Facilities managers are responsible for the security, maintenance and services of work facilities to ensure that they meet the needs of the organization and its employees.
In this job, you will be responsible for the management of services and processes that support the core business of an organization. Facilities managers make sure that an organization has the most suitable working environment for its employees and their activities.
Likely areas of responsibility include:
- building and grounds maintenance;
- cleaning;
- catering and vending;
- health and safety;
- procurement and contract management;
- security;
- space management;
- utilities and communications infrastructure.
Employers of Facilities Managers
Facilities managers may work in-house – that is directly for the organization for which they are managing services – or for a company that provides those services to individual businesses. Typical employers include:
- specialist facilities management companies
- property firms and property management companies
- construction companies
- large public and private sector organizations, including schools, colleges, and universities.
Duties
- preparing documents to put out tenders for contractors;
- project management and supervising and coordinating the work of contractors;
- investigating availability and suitability of options for new premises;
- calculating and comparing costs for required goods or services to achieve maximum value for money;
- planning for future development in line with strategic business objectives;
- managing and leading change to ensure minimum disruption to core activities;
- directing, coordinating and planning essential central services such as reception, security, maintenance, mail, archiving, cleaning, catering, waste disposal and recycling;
- ensuring the building meets health and safety requirements and that facilities comply with legislation;
- keeping staff safe;
- planning best allocation and utilization of space and resources for new buildings, or re-organising current premises;
- checking that agreed work by staff or contractors has been completed satisfactorily and following up on any deficiencies;
- coordinating and leading one or more teams to cover various areas of responsibility;
- using performance management techniques to monitor and demonstrate achievement of agreed service levels and to lead on improvement;
- responding appropriately to emergencies or urgent issues as they arise and dealing with the consequences.
Qualifications
You don’t need to have a specific degree to enter this role but the following subjects may improve your chances:
- building management;
- business studies;
- construction;
- engineering and building services engineering;
- facilities management;
- hospitality;
- management;
- surveying;
- property.
Skills
- Communication and influencing skills, in person and in writing
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Decision-making
- The ability to lead and manage teams and projects
- Team-working
- Attention to detail but also the ability to see the implications for the bigger picture
- Commercial awareness
- Customer service
- Organization, time management, prioritizing and the ability to handle a complex, varied workload
- A good knowledge of IT packages