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A leading Bedfordshire-based Housing Association faced a business-critical gap in their technical compliance team when a key staff member went on long-term sick leave. The absence left a significant void in the management of their lift maintenance contracts, a high-risk area requiring strict adherence to safety regulations and statutory compliance.
As we were not a pre-existing member of the client’s Preferred Supplier List (PSL), the opportunity arose from a proactive outreach at a critical moment. The organisation required an immediate interim solution to maintain service continuity and ensure the safety and mobility of their residents.
The primary objectives for the new Interim Lift Contract Manager were:
Despite the urgency, the role had remained vacant for four weeks under the care of two other agencies. Several factors contributed to this being a notoriously difficult needle in a haystack search.
1. Niche Technical Expertise
The candidate needed deep, demonstrable knowledge of LOLER regulations. This is a specific subset of facilities management that requires technical literacy far beyond general property maintenance.
2. Geographic Competition
Based in Bedfordshire, the client faced a significantly smaller talent pool compared to the London market. High-calibre candidates in the region are frequently drawn to the higher salaries of the capital, making local recruitment for niche technical roles highly competitive.
3. Stalled Momentum
The Lift Contract Manager role had already been live for a month with no success. The hiring managers were frustrated by the lack of traction from existing partners, and the operational risks associated with the vacant post were mounting daily.
Goodman Masson bypassed reactive, static sourcing methods, instead utilising a proactive headhunting strategy that prioritised speed and technical vetting.
Sourcing & Proactive Networking
While we utilised LinkedIn and job boards, the breakthrough came from our internal database. We had proactively met a high-calibre candidate six weeks prior. Although their CV did not explicitly detail every niche requirement, our previous in-depth interview allowed us to recall specific experience that aligned perfectly with the LOLER requirements.
Rigorous Qualification
Every candidate submitted underwent a fresh screening to ensure they were ready for an immediate start. We conducted comprehensive reference checks ahead of submission to provide the client with absolute peace of mind regarding the interim's reliability.
Streamlined Stakeholder Management
We moved away from fragmented emails and instead held a detailed briefing meeting to align on the must-haves. This was followed by a shortlist presentation within the same week, where we defended each profile’s suitability, leading to immediate interview bookings.
The initial placement was a resounding success, leading to a total transformation of the recruitment partnership.
The interim candidate excelled, improving service quality and KPIs across the lift portfolio. When the original staff member did not return, the interim was offered a permanent position and remains with the organisation over a year later.
A Growing Partnership
Based on this success, Goodman Masson was formally onboarded as a new agency supplier. This opened the door to further successes:
5 Working Days: Time from initial meeting to placement
100% Fill Rate: 18 out of 18 interim roles filled consecutively
48 Hours: Fastest turnaround for a niche, degree-qualified Building Surveyor
Want to learn more about how we can support your hiring needs? Get in touch with our Property Services, Assets & Compliance team here
Discover how Goodman Masson recovered a stalled four-week search to secure a specialist Interim Lift Contract Manager in just five days, establishing a primary partnership that has delivered 18 consecutive placements with a 100% fill rate.
