company’s annual report.
• Business Continuity: They coordinated business continuity and disaster recovery plans, safeguarding business-critical infrastructure.
• Board Reporting: The candidate reported directly to the Board on all property matters, providing quarterly performance updates on key performance indicators (KPIs).