Brookfield Property Partners is a diversified global real estate company that owns, operates and develops one of the largest portfolios of office, retail, multifamily, industrial, hospitality, triple net lease, self-storage, student housing and manufactured housing assets.
As part of a multi-agency approach, Brookfield approached Maxwell Stephens to support in the recruitment of a Technical Services Manager who would be responsible for the upcoming 100 Bishopsgate development in Central London. Following initial discussions we met with the client on several occasions to gain a thorough understanding of the organisation, it’s culture and the requirements of the position in order to begin our executive search process.
An initial shortlist of eight candidates was submitted to the client. Of those submitted, several were invited to take part in a second round of interviews. Following further interviews, presentations and informal meetings, the role was offered and accepted by one of the candidates submitted by Maxwell Stephens.
The Position
The overall purpose of this position was to manage, promote and be responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of technical services and fabric management for the building. Using tact and diplomacy, the post holder had to ensure effective tenant communications on all issues relating to the day-to-day operation of the building and ensuring that all services as required by the respective leases are maintained to the highest possible standards.
The successful candidate would be fully responsible for ensuring that the Landlord’s electrical, mechanical, HVAC, public health, life safety, vertical transport, facade access and general services equipment are maintained in accordance with the agreed specifications and all such services operate efficiently at all times. In terms of Financial responsibilities, the position required the post holder to assist the General Manager with the formulation of annual budgets and to ensure that works planned within these budgets are implemented effectively and economically and the programme dates achieved.
Other responsibilities in this senior role included but were not limited to: regularly inspect all plant, equipment and building structure/fabric and to monitor the progress of remedial works that are implemented; co-ordinate with the General Manager and HR Department on the recruitment and training of technical and maintenance personnel; responsibility for the tendering and procurement of service contracts and the setting and adherence to, service levels and key performance measurement, to ensure best value and delivery of services; plan, coordinate and supervise all project and repair work and to ensure that all incidents and near misses are managed in accordance with the company policy and that those with insurance implications are reported to the company’s insurance broker, in liaison/consultation with the General Manager.
The Candidate
This expansive role required a candidate with a range of skills and experience. They would need extensive experience of electrical, mechanical and HVAC systems within a large complex property. As people management would be a key component of the position, the successful candidate needed to have demonstrable staff management skills, with the ability to work effectively with people at all levels and the capability to deal with contentious and challenging situations.
Other important experience required for the role included but was not limited to: experience of the design and specification of specialist systems relating to building services; a thorough understanding of health and safety legislation and statutory compliance.
In terms of education, the post holder needed a relevant professional qualification (I.Eng/C.Eng), hold a valid IOSH Managing Safely qualification, and ideally hold a NEBOSH General Certificate. Membership of professional engineering institutions was also desirable.