Corporate Real Estate Recruitment Services

A values-first philosophy driven recruitment approach for corporate real estate, facilities, and asset management.

For over two decades, First Contact has been a trusted partner in recruitment, specialising in the global hospitality and corporate real estate sectors. With access to a carefully curated talent pool of over 162,500 candidates worldwide, we excel in delivering fast, high-quality placements that are meticulously tailored to your unique business needs. Our focus is on ensuring the perfect cultural and operational fit, setting your organisation up for lasting success.

Our recruitment team, led by John Ortner and Axel Koster, and supported by Lucas Ortner, combines decades of industry expertise with a values-driven methodology. At First Contact, we go beyond simply filling roles—we strategically align candidates with your organisation’s values, vision, and mission. This commitment to alignment drives long-term success and ensures that each placement strengthens both performance and culture. Our people-first approach has increased employee retention by over 20%, fostering stronger relationships and a cohesive, engaged workforce.

About Us
Who We Are

For over two decades, First Contact has been a leader in providing exemplary workplace services, leading-edge advisory, and recruitment solutions. Our entry into specialised recruitment for real estate and facilities management is built on our profound understanding of these sectors' operational needs. Our mission is to empower businesses and professionals alike to work at their best by facilitating ideal matches that promote both individual and organisational growth.

Our Expertise

With extensive experience managing and enhancing workplaces for property groups and corporations, we bring a deep reservoir of knowledge and candidate networks to recruitment within the real estate, facilities, and workplace industries. Our team excels at discerning the subtle qualities that make a candidate perfect for your specific needs, ensuring we not only fill positions but also enhance your team's dynamics and productivity. We provide temporary staffing, permanent staffing, and contract recruitment to meet diverse organisational needs.

Our Approach

Our approach to recruitment is holistic and meticulously tailored. We begin by thoroughly understanding the unique culture and requirements of each client, followed by an in-depth vetting of candidates to find those who align with the company’s values and vision for your occupancy space. This detailed process guarantees a seamless integration of new leaders and staff, optimised for long-term success within your organisation. We utilise headhunting and executive search methods to find the best talent for high-level positions.

 

Our Services

We specialise in identifying senior leadership talent to drive your organisation’s strategic goals in hospitality and corporate real estate. Our global network and deep industry insights allow us to find executives with the vision, expertise, and leadership required to shape your company’s future. Our executive search process ensures that each candidate is not only qualified but also aligned with your corporate culture and values for long-term success.

Our permanent recruitment service is designed to source mid-level professionals in corporate real estate, facilities management, and tenant services. We focus on finding candidates who excel technically and are a strong cultural fit, ensuring they contribute to your organisation’s sustained success. With over two decades of experience, we swiftly identify talent that integrates seamlessly into your team and delivers lasting value.

We provide flexible, high-quality professionals to meet short-term project needs or temporary staffing requirements in hospitality and corporate real estate. Whether filling gaps during peak periods, tackling specific projects, or covering for an absence, our contract placements ensure experienced professionals are ready to contribute immediately. Our tailored solutions maintain business continuity and meet dynamic workforce needs.

Our recruitment advisory services offer strategic guidance on workforce planning, talent management, and retention strategies. We collaborate closely with your leadership team to understand your business objectives and provide actionable insights into building and managing high-performing teams. From optimising recruitment processes to developing retention plans, we help create a workforce strategy that aligns with your goals and ensures long-term sustainability.

Choose from a wide range of Recruitment Services

We manage the entire recruitment process from start to finish, ensuring that you get the best candidates for your organisation.

We use a variety of sourcing methods to find top talent, including our extensive database, industry networks, and innovative recruitment strategies.

Our team conducts thorough screenings and interviews to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are shortlisted for your consideration.

We perform detailed reference checks and assist with the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition for new hires.

We focus on sourcing candidates that meet your specific criteria, providing you with a shortlist of the most suitable candidates.

Each candidate shortlist comes with comprehensive profiles, including qualifications, experience, and key attributes, to help you make informed decisions.

