Client Background
Gardiner & Theobald (G&T) is a leading independent construction and property consultancy, known for delivering project management, cost management, and advisory services across various sectors. With a legacy spanning over 180 years, G&T has built a reputation for excellence in providing strategic guidance to clients on complex property and construction projects.
The Challenge
G&T approached us with a requirement for highly skilled Facilities Management (FM) Consultants to join their expanding team. The roles were critical for delivering a range of FM commissions, from strategic reviews and FM procurement to lifecycle costing and performance improvement. The ideal candidates needed to possess not only technical expertise in FM but also strong project management skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Given the seniority and technical demands of these roles, G&T needed individuals who could immediately integrate into their team, manage high-stakes projects, and provide strategic insights to enhance client value. Moreover, the candidates needed to align with G&T’s reputation for delivering quality while adhering to the strictest financial and risk management procedures.
We embarked on a comprehensive recruitment process to identify the best candidates for G&T. We began by closely examining G&T’s requirements, understanding the nuances of the roles, and identifying the key competencies needed for success. These included:
• Technical Expertise: Candidates needed a deep understanding of both Hard and Soft FM services, experience with whole life costing, and a solid grasp of the current FM marketplace trends.
• Strategic and Operational Experience: The roles required experience in implementing FM strategies aligned with broader business objectives and managing relationships at senior levels.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Given G&T’s focus on quality and risk minimisation, we sought candidates with a proven track record in adhering to industry best practices and financial procedures.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills were essential to ensure the timely and quality delivery of FM commissions.
Our search spanned a diverse range of sources, from our extensive candidate database to targeted headhunting in sectors where top FM talent could be found. We focused on candidates with a blend of consultancy experience and direct FM management within large corporate environments, ensuring they had the required experience to meet G&T’s high standards.
The Outcome
Our team successfully placed two highly qualified Facilities Management Consultants at G&T. These individuals brought with them a wealth of experience in FM strategy, procurement, and operational management, perfectly aligning with G&T’s needs.
• First Placement: The first candidate had a strong background in managing FM services for large corporate clients and had previously worked on complex PFI/PPP projects. Their ability to navigate the intricacies of FM procurement and deliver strategic advice at board level quickly proved invaluable to G&T’s ongoing projects.
• Second Placement: The second consultant came with extensive experience in lifecycle costing and performance improvement. Their expertise in both Hard and Soft FM services, coupled with a deep understanding of the FM marketplace, allowed them to drive significant efficiencies in G&T’s FM delivery processes.