Top 12 Facility Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the dynamic realm of facility management, showcasing a robust set of skills on your resume can significantly elevate your career prospects. This article delves into the top 12 skills that facility managers should highlight to stand out in the competitive job market and excel in their roles.

Facility Manager Skills

1. AutoCAD
2. BIM (Building Information Modeling)
3. CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
4. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
5. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
6. Project Management
7. Energy Management
8. Safety Compliance
9. Budgeting
10. Space Planning
11. Asset Management
12. Risk Management

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, beneficial for facility managers in planning, designing, and managing building layouts and infrastructure systems.

Why It's Important

AutoCAD is important for Facility Managers because it allows for precise design, space planning, and management of buildings and infrastructure, ensuring efficient use of space, compliance with regulations, and effective maintenance and renovation projects.

How to Improve AutoCAD Skills

To improve AutoCAD for a Facility Manager, focus on these concise strategies:

1. Customize the Workspace: Tailor AutoCAD's interface to streamline your facility management tasks. Create custom tool palettes for frequently used commands and blocks. Autodesk's Customization Guide can help.

2. Use Templates: Develop standardized templates for layouts, layers, and styles to ensure consistency across projects. Autodesk's Template Creation Guide provides a step-by-step approach.

3. Implement AutoLISP: Automate repetitive tasks by learning and applying AutoLISP scripts. This can significantly speed up your workflow. Start with Autodesk’s Introduction to AutoLISP.

4. Leverage Data Extraction: Use the DATAEXTRACTION command to generate tables from object properties in your drawings. This is useful for asset management. Learn more through Autodesk’s Data Extraction Guide.

5. Stay Updated: Regularly update AutoCAD to access the latest features and improvements. Check the Autodesk Official Website for the latest version and update instructions.

6. Training and Support: Utilize Autodesk’s Learning and Support section to find tutorials, help articles, and forums.

By implementing these strategies, a Facility Manager can significantly improve efficiency and productivity with AutoCAD.

How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume

2. BIM (Building Information Modeling)

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a digital representation of a building's physical and functional characteristics, providing a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility, facilitating decision-making from earliest conception to end of life cycle. For a Facility Manager, it serves as a crucial tool for managing and maintaining buildings efficiently, enhancing operations, and improving facility performance.

Why It's Important

BIM is crucial for Facility Managers as it provides a comprehensive digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility, enabling efficient management, operation, and maintenance of the building throughout its lifecycle.

How to Improve BIM (Building Information Modeling) Skills

Improving BIM for Facility Managers involves focusing on several key areas to ensure the effective use and management of building information throughout the lifecycle of a facility. Here’s a very short and concise guide:

1. Training and Education: Enhance skills and understanding of BIM tools and processes through ongoing training programs. Familiarize with the latest BIM technologies and standards. Autodesk offers comprehensive resources and training for BIM applications.

2. Integration of FM and BIM: Leverage BIM software that integrates with Facility Management (FM) systems for seamless data exchange, improving operational efficiency and maintenance planning. ARCHIBUS provides solutions that integrate BIM and FM.

3. Data Management and Standards: Adopt and implement industry standards for BIM data to ensure consistency, interoperability, and quality of information. buildingSMART is a reference for international standards in BIM.

4. Lifecycle BIM Strategy: Develop a BIM strategy that covers the entire lifecycle of the facility, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. This involves setting clear objectives, roles, and processes for BIM usage. The BIM Framework offers insights into developing effective BIM strategies.

5. Collaboration and Communication: Foster a collaborative culture among all stakeholders involved in the lifecycle of a facility. Utilize BIM collaboration tools to enhance communication and coordination. BIM 360 by Autodesk is designed to improve project delivery and collaboration.

6. Utilize BIM for Space Management and Utilization: Apply BIM models to manage space effectively and optimize facility use. This can lead to significant cost savings and efficiency improvements.

7. Leverage BIM for Sustainability: Use BIM to analyze and improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of buildings, supporting the facility's sustainability goals.

By focusing on these areas, Facility Managers can significantly improve the effectiveness of BIM in managing and operating facilities, leading to enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and better decision-making.

How to Display BIM (Building Information Modeling) Skills on Your Resume

3. CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)

A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is a software tool that helps facility managers organize, plan, track, and optimize maintenance activities and resources, ensuring efficient operation and upkeep of buildings and equipment.