Our experienced recruitment specialists conduct interviews on your behalf, ensuring that candidates are thoroughly evaluated against your requirements.

We provide detailed interview reports and insights to assist you in making the best hiring decisions.

We conduct in-depth reference checks to verify the background and qualifications of your shortlisted candidates.

Our reference checking service includes detailed feedback and reports, giving you confidence in your hiring decisions.

Get in touch with us

First Contact: Where Culture Meets Talent

At First Contact, we understand that your business needs more than just skilled candidates—it needs people who fit seamlessly into your culture and share your vision. Our values-based selection process, powered by proprietary alignment tools and in-depth interview techniques, ensures that every candidate we present embodies your company’s values and long-term goals. Research shows that companies with strong cultural alignment see 30% higher retention rates. We make that a reality by delivering talent that thrives in your environment, ensuring lasting performance and satisfaction.

Our roots in premium hospitality give us a unique people-first perspective on recruitment, setting us apart from typical recruitment agencies. We specialize in building cohesive, high-performing teams that elevate workplace experiences. Through our method, clients report a 25% increase in team engagement within the first year. By focusing on team dynamics and engagement, we go beyond simply filling roles—we help you create a workplace where your people are motivated to deliver their best, every day.

Whether you're seeking talent from the global marketplace or need a fast turnaround locally, First Contact delivers. With access to one of the largest global talent pools, we can present pre-qualified candidates within just 5 days. Our proven process ensures that even the most urgent roles are filled 25% faster than the industry standard, reducing disruptions and maintaining business continuity. With both global reach and local expertise, we guarantee the right talent, wherever you need it.

Long-term partnerships deserve special benefits. Our clients enjoy exclusive pricing models designed to save an average of 15% on recruitment costs, without compromising quality. We work with you to create flexible, tailored recruitment packages that meet your ongoing needs. With preferred pricing and long-term support, you can focus on growth while we deliver the talent to drive it.

Testimonials

John expertly helped me enhance my resume and LinkedIn visibility, showcasing his deep knowledge in strengthening skills and exposure in the hospitality industry. He's a passionate coach with remarkable expertise and charisma.
Paolo Sanavia | General Manager
John is a consummate professional, always up-to-date on business trends and technology. He is innovative, inspiring, and makes everyone feel valued. I’ve worked with him in Hong Kong and the Manhattan group, and he is a motivating leader.
Desmond Acheson | General Manager Luxury Properties
John’s career consultation was the most informative hour I’ve spent. His knowledge and expertise are extraordinary, and his passion for his work is clear. I highly recommend him to candidates and companies alike.
Steve Mooney | Group General Manager
John is an expert in recruitment, marketing, social media, and leadership. His talent coaching, patience, and mentorship are invaluable to anyone needing support in these areas.
Michael Thomas MBA | Area General Manager
John's personalized approach to career development and professional growth has been instrumental in shaping the foundations of my career. His recommendations came from trusted global contacts, and his guidance continues to be impactful.
Joshua Sattler MAICD | Founder
John is a world-class leader in executive recruitment, offering tailored coaching and career support. He is a highly appreciated mentor with a deep understanding of leadership, sales, marketing, and finance, always engaging with a personal touch and great humor.
Matthias Putz | Area Director of Finance, Marriott Group
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Meet our Advisory Team

Book a consultation with one of our Advisory Team Members and gain a comprehensive review of your real estate, facilities, and workplace interests

Lucas Ortner
National Head
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John Ortner
Managing Director
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Client Success Stories

