What is a facilities manager?
A facilities manager is the person who makes sure that the place where a company works is safe, runs smoothly, and is a great spot for everyone to do their best work. They take care of everything from fixing things around the building to keeping everyone safe and making sure the workplace is the best it can be. They are like the behind-the-scenes heroes who help the business do well by making sure the physical space is top-notch.
Duties and responsibilities
- Keeping things running: They manage everything needed to keep a building in good shape, like heating, lights, and general maintenance.
- Safety first: They are in charge of keeping the place safe. This might mean planning for emergencies, like fires, or keeping the security systems updated.
- Budgets and projects: They handle money matters for building upkeep and can lead big projects, like renovations, to improve the workspace.
Work environment
Facilities managers are always on the move, checking out different parts of the building and making sure everything is in top shape. They work with lots of different people—from the boss to the folks who fix things. They talk to many people, from team members to contractors who come to fix things or provide services.
Typical work hours
Facilities managers usually work a regular 40-hour week, but they also need to be ready for unexpected problems or emergencies, which might mean coming in at odd hours or on weekends. They also might need to stick around for big projects, making sure everything goes smoothly.
How to become a facilities manager
Becoming a facilities manager means you’ll be the go-to person for keeping a workplace safe, efficient, and pleasant for everyone. Here’s a straightforward path to get there:
Step 1: Finish high school
First things first, get your high school diploma. Pay extra attention to English, math, and any tech or science classes. These will give you a good foundation for what’s next.
Step 2: Earn a college degree
You’ll usually need a college degree. Good choices include majors in facility management, business administration, or engineering. If a four-year degree isn’t possible right away, some jobs might take a two-year associate’s degree plus some real work experience.
Step 3: Gain work experience
Start working in areas connected to facilities management. This could be internships or entry-level jobs where you help with building maintenance or organizing office spaces. This step is all about getting your hands dirty and learning how everything works in real life.
Step 4: Build your skills
You need a mix of technical skills (like understanding how buildings work and how to manage projects) and people skills (like communication and leadership). Keep learning, whether on the job, through workshops, or extra courses.
Step 5: Get certified
Not always needed, but getting certified can help you stand out. Look into certifications like the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or Facility Management Professional (FMP). These show you know your stuff and are serious about your career.
Step 6: Start applying for jobs
With a degree, some experience, and maybe a certification or two, you’re ready to apply for jobs as a facilities manager. Make a solid resume, practice your interview skills, and find companies that need someone like you.
How much do facilities managers make?
There are many variables that go into determining how much a facilities manager makes, from company size to experience to education, just to name a few.
Highest paying industries
- Oil and Gas Extraction: $127,160
- Data Processing and Hosting: $122,050
- Motion Picture and Video Industries: $120,890
- Monetary Authorities: $120,260
- Offices of Other Health Practitioners: $119,670
Highest paying states
- New Jersey: $98,730
- New York: $96,130
- Rhode Island: $94,690
- Delaware: $92,260
- Connecticut: $91,520
The average national salary for a Facilities Manager is:
$62,070
Types of facilities managers
If you’re thinking about becoming a facilities manager, there are several cool paths you can take, depending on what interests you the most. Here’s a quick look at some of them:
Facilities operations manager
This type of manager makes sure everything in a building works like it should every day. They handle tasks like making sure there’s enough space for everyone to work comfortably, keeping the building in good shape, and making sure it’s safe and follows health rules.
Maintenance manager
If you’re into fixing things, this could be your thing. A maintenance manager takes care of the building’s systems—like air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing—to make sure everything’s running smoothly. They also manage teams who help with upkeep and repairs.
Sustainability manager
This is for those who care about the environment. Sustainability managers work to make a company more green. They might set up recycling programs, choose energy-saving systems, or find other ways to help the planet.
Space planning manager
These managers think about how to best use the space in a building. They plan where everything should go based on how the company is growing, how people work together, and what employees need to be happy and productive.