Why It's Important

A CMMS is crucial for a Facility Manager because it streamlines maintenance operations, optimizes asset performance, reduces downtime, and enhances decision-making through data-driven insights, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings.

How to Improve CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) Skills

Improving a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) involves optimizing its use for better maintenance planning, execution, and analysis. Here are concise steps for a Facility Manager:

1. Data Integrity: Ensure all asset and maintenance data entered into the CMMS is accurate and comprehensive. This includes updating information about assets, maintenance schedules, and work order outcomes.

2. Training: Provide regular training for staff on how to effectively use the CMMS. This enhances user engagement and data quality (CMMS Training Tips).

3. Integration: Integrate the CMMS with other systems (like ERP or IoT devices) for real-time data exchange and comprehensive analytics (CMMS Integration Guide).

4. Customization: Customize the CMMS to fit the specific needs of your facility, including custom fields, workflows, and reports that reflect your maintenance priorities.

5. Preventive Maintenance: Leverage the CMMS to shift from reactive to preventive maintenance by setting up regular maintenance schedules based on manufacturer recommendations or historical data.

6. Performance Metrics: Use the CMMS to track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) like downtime, response time, and maintenance costs to identify areas for improvement (KPIs in Maintenance).

7. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop with the maintenance team and stakeholders to continually collect suggestions for improving CMMS utilization and maintenance processes.

8. Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of the CMMS usage and maintenance data to ensure compliance with best practices and identify opportunities for further optimization.

By focusing on these areas, Facility Managers can significantly enhance the effectiveness of their CMMS, leading to improved maintenance outcomes, cost savings, and asset longevity.

How to Display CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) Skills on Your Resume

4. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

HVAC, or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, is a system designed to regulate and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, ensure air quality, and manage humidity levels within a facility, essential for the well-being and comfort of occupants and optimal operation of equipment.

Why It's Important

HVAC is crucial for ensuring a comfortable, safe, and healthy indoor environment, optimizing energy efficiency, and maintaining the longevity of a facility's infrastructure.

How to Improve HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Skills

Improving HVAC efficiency involves optimizing system performance, ensuring comfort, and reducing energy consumption. Here are concise strategies for a Facility Manager:

1. Regular Maintenance: Schedule periodic inspections and maintenance to ensure HVAC systems operate efficiently. Clean or replace filters, inspect ducts, and check refrigerant levels regularly. U.S. Department of Energy Maintenance Tips

2. Upgrade Systems: Consider upgrading to energy-efficient models. Look for ENERGY STAR® certified units which are more efficient. ENERGY STAR Heating & Cooling Guide

3. Install Programmable Thermostats: Use programmable or smart thermostats to automate temperature settings based on occupancy and time of day, reducing energy use. Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

4. Enhance Insulation and Sealing: Improve building insulation and seal leaks to minimize energy loss. Focus on windows, doors, and ductwork. Sealing and Insulating

5. Use Economizers: Implement air-side or water-side economizers to use outside air to cool the building when appropriate, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. ASHRAE Guideline on Economizers

6. Implement Zoning Systems: Divide the facility into zones to control temperatures more accurately and efficiently based on usage and occupancy. Zoning System Basics

7. Monitor and Optimize Air Flow: Ensure proper airflow by keeping vents unblocked and optimizing fan speeds. Use variable frequency drives (VFDs) to adjust fan speed based on demand. Improving Fan System Performance

8. Conduct Energy Audits: Regularly perform energy audits to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement in the HVAC system and the building envelope. Guide to Energy Audits

By implementing these strategies, Facility Managers can significantly improve HVAC efficiency, reduce energy costs, and enhance the comfort and air quality of their buildings.

How to Display HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Skills on Your Resume

5. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building certification system, providing a framework for facility managers to implement sustainable building design, construction, operations, and maintenance practices. It assesses buildings for their environmental performance and energy efficiency, offering different levels of certification.

Why It's Important

LEED is crucial for Facility Managers as it ensures buildings are designed and operated to maximize efficiency, reduce environmental impact, enhance occupant well-being, and provide a recognized standard for sustainable performance, potentially leading to reduced operational costs and increased asset value.

