Summer may feel like a slower season across the facilities management (FM) industry, but for high-level leaders, it’s often the most pivotal time of year. As operations ease and annual plans cross the halfway mark, many FM executives use this quieter stretch to reflect, review and reframe their position.
Is the current boardroom still the right fit? Is the strategic direction still inspiring? Is growth being supported, or stalled?
These are the questions that shape career-defining decisions. And more often than not, they lead to discreet but deliberate moves.
For FM Leaders: Why Summer Sparks Movement
Senior FM leaders rarely wait for the January rush or a posted vacancy. Instead, the most strategic transitions begin long before a job ad appears – often during the summer months, when there’s time to assess what’s working, what’s not and what the next step should look like.
"We’re seeing a real pattern: FM MDs and CEOs use summer to think deeply about where they’re heading. If H1 has been tough or strategically flat, this is the window where they start positioning for a move - usually aiming for Q4 or January onboarding."
If you’re asking yourself whether your current role is giving you a platform for growth, or just a cushion of comfort, it may be time to quietly explore what’s next.
Canopy is an FM executive search firm which works behind the scenes, creating a space for strategic exploration without risk or disruption. Whether you’re actively looking or just want to test the market, we’re here for those quiet but critical conversations.
For FM Employers: Summer Is Succession Season
On the flip side, employers often underestimate how crucial summer is for executive planning. If you’re thinking about replacing underperforming leadership or reshaping your board for the year ahead, now is the time to start.
Top-tier FM talent doesn’t wait for public postings. They move via private introductions, long before roles go live.
“Succession done well is rarely reactive. The best FM organisations use the summer to prepare. Quiet conversations now lead to confident transitions in Q4 or early in the new year, without the last-minute scramble.”
Whether you’re planning leadership renewal, addressing underperformance, or simply want to futureproof your top team, the quieter summer months offer a rare window of opportunity.
Let’s Talk Before Q4 Pressure Hits
At Canopy, we place FM MDs and CEOs quietly, efficiently and without disruption. Our network spans the most experienced and forward-thinking leaders in the industry – and our process ensures both privacy and precision.
If you’re considering a move, or planning for one, now’s the time.
Let’s talk succession. Before the Q4 clock starts ticking.
