Meet The CBRE Team

In 2023, the estimated value of the UK commercial real estate market was approximately £54 billion. This figure indicates a stable performance, though market dynamics such as rising interest rates and inflation have influenced overall activity and yields. The average prime yield for UK commercial properties was 5.98% by the end of October 2023, the highest level since November 2009​ (Savills)​.

Investment volumes are anticipated to increase in 2024, driven by expectations of a lowering UK base rate and a more favourable economic outlook. This optimism is also reflected in the forecasted rental growth across major office markets and logistics sectors due to low levels of new developments and rising demand for high-quality, environmentally friendly spaces.​

The commercial real estate market continues to be a significant component of the global economy, driving numerous related industries and offering diverse career opportunities across various sectors.

With career paths in Real Estate Development and Investment Management, Digital and Technology, Project Management and Facilities Management, one of PRS’ key clients, CBRE, offers numerous opportunities for career-hungry individuals. CBRE’s vast array of career paths means that professionals from different backgrounds and skill sets can find a niche that suits their expertise and career aspirations.

CBRE is the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment, with 105,000 professionals in over 100 countries. It is also the world’s leading integrated facilities manager.

Career opportunities in facilities management have previously been dubbed the career of choice by PRS Associate Director & CBRE Account Manager Glenn Steed. Glenn said, “For example, in the construction industry during a recession, the work can dry up, but buildings always need to be maintained.” This stability makes facilities management an attractive and secure career option, especially in uncertain economic times.

Glenn has been with PRS for over 17 years; however, his career started elsewhere. He began as an engineer at a small, local company in Essex. He found the factory environment dull and wanted something more vibrant that offered more significant earning potential. 

As with many newbie recruiters, Glenn’s transition into the recruitment industry happened by chance. The benefit is that Glenn has a wealth of industry and technical knowledge behind him, enabling him to speak the same language as many of his candidates and clients.

Glenn forms part of a dedicated team that manages PRS’ CBRE account. Many team members have 9+ years of experience in built environment recruitment.  

One of those team members is Chris McCay, who has 16 years of experience in technical recruitment and is the Account Manager for CBRE in the Americas. 

Specialising in strategic solutions, including executive and engaged-level searches, Chris’s detailed knowledge of multiple market sectors, including Facilities Services, Construction, Energy, Automotive, and Process Industries, puts him in a pivotal position to provide top-tier advice and insight to CBRE and their potential candidates.

Knowledge is power

Relevant industry backgrounds and years of on-the-job experience bring robust knowledge and insights, enabling our teams to serve our clients and candidates better. This deep well of expertise allows the PRS team to anticipate industry trends and challenges, providing proactive solutions to their clients.

Our facilities management recruiters are well-versed in the various routes into a facilities management role, some of which don’t require a formal degree. Glenn recently identified that the industry needs more programmes like the IWFM’s ‘Our Career of Choice’. 

“Targeting the younger generation with exciting opportunities is the way forward,” Glenn says. “Many young people don’t consider the built environment a career option, so demonstrating how interesting the sector is and offering different routes could inspire the next generation to take building services roles more seriously.” Engaging the youth with innovative programmes and clear career pathways can ensure a steady influx of new talent into the industry.

Other trends identified by PRS consultants have included technology. Our client, CBRE, has been recognised as having one of the best support systems available, alongside fantastic opportunities for career progression. By offering exceptional training programmes, hiring talent from non-technical backgrounds, and training them themselves, CBRE has identified a way to combat the industry’s skills shortage challenges.

Despite these challenges, the future is looking bright. Glenn and his team can still identify white-collar talent (project managers, contract managers and directors) for their clients, mainly because PRS is developing a strategy to maintain connections with passive talent. 

Glenn says, “By nurturing relationships with all talent, available or not, we have a much larger pool of candidates to approach. When those candidates are ready to move roles, our team already knows them enough to confidently present them as valuable additions to our client’s teams.”

Get in touch 

Our specialist recruitment team operates across the UK and is ready to connect you with various FM professionals at all skill and experience levels. Contact PRS on 0207 553 5660 or email info@prsjobs.com for a confidential chat about your talent needs.