How to Improve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Skills

Improving LEED certification for a facility involves strategic planning and continuous improvement across various sustainability metrics. Here's a concise guide for Facility Managers:

1. Energy Efficiency: Optimize building performance through energy-efficient HVAC, lighting, and insulation. Implementing an energy management system can lead to significant improvements. (Energy Star)

2. Water Conservation: Install low-flow fixtures and efficient irrigation systems. Consider rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. (EPA WaterSense)

3. Sustainable Procurement: Choose materials and products with lower environmental impacts. Prioritize recycled content, durability, and sustainably sourced materials. (Green Seal)

4. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Enhance indoor air quality using low-emitting materials and ensure proper ventilation. Prioritize natural lighting and occupant comfort. (USGBC IEQ)

5. Waste Reduction: Implement comprehensive recycling and composting programs. Divert construction and operational waste from landfills. (Zero Waste Alliance)

6. Innovation: Encourage innovative strategies that exceed LEED criteria. Engage in continuous education and professional development. (USGBC)

7. Sustainable Transportation: Promote alternative transportation methods such as biking, public transportation, and electric vehicle charging stations. (Alternative Fuels Data Center)

8. Engagement and Education: Educate and involve occupants in sustainability initiatives to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. (Green Education Foundation)

By focusing on these areas, Facility Managers can significantly improve their building's LEED certification level, contributing to environmental sustainability and potentially reducing operational costs.

How to Display LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Skills on Your Resume

6. Project Management

Project management, in the context of facility management, involves the planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of resources, tasks, and operations to achieve specific goals and objectives related to maintaining and improving physical spaces and infrastructure within a set timeframe and budget.

Why It's Important

Project management is crucial for a Facility Manager as it ensures efficient organization and execution of projects related to maintenance, upgrades, and expansions, optimizing resource utilization, minimizing costs, and enhancing facility performance and safety.

How to Improve Project Management Skills

Improving project management, especially for a Facility Manager, involves enhancing efficiency, communication, and resource allocation. Here are concise strategies:

1. Implement a Project Management Software: Adopt project management tools like Trello or Asana for better task organization and team collaboration.
2. Adopt Lean Principles: Streamline processes by implementing Lean Management techniques to maximize value and minimize waste.
3. Enhance Communication: Use tools like Slack for real-time communication and ensure regular team meetings for updates and feedback.
4. Continuous Learning: Encourage ongoing education through resources like Project Management Institute (PMI) for the latest best practices and certifications in project management.
5. Effective Resource Allocation: Utilize resource management software to allocate resources efficiently, avoiding over or underutilization.

By focusing on these areas, facility managers can significantly improve project management outcomes.

How to Display Project Management Skills on Your Resume

7. Energy Management

Energy Management involves monitoring, controlling, and conserving energy within a facility or organization, aiming to optimize usage, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

Why It's Important

Energy management is important for Facility Managers because it helps reduce operational costs, improves building performance, enhances occupant comfort, and minimizes environmental impact by optimizing energy use and implementing sustainable practices.

How to Improve Energy Management Skills

Improving energy management as a Facility Manager involves a strategic approach focused on optimizing energy consumption, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability. Here are key steps:

1. Conduct an Energy Audit: Identify energy usage and inefficiencies within the facility. Energy Star offers resources for conducting audits and benchmarking.

2. Implement Energy-Efficient Solutions: Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and appliances. The Department of Energy provides tips on energy-saving technologies.

3. Optimize Operations and Maintenance: Regular maintenance of equipment ensures they operate efficiently. ASHRAE offers guidelines for optimizing building operations.

4. Adopt Renewable Energy Sources: Consider solar panels or wind turbines to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) lists incentives for renewable energy.

5. Monitor and Manage Energy Use: Utilize energy management systems (EMS) to track and analyze energy consumption. The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) provides resources on modern EMS solutions.

6. Educate and Engage Staff: Foster a culture of energy efficiency among employees through training and incentives. ENERGY STAR offers tools for employee engagement.

7. Continuously Evaluate and Improve: Regularly review energy usage data and adjust strategies to further reduce energy consumption.

By following these steps and leveraging available resources, Facility Managers can significantly improve their energy management practices, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.

How to Display Energy Management Skills on Your Resume

8. Safety Compliance

Safety compliance, in the context of a Facility Manager, involves adhering to legal, regulatory, and company standards to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees, visitors, and the environment within a facility.

