Facilities management

Overview

What is facilities management?

Facilities management is a diverse area, where specialists are responsible for the management of services and processes that support business operations. This can include the buildings and grounds, as well as services that support the working environment such as maintenance, cleaning, security, space management and security.

Skills

What’s required for the role?

Ability to use and interpret different types of data including designs, numbers and written reports and verbal information
Excellent organisational and planning skills
IT skills
Accuracy and attention to detail
Good oral, written and presentation skills
A practical, logical and methodical mindset
The ability to multi-task, make decisions and handle conflicting deadlines
Leadership and effective people management
Procurement and negation skills
A practical, flexible and innovative approach to work

The details

Learn more about the role

What's the role like in practice?

In this diverse field you will have a range of responsibilities, which are dependent on the structure and size of the organisation. They will range from strategic planning to managing day to day operations, managing contractor and inhouse teams, and ensuring that services meet agreed level of performance along with health and safety and other legislative requirements.

What's the work environment like?

You are likely to be based in business premises and some travel may be required. Work can be pressurised when working to deadlines or budgets. Work patterns may include shifts and weekends.

What qualifications are required?

Entry into this profession is diverse and people may come from a range of backgrounds and qualifications. No particular degree is required but relevant areas can include business studies and hospitality as well as property and construction subjects.

Professional qualifications can be gained through the RICS and the IFMA.

Is it for you?

Other useful skills to have:

Analysing and identifying patterns in data
People management
Understanding how buildings are constructed and perform
Creativity and problem solving

Sustainability

How are facilities managers responding to the need for sustainability?

Facilities managers can make a very significant impact to the achievement of a firm’s sustainability and compliance agendas. The number of commercial buildings in use across the world provide global scope for change and within those buildings, professional facilities management teams are managing the buildings’ services, the design and use of workspaces and the interaction between workers and workspace.

With responsibility for the usage of key resources such as energy and water, facility managers are now focusing on innovative systems and thoughtful procurement to promote the effective, sustainable management of both buildings and services. For example, purchasing office equipment with high sustainability credentials such as reduced energy consumption, effective waste management and recycling of components reduces environmental impact.

Facilities managers also influence the productivity of the workforce, through promotion of positive behaviours, wellbeing, comfort, health, and safety of the workplace.

Employment opportunities

Where will it take you?

Opportunities exist across the UK and globally. Employers include all types of businesses as well as property and construction firms and facilities management specialists.