Safety and compliance manager
This job is all about keeping everyone safe at work. They make sure the company follows health and safety laws, run safety checks, and train people to handle emergencies. They work with other teams to keep safety a top priority.
Top skills for facilities managers
Being a facilities manager is more than just a job; it’s about keeping a workplace safe, functional, and efficient. Here are the key skills that can help you excel in this role:
Maintenance knowledge
You need to know how things work around a building. This means understanding everything from fixing leaks to making sure the heating and cooling systems are running right. Knowing how to keep equipment safe and in good shape is super important.
Leadership skills
A big part of the job is leading a team. You’ll need to be good at motivating your team, giving out tasks, and making sure everyone is working well together towards common goals.
Tech savvy
Facilities managers need to be up-to-date with technology. Whether it’s using new software to manage energy use or understanding how different building systems work, being tech-savvy helps a lot.
Communication and customer service
You’ll talk to a lot of different people, from the people who work in the buildings you manage to contractors and safety inspectors. Being able to talk clearly and handle any issues calmly and professionally is key.
Problem-solving
Things might not always go as planned. When unexpected problems pop up, you need to think on your feet and come up with solutions fast. Being a good problem-solver means you can keep everything running smoothly, even when it gets tough.
Project management
Sometimes, you’ll have to manage big projects, like updating part of a building or setting up new systems. This means planning carefully, sticking to a budget, and making sure everything is done right and on time.
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Facilities manager career path options
Starting as a facilities manager opens up a lot of exciting career paths as you gain more experience and skills. Here’s how you can move up in this field:
Senior facilities manager
After some years of experience, you might become a senior facilities manager. In this role, you’re in charge of several buildings and a team of managers. You’ll work on big plans to make sure all the facilities you oversee are working well together to meet the company’s goals.
Regional facilities manager
If you’re good at your job, you might manage facilities across a whole region. This means making sure all the buildings in your area meet the rules and work well for the business. It’s a big job because you have to keep things consistent across many locations.
National or global manager
The next step could be taking care of facilities across the country or even around the world. You could end up as the director of facilities management or even vice president of facilities management at a big international company. These roles involve a lot of responsibility, like overseeing logistics and managing big projects, and require you to be really good at leading and planning.
Start your own business
If you like the idea of being your own boss, you could start a consulting firm in facility or property management. This lets you choose who you work with, set your own hours, and decide how much you want to charge. It’s a great way to use all the knowledge and contacts you’ve made to do something on your own.
Position trends and outlook for facilities managers
Facilities management is a field that’s constantly changing, especially with new technology. Here’s what’s happening now and what it looks like for the future:
- Embracing technology: Tools that help with scheduling repairs, keeping equipment running smoothly, and saving energy are really important now. This tech makes it easier to do more with less, cutting costs and making everything run smoother.
- Going green: There’s a big push for managers who know how to set up recycling programs, save energy, and make buildings greener overall. Also, making sure workplaces are clean and meet safety standards is becoming more important.
Employment projections
Looking ahead, the need for skilled facilities managers is expected to grow by 7% through 2031, which is pretty quick compared to other jobs. This means there will likely be more opportunities for people who are good at managing buildings and dealing with emergencies.
Facilities manager career tips
Understand your job
Your job is more than just looking after a building; it’s about making sure everyone has a safe and comfortable place to work. Learn all the different parts of your job—from managing power systems to ensuring building safety.
Stay informed on laws and rules
You need to keep up with the rules and laws related to building safety and operations. This means regularly checking for new updates or changes to stay compliant and keep your workplace safe.
Sharpen your communication skills
Since you’ll work with lots of different people, from team members to contractors, being able to talk clearly and effectively is super important. You should be able to explain complex things in a way that everyone can understand.
Go green
Lots of companies are trying to be more environmentally friendly. As a facilities manager, you’ll be leading these efforts, like setting up recycling programs or choosing energy-saving options.
