Facilities manager

Facilities manager job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Facilities managers are employed by large organisations including private companies, local authorities, the Civil Service, manufacturers, construction companies, utilities, higher education institutions etc. Originally their work focused only on day-to-day operational and maintenance related tasks. Today facilities managers have a much wider range of responsibilities including:

• financial forecasting/budgeting
• property acquisition and/or disposal
• planning and overseeing building work/renovation
• lease management
• project planning and management
• architectural/engineering planning and design
• allocating and managing space within buildings
• coordinating building maintenance and operational activities
• organising security and general administrative services
• integrating communications/telecommunications
• ensuring that facilities meet government regulations and environmental, health and security standards
• supervising multi-disciplinary teams of staff including maintenance, grounds and custodial workers.

Vacancies are advertised via the internet, by careers services and specialist recruitment agencies, in newspapers, and in a wide range of publications including TARGETjobs Construction, QS & Civil Engineering, Property Week, Estates Gazette, Building and Opportunities.

Qualifications and training required

Most entrants into the profession possess qualifications in building services related disciplines, including surveying, building services engineering and business management. A number of higher education institutions, colleges and other organisations offer general education and training in facilities management, including part- and full-time postgraduate courses. The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) operates an accreditation scheme for HE courses. Gaining an accredited qualification exempts candidates from sitting the BIFM examinations; BIFM membership can subsequently be attained by demonstrating professional competence through a work-based portfolio. Employers often prefer candidates that have gained BIFM membership, or membership of an equivalent professional organisation.

Key skills for facilities managers

Employers prefer candidates who are technically competent, with excellent problem solving, analytical, interpersonal, communication, IT and managerial skills. A full driving licence is also beneficial as many jobs involve daily travel between sites etc. Prior relevant experience gained via job shadowing, vacation work or placements can be of particular benefit.