What does a Facility Manager do?
Published 3 min read
A facility manager is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a facility, such as a factory, office building, or school. They oversee the janitorial staff, security guards, and other employees who keep the facility running smoothly. In addition, they may also be responsible for managing the budget and ensuring that the facility is up to code.
Facility Manager job duties include:
- Develops and implements facility policies and procedures.
- Coordinates and supervises the work of facility staff.
- Maintains the cleanliness and safety of the facility.
- Inspects the facility regularly to ensure that it meets all safety and health codes.
- Repairs and maintains all facility equipment.
- Prepares and manages the facility budget.
- Negotiates contracts with vendors for facility services.
- Schedules use of the facility by outside groups.
- Promotes the use of the facility to the community.
Facility Manager Job Requirements
There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a facility manager, although most have at least a bachelor's degree. Some employers may prefer candidates with a degree in business administration, engineering, or facilities management. Many facility managers have certification from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). Certification from IFMA demonstrates that a facility manager has the knowledge and experience to perform the job. Most facility managers have several years of experience working in facilities or related fields before being promoted to manager.
Facility Manager Skills
- Budgeting
- Scheduling
- Maintenance
- Inventory
- Safety
- Training
- Supervision
- Project management
- Compliance
- Customer service
- Communication
Related: Top Facility Manager Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Facility Manager
The role of a facility manager is to ensure the smooth operation of a company's facilities. This can include everything from maintenance and repair to event planning and security. To become a facility manager, you will need to have strong organizational and communication skills. You will also need to be able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks at once. If you have a background in engineering or architecture, that can be helpful, but it is not required.
The first step to becoming a facility manager is to get a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field. Then, you will need to gain some experience working in facilities management. This can be done through an internship or by working in another related field such as property management or event planning. Once you have some experience, you can then start applying for jobs as a facility manager.
To be successful in this role, it is important that you are able to stay organized and keep track of all the different moving parts of a facility. You should also be able to effectively communicate with both employees and vendors. It is also important that you are able to stay calm under pressure and think quickly on your feet. If you have these skills, then you will be well on your way to becoming a successful facility manager.
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