What does a Facility Manager do?
A Facility Manager makes sure offices, flats or other buildings operate successfully. They monitor the building’s condition and identify when they need repairs or maintenance. When these buildings require repairs or maintenance, they find contractors and negotiate the best rates. They manage building budgets and accounts and note opportunities for saving money, for example, by adopting energy efficiency measures. They also oversee refurbishments, renovations and relocations. The work Facility Managers do helps buildings operate efficiently and according to legal health and safety standards. They help their employers save money while feeling confident their buildings are serving the residents.
Facility Manager skills and qualifications
Facility Managers use hard and soft skills to manage buildings and systems and liaise with occupants, contractors and suppliers. A successful Facility Manager candidate will have various perquisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Verbal and written communication, including active listening, for determining and discussing building needs and communicating these to contractors, suppliers and the occupants
- Mathematics and accounting to meet budgets and identify cost-saving measures
- Customer service for occupant and collaborators satisfaction
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Business management, including scheduling, strategic planning and administration
- Understanding of current building, health and safety regulations
- Computer literacy and confidence using Microsoft Office, accounting and electronic management programs
Facility Manager experience requirements
Facility Managers often get practical experience working as a Building Caretaker or Assistant Facility Manager. Both these roles teach aspiring Facility Managers about the tasks that keep buildings operating safely and efficiently. Experience working in building services engineering, health and safety or surveying is also valuable. Some companies even hire Facility Managers without this experience if they have a strong educational background. Higher apprenticeships in facilities management include work placement programs which also provide practical experience.
Facility Manager education and training requirements
Most Facility Managers complete a degree or apprenticeship program. After completing A-levels, graduates interested in these roles usually complete a foundation degree or standard degree in facilities management or building services. Alternatively, after completing four or five GSCEs, some complete an advanced apprenticeship as a Facilities Supervisor or a higher apprenticeship as a Facilities Manager. Some organisations may hire people without a degree or apprenticeship, if they have a Level 3 Diploma in Facilities Management or similar. While it’s not essential, health and safety training qualifications can make candidates more desirable.
Facility Manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Facility Manager in the UK is £38,070 per year. Salaries may vary depending on experience, education, location and employer.
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