Why It's Important

Safety compliance is crucial for a Facility Manager to ensure the well-being of occupants, prevent accidents and injuries, avoid legal liabilities, and maintain operational integrity by adhering to established health and safety standards and regulations.

How to Improve Safety Compliance Skills

Improving safety compliance as a Facility Manager involves several key steps:

1. Conduct Regular Safety Audits: Regularly review and assess your facility's operations against current safety regulations and standards. This helps identify areas for improvement. OSHA provides guidelines and tools for conducting these audits.

2. Employee Training: Ensure all employees are trained on safety procedures and emergency response. Training should be ongoing and adapted to any new regulations or changes in operations. National Safety Council (NSC) offers resources and training programs.

3. Update Safety Policies: Regularly update your facility's safety policies to comply with the latest regulations. Ensure these policies are accessible to all employees. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) can provide templates and guidance.

4. Engage Employees: Foster a culture of safety by involving employees in safety discussions, encouraging them to report hazards, and recognizing their contributions to maintaining a safe workplace. Safety+Health Magazine often features articles on employee engagement strategies.

5. Invest in Safety Technology: Utilize technology such as surveillance systems, alarm systems, and safety management software to enhance safety compliance. International Facility Management Association (IFMA) might offer insights into the latest technological solutions.

6. Regular Maintenance: Ensure regular maintenance and inspection of equipment and facilities to prevent accidents and ensure compliance. Facilities Net provides resources and tips on effective maintenance strategies.

By implementing these strategies, a Facility Manager can significantly improve safety compliance, creating a safer environment for everyone involved.

How to Display Safety Compliance Skills on Your Resume

9. Budgeting

Budgeting, for a Facility Manager, involves allocating financial resources to maintain and improve the physical infrastructure, services, and operations of a facility, ensuring efficient use of funds to meet organizational goals and requirements.

Why It's Important

Budgeting is crucial for a Facility Manager as it enables effective allocation and control of financial resources, ensuring operational efficiency, maintenance of infrastructure, and fulfillment of organizational goals within financial constraints.

How to Improve Budgeting Skills

Improving budgeting as a Facility Manager involves strategic planning, monitoring, and optimization. Here are concise steps to enhance your budgeting process:

1. Understand Your Facility: Know the operational needs and maintenance requirements. Facility Management offers insights on facility assessments.

2. Accurate Data Collection: Use technology for real-time data gathering on facility usage and maintenance. FM Systems provides software solutions for efficient data management.

3. Set Clear Objectives: Define what you aim to achieve with your budget, aligning with organizational goals. SMART Goals methodology can be helpful.

4. Prioritize Spending: Identify critical areas that need more funding. Essential maintenance should not be compromised. Facility Maintenance offers a guide on prioritizing maintenance tasks.

5. Prepare for the Unexpected: Allocate a portion of the budget for unforeseen expenses. Emergency Fund outlines the importance of having a financial cushion.

6. Review and Adjust Regularly: Continuously monitor expenses and adjust the budget as necessary. Budget Monitoring discusses techniques for effective budget control.

7. Engage Stakeholders: Communicate with all stakeholders involved in facility management for their input and to manage expectations. Stakeholder Engagement highlights the benefits of involving stakeholders in decision-making.

8. Leverage Technology: Utilize facility management software for budget tracking and reporting. Capterra offers reviews of various software options.

9. Continual Learning: Stay informed about best practices in facility management and budgeting. IFMA provides resources and professional development opportunities.

By implementing these steps, you can make your budgeting process more effective, ensuring that your facility is managed efficiently and within financial constraints.

How to Display Budgeting Skills on Your Resume

10. Space Planning

Space planning is the process of organizing furniture and office functions to work effectively together while using space efficiently. For a facility manager, it involves allocating and managing physical space within a building to optimize its use and accommodate the needs of occupants, ensuring a functional, safe, and efficient environment.

Why It's Important

Space planning is crucial for Facility Managers as it ensures the efficient and effective use of physical space within a building, optimizing functionality and comfort for occupants while accommodating organizational needs and enhancing productivity.

