Client Overview
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is a globally recognised professional organisation that supports the advancement of engineering and technology. With prestigious venues such as IET London: Savoy Place, the IET required a highly skilled Building Services Manager to oversee its group-wide mechanical and electrical (M&E) operations and ensure top-tier facilities management across its UK properties.
The Challenge
The IET needed a Building Services Manager to manage hard and soft facilities services across multiple high-profile locations, including IET London: Savoy Place, Stevenage (MFH Head Office), and Birmingham (AC). The challenge was to harmonize operations across these sites while maintaining strict budgetary controls and ensuring the facilities were prepared to support high-level meetings, events, and conferences.
The position required an individual capable of managing multi-site operations, leading refurbishments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing a five-year facilities strategy. Expertise in tendering and contract management was also essential, as the role involved overseeing significant contracts, including a £1.1 million operational building budget and £412k for hard FM services.
Our Approach & Solution
We undertook a comprehensive search to find a candidate with the technical expertise and leadership qualities required for this multifaceted role. Our recruitment process involved:
• Targeted Search: We focused on identifying candidates with senior management experience in property, hard, and soft FM services, particularly those with a strong background in managing M&E systems and tendering processes.
• In-depth Screening: Each candidate was thoroughly vetted to ensure they had experience working with high-value contracts, managing compliance for multiple sites, and leading operational strategies for complex venues like Savoy Place.
• Cultural Fit: We ensured the selected candidate aligned with the IET’s commitment to engineering excellence and their mission to deliver high-quality services to members, guests, and staff.
After a meticulous recruitment process, we successfully placed a Building Services Manager with a proven track record in electrical engineering and facilities management. This individual demonstrated expertise in contract management, compliance with health and safety regulations, and the ability to manage CAPEX and OPEX budgets effectively.
The Results
Under the leadership of the new Building Services Manager, the IET achieved several key improvements:
• Optimised Facility Operations: The new manager implemented a robust five-year strategy for M&E services, ensuring minimal downtime and high operational efficiency across all sites.
• Cost Control and Efficiency: By managing a £1.1 million operational budget and optimising contractor performance, they ensured that services were delivered on time and within budget, significantly improving cost efficiency.
• Improved Compliance and Safety: With expertise in health and safety legislation and regulations such as CDM, the manager ensured full compliance across all IET properties, including listed buildings.
• Successful Project Management: From overseeing refurbishments to managing tenders for M&E replacements, the manager led several key projects that enhanced the IET’s facilities and services.