Senior Workplace Experience Manager at a Global Real Estate Managing Agent
The Challenge
Cobalt was mandated for this uniquely titled role at one of this managing agent’s iconic accounts - a set of buildings tenants pay a premium to rent, which demands the highest level of customer service.
The customer service element was a big focus in this role. The job title was a stray away from the traditional Facilities Manager or Building Manager title, and instead indicated a particular need for a soft services professional, diluting the candidate pool immediately.
We consulted with the client on appropriate salary bandings for the skills required and experience they needed and, finally, the job title that we’d go to market with.
The Solution
Having exclusivity on this role meant we could put a tremendous amount of effort into the search, culminating in a smooth and efficient process. To understand the mandate further, and be able to sell the role (and company) expertly, we visited the sites to experience the first-class service level required, then set up about the search for their new Senior Workplace Experience Manager.
Having a close ear to the market, recruiting for other high-profile buildings in the area, meant we had an idea of who may be best suited from our initial contacts, but we also completed a thorough search of our vast database and LinkedIn to source for other potential candidates.
The level of the role meant headhunting from a select few businesses that managed similar high-profile assets. Many candidates like this are paid handsomely or wouldn’t consider themselves open to a new title with key differences to the roles that they might have been in at the time. This is where having that intimate understanding of the organisation, buildings, and role came to the fore.
Through the outreach and conversations we had, we enticed 4 high-level applications, with all 4 going to first-stage interviews with the client, 2 making it to a final stage, and the offer being secured – all within 3 weeks of the initial briefing (as detailed below).
- 6th March – Client Briefing
- 8th March – Shortlist sent
- 11th March – 1st stage
- 20th March – 2nd stage
- 25th March – Offer accepted.
The Results
The ‘Partner, Key Accounts’ at the firm, who was the hiring manager for the role, commented: “Cobalt provided a highly professional and efficient service throughout the recruitment process. They demonstrated a strong understanding of our requirements, presented well-matched candidates, and maintained clear and timely communication. Their market knowledge and proactive approach made the process smooth and effective…. Overall, an excellent experience.”
Total Facilities Recruitment. Covering hard and soft FM, as well as health and safety, we are the leading recruitment agency for facilities management, building management and workplace management in the UK. We cover it all from add from Building Managers to Regional Facilities Managers, through to Head of FM jobs, placing FM specialists across a range of commercial, residential and alternative asset classes, for both landlords and occupiers. Get in touch with your challenge here.
