How to become A Facilities Manager

Facilities Managers help make increasingly dynamic workplaces bring out the best in their users through the management of services and processes that help organisations run efficiently.

• Business Manager
• Operations Manager

What do Facility Managers do?

A Facility Manager would typically need to:

• Oversee the security, maintenance and services of work facilities to ensure they meet the needs of the employer
• Supervise the operations and management of buildings, grounds, equipment and supplies
• Play a significant role in long-term planning and developing individual program budgets
• Plan and coordinate essential services such as reception, security, maintenance, mail, archiving, cleaning, catering, waste disposal and recycling
• Inspect air conditioning and heating systems and the exterior of buildings; carry out efficient energy and environmental management
• Ensure buildings, facilities, and employees adhere to current legislation and health and safety regulations
• Oversee renovation projects to improve efficiency or to meet regulations as well as environmental, health and security norms 
• Prepare the documents required to float tenders for contractors; assess and evaluate the price-quality ratio for essential goods or services
• Monitor and coordinate the work of contractors or staff to make sure it meets set standards
• Direct staff, including grounds maintenance workers, janitors and building cleaners and general maintenance and repair workers
• Use performance management techniques to observe and demonstrate fulfilment of predetermined service levels   
• Plan for future development that is consistent with strategic business objectives; check out new premises for availability and suitability 
• Plan for optimum allocation and utilisation of space and resources for new buildings or reorganisation of current premises
• Manage and lead changes and improvements with minimal disruption of primary activities
• Respond to emergencies such as burglary or sudden flooding of a basement as they arise and deal with the outcomes in a positive manner
• Complete and register all maintenance activities accurately in a viable management database

Facility Managers generally work inside their offices, although they must monitor the workers’ activities within and outside the building. They may need to travel to other facilities under their supervision.

Full-time work schedules involve working for more than 40 hours per week, especially to meet project deadlines or cover emergencies, in which case you will often be on call. 24-hour operations may require you to work in shifts. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Facility Managers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Although large organisations offer direct employment, you can also be employed by large contracting companies that work for a wide range of clients. Some Facilities Managers have permanent contracts while others work on fixed-term contracts to complete individual projects.

Facility managers are generally employed by: 

• Business Consultancies
• Facilities Management Providers
• Industrial Facilities & Factories
• Large Public Buildings, Including Museums & Libraries
• Local Councils
• Offices
• Prisons
• Private & Government Hospitals
• Schools, Colleges & Universities
• Scientific Laboratories
• Shops & Business Parks
• Specialist Facilities Management Consultancies
• Stadiums
• Finance & Insurance Sectors
• The Construction & Civil Engineering Industry
• IT Sector
• Manufacturing & Engineering Sectors
• The Transportation Industry

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Facility Management Association (IFMA), are crucial for Facilities Managers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Controlling costs while managing the facilities effectively; doing more with less
• Extending the life of resources
• Keeping accurate records
• Choosing the right vendors/contractors/suppliers/staff
• Lack of work-life balance due to irregular work schedules and the need to manage more than one facility
• Successful execution of long-term projects which require flexibility or relocation
• Stress due to insufficient funds and emergencies

Candidates who lack a degree or HND can become Facilities Manager, provided they have the right combination of skills and experience from playing a similar role in management, administration, hospitality, construction, building services, engineering or accountancy. Some employers may accept relevant work-based NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) in facilities management.

You can work your way up from being an assistant manager, focused on one operation such as cleaning, catering or maintenance. You can also begin as a support team member on a project and progress to team leader for part of a facilities project before being promoted to Facilities Manager.

Prior work experience as a general maintenance and repair worker or cost estimator will demonstrate your managerial and leadership abilities in business operations, project management and building maintenance. A placement year in the industry should help you acquire experience in administration, building, construction, engineering and management.

The hospitality industry will help prospective Facilities Managers hone their interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of people. Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in facilities management to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

A foundation degree or HND (Higher National Diploma) including facilities management, construction & built environment, business studies or management may fetch you an entry-level job as a Facilities Manager. 

However, a bachelor’s degree in building management, business studies, construction, engineering & building services engineering, facilities management, hospitality, finance, accounting, management, surveying or estate management will serve you better.

A master’s degree in facilities management, finance or business administration is not compulsory, but it may be a requirement for some employers.

In addition, courses on consumer psychology, organisational behaviour and those tailored to a healthcare or telecommunications industry would help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Focus on business studies, accounting, mathematics and psychology in high school.

Certification in facility management, records and information management and information governance demonstrates a facility manager’s competence in a specific skill set, typically through work experience, training, and examination. 

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

A full driving licence is necessary to travel between different facilities.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Facilities Managers employed by large organisations; they may move into Area, Regional, and Sector Management roles before becoming Director. Smaller organisations have relatively less scope of your promotion to managerial positions.

Specialising in consultancy, taking up overseas assignments or setting up your consultancy are viable options once you have gained significant experience as a Facilities Manager. 

Candidates with post-secondary education and certification in facility management along with related work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help active Facility Managers build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. 

CPD is also essential for the regular renewal of desirable certification in facilities management and the enhancement of analytical, communication and leadership skills, which further enable career progression.

On-the-job training under the guidance of experienced colleagues and part-time study for higher educational qualifications in facilities management, administration or building management will help rookies learn the ropes of the trade.

Larger organisations offer coveted graduate development programmes to deserving candidates who usually have the opportunity to specialise in a particular field such as security or retail.

Be a Leader!

As a Facilities Manager, you must be able to take a practical and innovative approach to work, make confident yet flexible decisions, network and build productive relationships with all stakeholders and multitask and prioritise your workload. In short, you have to demonstrate all the qualities of an inspirational manager who leads by example.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Facilities Managers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Facilities Manager has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The global facility management market’s estimated value was 1.34 trillion dollars in 2020.

Competent Facilities Managers see feasible opportunities and lead their team along less familiar paths to create continuously evolving workspaces that help organisations realise their business goals.

Before beginning any project, find out the most efficient and cost-friendly way to execute the project. Have an understanding and be up to date with new technology.