Building maintenance is a skill in the field of facility management that calls for effort, commitment, and creativity. Even though maintaining a building might not seem like much, a skilled facility manager must have a great deal of passion for people, their safety, and their productivity.
Facilities Management is the coordination and maintenance of an organization’s physical assets, systems, and services. A facility manager ensures that a company’s facilities run smoothly and efficiently.
From overseeing building maintenance and security to managing budgets and vendor relationships, a career in Facilities management offers a diverse range of job opportunities, including roles in property management, operations management, and project management.
This blog will explain the types of facilities management jobs and career opportunities. To discover if this is a career path you’d like to pursue, continue reading!
Table of Contents
Types of Facilities Management Jobs
Facilities management comprises strategic and operational roles. Professionals in strategic roles work with other departments and help them understand the impact of any decisions on the day-to-day facilities operations. It is a ‘bird’s eye’ role to assess the needs and coordinate efforts for better facility management.
Operations professionals oversee or carry out tasks that require high skill and practical knowledge to keep the employees safe and the infrastructure functional. This includes plumbing, fire safety, elevator maintenance, pest control, grounds maintenance, and security.
Facilities Manager
Facilities managers ensure that the company’s buildings and workplace run safely and efficiently. Their duties may include:
- Space management
- Environment health and safety
- Building maintenance
- Oversee renovation projects
Managing and working with a highly varied staff is a key skill for facilities management jobs.
Maintenance Manager
Maintenance managers ensure the equipment and machines in an office, factory, or landscape stay in good working condition. This includes preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs through in-house or third-party technicians when something needs fixing.
Other responsibilities of maintenance managers are:
- Develop procedures for maintenance and ensure their implementation.
- Inspect the facilities and identify and resolve issues.
- Ensure that all electrical and hydraulic systems are working.
Operations Manager
Operations managers ensure that all activities and equipment necessary to produce goods and services function correctly. They plan and strategize to manage processes, purchasing, inventory, project management, and IT.
Their job duties also include the ability to fix things or work with a team to do so using standard procedures. Operations managers also use specialized software for vehicle management, building maintenance, monitoring air quality, etc.
Energy Manager
Energy managers work in energy production or distribution facilities. Their typical job roles include overseeing the maintenance and repair of equipment to improve efficiency. They could also work in other industries to identify and implement energy-saving alternatives.
For example, a large manufacturing unit can save expenses by continuously monitoring its energy consumption and fixing any leakages. Large offices can reduce their costs by lowering the energy consumption in lighting and HVAC systems. Energy managers play a vital role in this.
Maintenance Director
Maintenance directors oversee the functioning of and manage the maintenance department. They set goals and strategies for the facilities and maintenance teams. Their typical duties in facilities management include:
- Creating and updating safety policies.
- Coordinating and working with the team members in the department.
- Developing and reviewing processes for the maintenance of equipment in the facility.
Space Planner
Space planners help an organization use its physical space efficiently. They measure and plan the layout for office equipment, including workstations, machines, and equipment. Space planners ensure that the ergonomics are ideal and work closely with the energy manager and maintenance manager for optimal space usage with lower energy bills.
Qualifications and Skills Required for Facilities Management Jobs
Education and Training
- An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in facilities management, construction management, engineering, business administration, or a related field.
- Professional certification such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM) from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
- On-the-job training in building systems, maintenance operations, and safety procedures.
- Courses in project management, budgeting, and sustainability practices.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Technical Skills
Facilities managers are the backbone of any industry that ensures the optimal functioning of the site. They require technical skills to:
- Operate and maintain machinery in a manufacturing unit.
- Understand the mechanics behind electrical systems, generators, HVAC systems, and boilers.
- Knowledge of computers to operate the software systems that run the machines and other facilities.
- Troubleshoot systems in need of repair.
- Handle technology behind security standards and systems.
- Use mobile apps for employee experience, electronic filing systems, and geographic information systems.
Soft Skills
While most of the work of facilities managers deals with equipment, they also need teamwork, leadership skills, and soft skills. They handle day-to-day operations and work with diverse teams of technicians and project managers.
Strategic approach
Facilities managers need a strategic approach to plan and manage daily tasks. They must comply with the standard operating procedures, contracts, and KPIs to ensure that the business operations meet their bottom line.
People interaction
Facilities managers work with teams of assistants, technicians, and third parties. They need excellent decision-making and communication skills to deliver results.
Problem-solving
Dealing with day-to-day issues at the facility is typical of the job of facilities managers and requires a detail-oriented approach. From creating innovative solutions to keeping up to date with the trends, facilities managers should be comfortable designing and implementing new solutions.
Analytical thinking
Facilities managers work with lots of data in financial planning, regulatory and legal issues, building plans, contracts, and inventory. They must understand how to read, interpret, manage, and protect this information.
Career Outlook for Facilities Management
The career outlook for facilities management is positive, with growing demand due to the expansion of the construction and real estate industries. Facilities management offers a versatile career path with opportunities in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and government.
