Everything you need to know about a career in facilities management

Facilities management is at the heart of the success of any business. This role is gaining growing recognition as workplace design becomes more critical to productivity, health and wellbeing, especially in the way of the pandemic.

If you’re interested in a career in FM, here’s what you need to know about moving into this exciting career.

What is facilities management?

FM involves two different levels of operation:

1. Strategic and tactical work.

You’ll work with clients, customers and departments to help them understand the impact of their decisions on every part of the facility and how it’s run.

2. Operational roles

Carrying out tasks with specific knowledge and highly trained skills that protect employees’ health and wellbeing

FM is a combination of a number of disciplines covering people, place, technology and process. You’ll require skills and knowledge, including business management and administration, knowledge of economics and accounting, computer literacy and customer service skills.

What does a facilities manager do?

Facilities management is all about integrating processes that allow buildings to run as smoothly as possible. You’ll be in charge of managing essential services including maintenance, health and safety, procurement, security, communications and space management. By creating a productive work environment you’ll help and support employees to achieve business goals.

You’ll also be responsible for business relocation, working closely with property, IT and HR. You’ll also be expected to work closely with designers and builders and be responsible for developing strategies for building sustainability through energy and resource-saving.

What skills will I need?

You’ll need excellent people skills and have a keen interest in logistics. People from a military background often find FM is a good fit for their skillset.

You’ll need to be self-motivated and capable of solving problems and overcoming obstacles to keep processes running smoothly. You’ll be orderly and methodical in the way you achieve your objectives and you’ll be able to demonstrate impeccable organisational skills.

Most organisations are reliant on facilities managers, especially in a crisis. If you have leadership skills and great intuition then a career in FM could be right for you.

Routes into facilities management

– A foundation or university degree in facilities or building services management

– An advanced apprenticeship in FM usually takes between 18 to 24 months with on-the-job training and college tuition

– Working towards the role and gaining an on-the-job qualification like a Level 3 Diploma in facilities management

– Applying directly for jobs that fit your technical and management skills, or if you have a related qualification in engineering or surveying

Why you should consider a career in FM

This is a rapidly growing profession and businesses are increasingly aware of the critical role FM plays in the smooth running of day-to-day operations.

A job as a facilities manager means that no two days are ever the same. You’ll have a chance to make a real difference to the business and the people working in your building. The challenges and responsibilities you’ll face are always changing but your skills in problem-solving and staying calm in a crisis make this a rewarding career.

Job satisfaction, salary and benefits like overseas travel all make a career in FM varied and exciting. Contact us at Catch 22 to find out more.

Keep up to date with our latest jobs via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Catch22FmJobs