As facilities management continues to evolve in scope and complexity, the challenge of appointing the right executive leadership has become a critical priority.
From digital transformation to the demands of ESG compliance and workforce reshaping, the expectations placed on FM leaders today are higher than ever. Yet finding and securing those leaders is far from straightforward.
At Canopy, we specialise in navigating the complexities of executive hiring in Facilities Management — helping businesses make confident, strategic appointments that deliver long-term impact.
The Evolving Landscape of Facilities Management
The UK FM sector is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating an increase of £14.82 billion in market size between 2022 and 2027, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.28%. This growth is driven by increased demand for smart buildings, sustainable operations, and integrated technology platforms.
But this momentum brings new challenges. According to recent reports, 84% of FM companies are struggling to attract talent, particularly at senior levels. The growing complexity of the industry—ranging from digital integration to ESG accountability—means leaders now need a broader skill set, and they’re in high demand across sectors.
Additionally, the average time-to-hire for executive-level roles in the UK is approximately 6.5 weeks, highlighting the need for more efficient, targeted recruitment approaches in senior leadership hiring.
The intricacies of executive hiring in FM
Hiring executives and leaders in the FM industry presents a series of unique challenges:
- Technological Proficiency: Executives must be well-versed in the latest technologies, including IoT, AI and digital twin systems, to drive innovation and efficiency.
- Sustainability Leadership: With sustainability becoming a core priority, leaders are expected to spearhead initiatives that align with environmental goals and regulatory requirements.
- Adaptability to Hybrid Work Models: The shift towards hybrid workplaces requires leaders who can manage flexible work environments and ensure optimal space utilisation.
- Plan for succession: With £18.3 trillion expected to transition to the next generation by 2030 globally, effective leadership succession has become a strategic imperative in FM organisations, especially those with family or long-standing ownership structures.
Strategies for Effective Executive Hiring
To address these challenges, organisations should consider the following executive hiring strategies:
- Comprehensive Role Definition: Clearly outline the expectations, responsibilities and required competencies for the executive role, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
- Targeted Talent Sourcing: Leverage industry networks, professional associations, and specialised recruitment firms like Canopy to identify candidates with the required experience and skills.
- Rigorous Assessment Processes: Implement structured interview processes, psychometric testing and scenario-based evaluations to assess candidates’ capabilities and cultural fit.
- Competitive Compensation Packages: Offer a compelling blend of salary, benefits, and long-term incentives. By working with a specialist executive search firm, you gain access to up-to-date market intelligence and benchmarking data to shape offers that attract top talent while staying competitive.
- Onboarding and Continuous Development: Provide comprehensive onboarding programs and ongoing professional development opportunities to support executives in their roles and promote retention.
- Succession Planning and Leadership Development: Start grooming future leaders today. Incorporate long-term succession strategies to ensure leadership continuity and resilience.
In today's Facilities Management landscape, executive hiring is not just about filling a vacancy; it’s about securing leadership that can navigate complexity, drive meaningful change and align with an organisation’s strategic goals. The right executive must not only understand operational challenges but also bring vision — someone who can lead through uncertainty, inspire teams and shape the future of the business. At Canopy, we’re focused on identifying those rare individuals who combine commercial acumen with cultural insight and transformative leadership.
Partnering with Canopy
At Canopy, we specialise in executive search within the facilities management sector. Our deep industry knowledge and extensive network enable us to identify and attract leaders who can drive transformation and deliver results. We are committed to supporting organisations in navigating the complexities of executive hiring, ensuring they are equipped with the leadership necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic FM environment.
