Client Background
Facebook UK, a global leader in social media and technology, operates multiple high-profile properties in London. With a focus on innovation and excellence, Facebook needed a Senior Facilities Manager to oversee the management of their extensive real estate portfolio, ensuring top-tier facilities operations and adherence to global standards.
The Challenge
Facebook approached us with a pressing need to fill the Head Facilities Management. The role was crucial for managing three London properties spanning over 250,000 square feet, and required a candidate with:
• Extensive experience in facilities management across large-scale properties.
• Proven ability to maintain high standards of service while managing demanding internal stakeholders.
• Strong skills in vendor management, budget oversight, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Expertise in managing complex contractual obligations and procurement processes.
• Ability to drive new initiatives to enhance service levels and cost efficiency.
Given the scale and visibility of the role, the ideal candidate needed to seamlessly integrate into Facebook's fast-paced environment and align with their commitment to excellence and innovation.
Our approach included:
• In-Depth Role Analysis: We reviewed the key responsibilities and requirements of the role to understand the specific skills and experience needed.
• Targeted Search: Leveraging our extensive network, we identified candidates with a track record of managing large facilities portfolios, strong stakeholder management skills, and expertise in high-profile environments.
• Candidate Evaluation: We assessed candidates based on their ability to handle complex facilities management tasks, manage large budgets, and drive improvements in service delivery.
The Outcome
Our team successfully recruited an exceptional Head of Facilities Management for Facebook UK. Here’s how the candidate excelled in the role:
• Operational Excellence: The new Senior Facilities Manager efficiently delivered all FM services across Facebook’s three London properties, maintaining high standards and addressing challenges with agility.
• Stakeholder Management: They built and maintained positive relationships with demanding internal customers, ensuring global standards were consistently met.
• Vendor and Contract Management: The candidate effectively managed vendor relationships, contractual obligations, and negotiations, including lease agreements and business rates, leading to cost-effective management of high expenses.
• Budget Oversight: They managed a substantial budget of approximately £35M, providing clear explanations for any variances between budgeted and actual expenditures.
• Innovative Initiatives: By fostering a partnership with the Total Facilities Management (TFM) supplier, they introduced new ideas and initiatives to enhance service levels and improve cost efficiency.
• Health & Safety Compliance: The candidate ensured full compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, including emergency response planning and crisis management.
• Procurement and Local Engagement: They managed the procurement process to global standards and worked with local project teams to deliver new builds and concepts, while also engaging in local amenities programs.