Facilities manager
Facilities managers are responsible for the management of services and processes that support the core business of an organisation. They ensure that an organisation has the most suitable working environment for its employees and their activities. Duties vary with the nature of the organisation, but facilities managers generally focus on using best business practice to improve efficiency, by reducing operating costs while increasing productivity.
This is a wide field with a diverse range of responsibilities, which are dependant on the structure of the organisation. Facilities managers are involved in both strategic planning and day-to-day operations, particularly in relation to buildings and premises. Likely areas of responsibility include:
Facilities managers are employed in all sectors and industries and the diversity of the work may be reflected in different job titles such as operations, estates, technical services, asset or property manager. Responsibilities often cover several departments, as well as central services that link to all the teams in the organisation. In smaller companies, duties may include more practical and hands-on tasks. Many facilities management professionals are employed on a consultancy basis, contracted to manage some or all of these activities by a client organisation.
Typical tasks may include:
Entry is open to graduates of all disciplines although certain subjects are particularly useful. The University of Central Lancashire offers a degree in facilities management, but other relevant subjects include:
Entry can be made with just an HND/foundation degree and it is helpful if the qualification is in a relevant subject such as facilities management, business studies or management.
Entry without a degree/HND is possible although this will usually be at a lower level. Once a job is obtained, relevant qualifications are usually then studied for. This includes level 3 qualifications from the Institute of Leadership and Management which consist of an award, certificate and diploma in facilities management.
Postgraduate qualifications are useful and may improve your chances of securing a job, but they are not essential. Postgraduate diplomas and Masters are available in facilities management and the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) has a list of accredited courses. These qualifications are sometimes taken while working to aid career progression.
It is also possible to move into this job from another related role, especially if relevant professional qualifications, such as those in surveying, accountancy and estate management, have been obtained. It is common for those with some sort of building services/engineering or office management/administration background to enter facilities management.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following skills and abilities:
Pre-entry experience is desirable and a placement year in industry from a relevant degree can prove to be particularly useful. Any experience in related areas such as management, building or construction will also be a help, so consider any part-time or vacation work in relation to this.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) offers a number of qualifications. These include the level 5 facilities management qualification, which is aimed at those who deal with specialised and complex functions, and the level 6 qualification, aimed at facilities managers with high levels of responsibility who wish to develop their strategic skills.
Graduates with degrees approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and who have relevant employment experience can become chartered surveyors within the Facilities Management (FM) Faculty by completing the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This work-based professional training scheme usually lasts for two years.
Graduates aiming for RICS chartership who do not have an accredited degree will usually complete a conversion course before beginning to work towards chartered status, although it may be possible to study for the APC and academic qualifications at the same time.
Facilities managers are also involved in continuous professional development, usually made up of external short courses and in-house training. As well as practical and business skills training, some courses in areas such as health and safety, legislation and regulation, will be essential for relevant certification. Specialist training opportunities are offered by organisations such as the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) and the Facilities Management Association (FMA) . In addition, Masters degrees are increasingly popular qualifications for the sector.
For further ideas about training, go to Asset Skills .
Facilities managers may start in roles focused on one operation, such as cleaning, catering or maintenance, initially as assistant managers. They may progress to managing a department, then into general management, bringing all the operations together, usually as assistant or deputy general manager, before taking full overall responsibility. There may be area, regional and sector management roles to follow before achieving director level.
It is also possible to specialise in consultancy and some facilities managers go on to set up their own consultancy business. If working in a small organisation, career progression may be dependant on moving to a larger company which has more managerial roles to offer.
Seeking opportunities to work with different operations and functions is a useful way to secure career progression and gain further experience.
Flexibility, multi-tasking and client-management skills, coupled with commercial acumen and the ability to juggle tight budgets mean that facilities managers are well placed to take up higher level general management jobs within their organisations.
Facilities managers are found in virtually every kind of business, although job titles may vary to suit particular portfolios of responsibilities. Larger organisations are more likely to require a facilities manager with a strategic overview of a range of functions and supporting services. Typical employers include:
Be aware that jobs in the field of facilities management are likely to be described by many different job titles. Reading sector publications and websites will build familiarity with common terminology and the range of job titles.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
Tweet