Facilities management offers opportunities for career advancement, with the potential to progress to higher-level positions such as director of facilities or real estate manager. This field also offers a high earning potential for individuals with experience and education.
| Job | Qualification & Skill Required |
| Property manager | GED, bachelor’s degree, money management |
| Maintenance director | Bachelor’s degree, staff and time management, and maintenance and supervisory skills |
| Facilities manager | GED, certification and bachelor’s degree, technical skills in the relevant area of work |
| Regional facilities manager | Bachelor’s degree, FM certification, and project management skills |
| Facilities director/Operations director | Bachelor’s or master’s degree, strategy planning, FM certification |
| VP, Facilities management | Master’s degree, FM certification, project management and coordination skills, and proven FM career. |
| IT director | Master’s degree, IT certification with a proven career track record. |
Job Growth and Salary Expectations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in facilities management will grow at a rate of 7% between 2021 and 2031. Over the next decade, there will be an average of 31,900 new job openings each year. Most of this will be to replace the workers who either retire or exit the workforce.
The median salary of facilities managers in 2021 was $97,930, with the highest 10% earning more than $161,140 per annum.
Advancement Opportunities
While a graduate degree will get your foot in the door and will open opportunities for roles such as managing projects, to further advance in the industry, you can opt for:
- Managerial roles: Advancement in facilities management can lead to higher-level positions such as Director of Facilities, Vice President of Operations, or Chief Operating Officer.
- Specialization: Facilities managers may choose to specialize in areas such as energy management, sustainability, security, maintenance, or engineering.
- Industry certifications: Obtaining industry certifications such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facility Management Professional (FMP), Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP), or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) can enhance career advancement.
- Higher education: Pursuing a Master’s degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related field can open up more opportunities for advancement.
- Cross-functional roles: Experienced facilities managers may transition into related fields such as procurement, project management, or real estate management.
- Entrepreneurship: Starting one’s facilities management consulting or contracting business can be a path to advancement for experienced facilities managers.
Industry Trends
Top trends in facilities management are shifting towards technology. Facility managers will need to upskill in connected technologies to streamline the day-to-day work and move from reactive to proactive maintenance. Some of the top trends are:
- Sustainability and energy efficiency: Implementing green initiatives and reducing energy usage in buildings.
- Technology integration: Using technology such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), and automation to improve operations and maintenance.
- Workplace flexibility: Creating flexible and adaptable workspaces to accommodate changing work styles and remote work.
- Resilience and disaster management: Developing emergency plans and ensuring facilities are prepared for potential disasters.
- Cost optimization: Implementing cost-saving measures and finding ways to operate facilities more efficiently.
- Data analysis and reporting: Using data and analytics to make informed decisions and measure the success of facilities management initiatives.
- Employee wellness: Creating healthy and safe work environments that promote employee wellness and productivity.
- Collaboration and communication: Improving communication and cooperation among facility management teams, stakeholders, and tenants.
Conclusion
The field of facilities management is growing and offers numerous opportunities for career advancement and growth. With a focus on maintaining the physical environment of organizations and ensuring their smooth operations, facilities management is a crucial aspect of many industries.
With a range of managerial, specialized, and cross-functional roles, as well as industry certifications and higher education opportunities, facilities management presents a diverse and rewarding career path.
Additionally, the demand for facilities management professionals is expected to increase in the coming years, making it a lucrative and secure career option. Facilities management is definitely worth considering, whether you are just starting out or looking to switch careers. The Associate in Science Degree in Facilities Management at NEIT prepares you to assist in managing, operating and repairing buildings in small and large-scale organizations. For more information, call us at 401-739-5000 or write to us.
FAQs
Is facilities management stressful?
Facilities management can be stressful, as it involves coordinating multiple tasks and ensuring the smooth operation of various systems within a building. Factors such as tight budgets, demanding stakeholders, and emergencies can contribute to stress levels. However, it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling profession for those who enjoy problem-solving and organizational tasks.
Is a certified facility manager worth it?
Yes, certified facility managers with specialized skills are in high demand. For example, those with special certifications in managing elevators, boiler rooms, HVAC, and other such systems can earn more. Certification, experience, and strong networking can land you some of the industry’s best jobs.
What are the three main tasks of facilities management?
The three main tasks of facilities management are:
- Maintenance and upkeep of physical structures and systems
- Space planning and management
- Health, safety, and environmental management.
Which training path do most facilities managers take?
Most facilities managers combine education and experience to enter the field. Some common educational paths include engineering, architecture, construction management, or business administration degrees.
Many facilities managers have building maintenance, project management, or energy management certifications. Work experience in maintenance, construction, or property management areas can also be valuable.
The ideal training path will ultimately depend on the unique needs and requirements of the organization and the individual.
The construction industry is undergoing a technological revolution, with new advancements in building information modeling (BIM), 3D printing, drones, and virtual reality changing how we design, plan, and construct buildings.
These technologies are not only improving the efficiency and accuracy of the construction process but also opening up new possibilities for architects and engineers to create more innovative and sustainable structures.