Client Overview
A privately-owned London-based property developer and freeholder operates across a portfolio of residential buildings throughout the capital. With ownership spanning both development and long-term landlord responsibilities, the business carries direct accountability for the safety and compliance of its entire estate, including a number of Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) subject to the Building Safety Act.
The Challenge
Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act in 2022, the client faced a significant and time-sensitive compliance requirement: the production of written Building Safety Cases for each of its HRBs. This is a specialist discipline with a very limited talent pool nationally, creating genuine market scarcity. With serious legal liability attached to non-compliance, the need to source credible, experienced professionals quickly was critical. The client was open to both interim and permanent solutions, reflecting uncertainty around the long-term scope of the work.
Our Approach
Leadership
The assignment was led by Will Kirby, a Senior Business Manager, with deep expertise in the built environment and property sector, drawing on an established network of building safety and compliance professionals developed over years of specialist recruitment in this space.
Methodology
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Targeted headhunting via proprietary black book and personal network to access passive candidates not visible through conventional search channels
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Flexible resourcing strategy developed to accommodate both day-rate interim and permanent appointment models, reflecting the client's evolving requirements
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Swift candidate qualification and assessment focused on verified Building Safety Case writing experience and HRB-specific knowledge
Results
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Search completed within six weeks from instruction
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Three candidates presented to client
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All three candidates received offers, two on permanent terms, one on an interim contract
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Consultancy fee structure on the day-rate appointment was identified by the client as the most commercially attractive option
Key Success Factors
The success of this assignment rested on access to a tightly held candidate market and the ability to move quickly without compromising on quality. By presenting multiple resourcing options in parallel, the client was able to secure the right blend of expertise for their needs. The strength of the engagement is evidenced by retention: all placed candidates remain with the business 18 months on.
About Will Kirby, Senior Business Manager
Passionate about people and property, Will Kirby has built a career within residential Block Management at deverellsmith and now oversees a team looking after Concierge, Property Management, Estate Management and director-level hires.
The Leasehold team as they’re now known, focus primarily on the London market and the Home Counties. Will has experience in placing individuals at all levels from Property Manager to Director however is also involved in the introduction of managing agents to their potential clients being developers and freeholders.
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