Shiny new offices don’t stay shiny and new for long without the sterling work of a facilities manager. The ultimate organiser – a facilities manager is responsible for making sure a building is fit for purpose for the people that live and work in it.
Day to day role.
Project managing, supervising, coordinating, ensuring security, organising cleaning, building maintenance, dealing with contractors – these are just a few of the things you can expect to do on a day to day basis as a facilities manager. The role is hugely diverse but it also varies enormously depending on where you work and the size of the building you’re responsible for. In a large organisation, you might have a specific department to manage such as cleaning, catering assistant services or security. In a smaller business, you might have responsibility for the whole lot.
Qualifications and experience needed.
There is no specific degree you need to enter this sector but a degree in a related subject is useful, such as building management, engineering, property or business. You can enter with a foundation degree in the right subjects. It’s even open to those without a degree with the right skills and experience and there are various apprenticeships available where you can learn on the job before moving into a facilities manager role – perfect if you’re a school leaver taking your first steps on this career path.
Skills.
Some of the skills you will need include:
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to persuade people to do what you want
- Great problem-solving skills
- Leadership skills
- Team working and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work to deadlines and keep within budgets
- Ability to manage and plan budget
- Ability to look at efficiency and overall cost effectiveness
- Decision-making skills
Personality.
If you’re the sort of person who is always ultra organised, knows exactly where everything is, when stuff is supposed to happen and how it will all be done, then facilities management is ideal. Being able to get along with people is also really important because you will be dealing with contractors, people who occupy the building the management team and possibly the general public.
Opportunities.
- You’ll find facilities managers in virtually every industry so pick your favourite and go from there. Schools, hospitals, offices, prisons – they all need people to manage their infrastructure.
- You’ll start at a junior level as an assistant manager before moving on to more senior roles and operational roles.
- You could work in-house for an organisation or you could work for a company offering facilities management services. As your experience grows, supplemented by regular professional development to keep up to date with changing regulations and legislation, you could start your own consultancy.
Fact: Facilities managers can earn between £26,000 and £45,000 but senior operations levels can reach £70,000+
Summary.
- Diverse career across a range of industries
- Ideally suited to someone who is highly organised
- Suitable for both graduates and school leavers, subject to training and experience