What is a facilities manager?
Facilities managers are responsible for the security, maintenance and services of work facilities to ensure that they meet the needs of the organisation and its employees. That includes coordinating the demand and supply of facilities services.
How to become a facilities manager?
You could take a college course, for example a T level for Facilities Management Supervisors, which may allow you to apply for a trainee position with a company or organisation.
For apprenticeship, you may be able to take an advanced apprenticeship as a facilities supervisor or a higher apprenticeship as a facilities manager. This will usually take 18 to 24 months to complete.
You’ll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider. You’ll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Facilities manager duties
Facilities manager duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty, but some responsibilities are common to most:
- Plan for future development in line with strategic business objectives
- Manage and lead change to ensure minimum disruption to core activities
- Direct, coordinate and plan essential services such as reception, security, maintenance, mail, archiving, cleaning, catering, waste disposal and recycling
- Ensure buildings meet health and safety requirements and that facilities comply with legislation
- Advise businesses on increasing energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness
- Oversee building projects, renovations or refurbishments
- Help businesses to relocate to new offices and to make decisions about leasing
- Draft reports and make written recommendations
Facilities manager skills
To be an effective facilities manager, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:
- Well-versed in technical/engineering operations and facilities management best practices
- Knowledge of basic accounting and finance principles
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills
- Good analytical/critical thinking
How to find a facilities manager job
These jobs are advertised online, in local newspapers and at your local jobcentre. To find all the facilities manager jobs near you, you need to:
- Search for facilities manager jobs on popular job websites such as; Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library
- Use the DWP’s Find A Job Service
- Check local newspapers and local Facebook groups, especially groups dedicated to local jobs
Facilities Manager Job Titles
When you search for facilities manager jobs online, be aware that the jobs might be advertised using a different job title. Popular job titles for facilities manager jobs include;
- Estates manager
- Support services manager
- Contracts manager
What does a facilities manager do?
The job of a facilities manager varies depending on the job role and the company you’re working for. Check the duties and responsibilities of facilities manager job advertisements to find jobs that best suit your skills and experience.
The day-to-day tasks of a facilities manager include;
- managing refurbishment, renovations and office moves
- managing maintenance
- making sure the building meets health and safety standards
- advising on energy efficiency
- managing cleaning, waste disposal, catering, parking and security
- managing budgets and accounts
- negotiating with contractors and suppliers
- managing office systems like IT and equipment