Client: A leading multinational hotel company
Role: General Manager
Location: Hong Kong
Overview: First Contact recruited a General Manager to lead a flagship property in Hong Kong. The ideal candidate needed strong leadership, hospitality expertise, and values alignment. Within 80 days, we placed an industry veteran who has since driven operational excellence and enhanced guest experience.
General Manager – Multinational Hotel Company, Hong Kong
Client: A major bank in Singapore
Role: Asset Manager
Location: Singapore
Overview: First Contact identified a highly experienced Asset Manager for the client’s real estate portfolio in Singapore. Finalised within 65 days, the placement optimised portfolio management for long-term success.
Asset Manager – Major Singapore Bank
Client: A global corporate real estate integrator
Role: Group Facilities Director
Location: Australia
Overview: First Contact placed a Group Facilities Director to manage operations across Australia. The candidate, with strategic oversight and facilities management expertise, improved operational efficiency within 70 days.
Group Facilities Director – Global Corporate Real Estate Integrator, Australia
Client: A prestigious national law firm
Role: Director of Workplace
Location: Australia
Overview: First Contact sourced a Director of Workplace to oversee multiple offices. Placed within 50 days, the candidate elevated the firm’s workplace environment and culture.
Director of Workplace – National Law Firm, Australia
Client: A national telecommunications company
Role: Facilities Management Team
Location: Sydney
Overview: First Contact recruited a bespoke facilities management team for a national telecommunications company’s Sydney HQ. Using a values-based approach, we reduced turnover by 30%, improving employee engagement. Key roles were filled within 6 weeks, ensuring a seamless transition.
National Telecommunications HQ, Sydney
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Case Studies

Revolutionising the Workplace: Prioritising People, Transforming Spaces & Optimising Work.

Revolutionising the Workplace: Prioritising People, Transforming Spaces & Optimising Work 1

As the concept of work evolves from a place to an activity, businesses worldwide are facing a pivotal transformation. The rise of hybrid working models has not only altered where we work but has also redefined how we work. This shift emphasizes the importance of service quality in supporting people's return to the office. In this era, delivering exceptional service quality outcomes for your customers, co-workers, and community becomes paramount.

The challenge many organizations face is how to adapt to this new normal effectively. The answer lies in a comprehensive strategy focusing on people, spaces, and work optimization.


Read More
Revolutionising the Workplace: Prioritising People, Transforming Spaces & Optimising Work 2

As the concept of work evolves from a place to an activity, businesses worldwide are facing a pivotal transformation. The rise of hybrid working models has not only altered where we work but has also redefined how we work. This shift emphasizes the importance of service quality in supporting people's return to the office. In this era, delivering exceptional service quality outcomes for your customers, co-workers, and community becomes paramount.

The challenge many organizations face is how to adapt to this new normal effectively. The answer lies in a comprehensive strategy focusing on people, spaces, and work optimization.


Read More
Revolutionising the Workplace: Prioritising People, Transforming Spaces & Optimising Work 3

As the concept of work evolves from a place to an activity, businesses worldwide are facing a pivotal transformation. The rise of hybrid working models has not only altered where we work but has also redefined how we work. This shift emphasizes the importance of service quality in supporting people's return to the office. In this era, delivering exceptional service quality outcomes for your customers, co-workers, and community becomes paramount.

The challenge many organizations face is how to adapt to this new normal effectively. The answer lies in a comprehensive strategy focusing on people, spaces, and work optimization.


Read More
Revolutionising the Workplace: Prioritising People, Transforming Spaces & Optimising Work 4

As the concept of work evolves from a place to an activity, businesses worldwide are facing a pivotal transformation. The rise of hybrid working models has not only altered where we work but has also redefined how we work. This shift emphasizes the importance of service quality in supporting people's return to the office. In this era, delivering exceptional service quality outcomes for your customers, co-workers, and community becomes paramount.

The challenge many organizations face is how to adapt to this new normal effectively. The answer lies in a comprehensive strategy focusing on people, spaces, and work optimization.


Read More
Revolutionising the Workplace: Prioritising People, Transforming Spaces & Optimising Work 5

As the concept of work evolves from a place to an activity, businesses worldwide are facing a pivotal transformation. The rise of hybrid working models has not only altered where we work but has also redefined how we work. This shift emphasizes the importance of service quality in supporting people's return to the office. In this era, delivering exceptional service quality outcomes for your customers, co-workers, and community becomes paramount.

The challenge many organizations face is how to adapt to this new normal effectively. The answer lies in a comprehensive strategy focusing on people, spaces, and work optimization.


Read More

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