Build your network
Connecting with other professionals in your field can be a big help. You can learn from others, find new job opportunities, and keep up with industry news. Consider joining groups like:
- International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
- Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
- The Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
Never stop learning
Facilities management is always changing, especially with new tech coming out. To stay on top of your game, keep learning. Join professional organizations, attend workshops, and consider getting certifications like the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or Facility Management Professional (FMP). Read industry magazines and subscribe to news feeds to keep up with the latest in facilities management.
Where the facilities manager jobs are
Top employers
- JLL
- CBRE Group
- Cushman & Wakefield
- ISS Facility Services
- Sodexo
Top states
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Illinois
Top job sites
- zengig
- Indeed
- Monster
- Facility Executive
FAQs
What kind of educational background is necessary for a facilities manager?
A bachelor’s degree, often in facilities management, business administration, engineering, or related fields, is typically required for this role. Employers generally look for candidates with a good understanding of business operations, project management, and property management. An advanced degree, like a master’s in facility management, could be a plus.
What skills are essential for a facilities manager?
Besides technical understanding of building systems, facilities managers also need strong organizational and leadership skills. They must communicate effectively with various stakeholders, think critically, and handle emergencies. Familiarity with maintenance processes and knowledge of health and safety regulations is also important. Basic computer skills for managing work orders, scheduling, and budget control are also vital.
What is the typical work environment for a facilities manager?
Facilities managers work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, business buildings, hotels, and government offices. Their work often involves both an office environment and on-site grounds such as mechanical rooms, roofs, etc. They may also be required to be on-call outside regular work hours to handle emergencies.
What are usual responsibilities of a facilities manager?
Facilities managers handle the strategic planning and day-to-day operations of different facilities. They oversee building maintenance, manage facility functions and staff, ensure compliance with safety regulations, plan space utilization and layout, coordinate real estate affairs, manage budgets, and often negotiate with vendors and contractors.
Are there any certifications that could enhance my career as a facilities manager?
Several professional organizations offer certifications, and these could be beneficial in enhancing career prospects. Examples include the CFM from the International Facility Management Association and the FMP designation. Certifications demonstrate a level of knowledge and competence to potential employers.
What are the common challenges facilities managers usually face?
Facilities managers often juggle several tasks at once, ranging from managing staff and overseeing maintenance to planning future spaces and handling emergencies. Budget restrictions can make it challenging to meet all facility needs. Keeping up with ever-changing health and safety regulations, ensuring environmental sustainability, and managing the expectations of different stakeholders are common challenges.
What soft skills are important for success in this role?
Soft skills are equally important for facility managers. These include strong communication and interpersonal skills, as they will coordinate with tenants, upper management, and staff. Leadership and problem-solving skills are also crucial, as they often lead teams and face unexpected issues. Time management and flexibility can also be crucial since they often handle multiple projects simultaneously.
How can I know if a career as a facilities manager is right for me?
If you enjoy variety in your daily work, have a knack for managing multiple tasks, thrive on interpersonal interaction, and are a natural problem-solver interested in hands-on projects, you might find a satisfying career as a facilities manager. As new technologies and regulations arise, it’s also important to be interested in continual learning.
What is the significance of sustainability in facility management?
Sustainability has become an increasingly important concern for facility management. Facilities managers can contribute to sustainability by reducing energy consumption, incorporating renewable energy sources, improving water efficiency, using environmentally friendly cleaning products, and implementing recycling programs. Such strategies can not only save costs but also support corporate social responsibility initiatives.
What is the career progression typically like for a facilities manager?
Entry-level facility managers start as facility coordinators or administrators. With more experience and professional certifications, they may advance to senior managers or directors of facilities. Eventually, with extensive experience and managerial know-how, they may climb to executive positions, such as vice president of facilities management, or change branch out to become project or operations managers.
How has technology impacted the role of a facilities manager?
Technology has greatly impacted the field of facilities management. Systems like BIM, CMMS, and IoT devices have led to more effective and efficient operations. Facilities managers today need to be comfortable with these technologies and continuously stay up-to-date with the latest advancements to ensure optimal facility operations.