How to Improve Space Planning Skills

Improving space planning involves optimizing the use of space within a facility to enhance functionality, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Here are concise steps a Facility Manager can take:

1. Assess Current Use: Conduct an assessment of how space is currently utilized, identifying underused areas and user needs.
2. Engage Stakeholders: Involve all stakeholders in the planning process to gather diverse insights and requirements.
3. Implement Flexible Design: Adopt flexible design principles that allow spaces to be easily reconfigured for different purposes.
4. Use Space Management Software: Leverage space management software to track and analyze space usage, aiding in informed decision-making.
5. Prioritize Safety and Accessibility: Ensure the layout complies with safety regulations and is accessible to all users, following ADA guidelines.
6. Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor space usage and gather feedback, making adjustments as necessary to meet evolving needs.

By following these steps, Facility Managers can significantly improve space planning, leading to more efficient and adaptable environments.

How to Display Space Planning Skills on Your Resume

11. Asset Management

Asset Management, in the context of Facility Management, involves the systematic process of developing, operating, maintaining, upgrading, and disposing of assets cost-effectively while ensuring they are in optimal condition to support the facility's objectives and services.

Why It's Important

Asset management is crucial for a Facility Manager as it ensures optimal utilization and maintenance of the facility's assets, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, extending asset lifespan, reducing costs, and improving overall facility performance and safety.

How to Improve Asset Management Skills

Improving asset management as a Facility Manager involves a strategic and organized approach to managing the company’s assets efficiently. Here are concise steps to enhance asset management:

1. Asset Inventory: Conduct a thorough inventory of all assets. Document their condition, location, and maintenance history. Asset Panda offers robust tools for creating and managing asset inventories.

2. Implement Asset Management Software: Utilize dedicated software to centralize asset information, making tracking and management more efficient. IBM Maximo is a leading asset management solution.

3. Preventive Maintenance: Establish a preventive maintenance schedule to extend asset lifespan and reduce breakdowns. Fiix software can help schedule and monitor maintenance tasks.

4. Lifecycle Management: Understand and manage the lifecycle of each asset from procurement to disposal. This includes making informed decisions on repair vs. replace. Accruent provides tools for effective lifecycle management.

5. Training and Education: Ensure your team is well-trained in using asset management tools and understands the importance of asset care. LinkedIn Learning offers courses on asset management.

6. Performance Monitoring: Regularly review asset performance data to identify improvement opportunities and make informed decisions. Tableau can visualize and analyze asset performance data effectively.

7. Cost Management: Monitor and control the costs associated with each asset, including acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal. QuickBooks can aid in tracking financial data related to assets.

8. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, and assess and mitigate risks associated with assets. LogicManager specializes in risk management solutions.

By following these steps and leveraging the suggested tools, Facility Managers can significantly improve asset management practices, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced asset lifespan.

How to Display Asset Management Skills on Your Resume

12. Risk Management

Risk management, in the context of facility management, involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks to a facility's operations, safety, and assets, and implementing strategies to minimize, monitor, and control the impact of those risks.

Why It's Important

Risk management is crucial for a Facility Manager as it ensures the safety and security of the premises, minimizes potential financial losses, and safeguards the well-being of occupants and assets, thereby maintaining operational continuity and compliance with regulations.

How to Improve Risk Management Skills

Improving risk management, especially for a Facility Manager, involves identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks within the facility to ensure safety, compliance, and operational continuity. Here's a concise guide:

1. Identify Risks: Conduct regular facility assessments to identify potential risks, including safety hazards, security threats, and operational inefficiencies. Tools like ASIS International offer guidelines for risk assessment in facility management.

2. Analyze Risks: Evaluate the identified risks based on their likelihood and potential impact. This step helps prioritize risk management efforts. The Risk Management Society (RIMS) provides resources for understanding and analyzing risks.

3. Implement Controls: Develop and implement control measures to mitigate identified risks. This may include physical security enhancements, maintenance schedules, and emergency response plans. The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offers best practices and standards for effective facility management.

4. Monitor and Review: Continuously monitor the effectiveness of implemented controls and review the risk management plan regularly to adapt to new challenges. Resources from Facility Management Journal (FMJ) can keep you updated on the latest in facility management and risk mitigation strategies.

5. Communicate and Train: Ensure all staff are aware of potential risks and are trained on emergency procedures and risk mitigation measures. Engaging with platforms like Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International can provide additional training resources.

By following these steps and utilizing resources from established organizations, Facility Managers can significantly improve risk management within their facilities.

How to Display Risk Management Skills on Your Resume