Facilities management (FM) is a core part of maintaining and optimising the physical environment in which a business operates. According to industry reports, effective FM can improve workplace productivity, while poorly-managed facilities often lead to unnecessary operational costs and decreased employee satisfaction.
A well-maintained work environment ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, whilst also facilitating good collaboration and innovation among employees. FM actually spans various sectors, from healthcare facilities with stringent hygiene standards to educational institutions that need tailored infrastructure solutions.
In this detailed guide, we take a close look at the essence of this complex area, exploring types of FM, possible career pathways, various responsibilities, potential salaries and the steps to become one.
Read on to learn all these things and more.
What is Facilities Management?
Facilities management covers people, process, technology and the built environment. It involves integrating all these things to ensure a functional space that is comfortable, safe, and efficient as a workplace. Multiple disciplines come into play to enhance productivity whilst effectively managing services and infrastructure.
Facilities management is crucial to ensuring buildings and their services meet the needs of the people who work within them. This could be a corporate office, a healthcare facility, a retail outlet or many other things – facilities managers ensure that systems and services operate smoothly.
Types of Facilities Management
Broadly speaking, there are two types of facilities management: hard FM and soft FM. Both are essential for keeping the work environment safe and productive.
Hard Facilities Management
Hard FM relates to the physical structure and assets of the building you operate in. This discipline revolves around the maintenance and management of:
- Plumbing and electrical systems.
- HVAC systems.
- The building fabric.
- Fire safety systems.
Soft Facilities Management
With soft FM, the focus is on things you can do to enhance the comfort and well-being of occupants. This can include:
- Cleaning services.
- Security.
- Waste management.
- Catering.
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance.
Careers in Facilities Management
There are diverse opportunities for careers under the umbrella of facilities management. The concept caters to various interests and expertise levels, so you may be surprised at just how many types of jobs fall within this bracket.
Some common roles include:
Facilities Manager
This individual oversees daily operations. They will have responsibilities for managing budgets, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and supervising the maintenance staff.
Maintenance Engineer
This person will specialise in maintaining building systems like HVAC, electrics and plumbing. Their responsibility is to prevent breakdowns, address them if they happen, and keep systems operating at optimal levels.
Space Planner
This is a role for designing and optimising layouts in workplaces like offices. The goal is to maximise space utilisation and meet organisational needs.
Health and Safety Officer
This crucial role is all about ensuring health and safety compliance with safety regulations. This team member will do things like conduct risk assessments and work to foster a safe environment for all occupants in the building.
You can learn more about health and safety in our article The Key Components of Health and Safety. If you are considering becoming a health and safety office you might also want to read the article How to Start a Career in Health and Safety.
Contract Manager
This person oversees contracts for outsourced services. These commonly include cleaning, security and catering, ensuring maximum value for money and a minimum standard of service.
Energy Manager
This individual focuses on improving energy efficiency and sustainability within the facility. They will be tasked with implementing renewable energy solutions and reducing carbon footprints at every opportunity.
Disaster Recovery Manager
The task of this team member is to develop and execute plans to maintain operations and keep disruptions to a minimum during emergencies. They create and execute contingency plans for things like natural disasters or cyberattacks.
Technology Integration Specialist
Here you have a job that’s all about managing the implementation of smart building technologies. This ranges from IoT systems and automated solutions to optimising facility operations.
Emerging Roles in Facilities Management
With technological advancements and growing environmental concerns, there are various new career paths emerging within FM. Newer roles include:
- Sustainability Officers: Drivers of eco-friendly initiatives.
- Data Analysts: Professionals who use predictive analytics to optimise resource allocation.
- Workplace Experience Managers: This role is gaining prominence with a focus on enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity.
These emerging and specialised roles emphasise the evolving nature of facilities management. New doors are opening for professionals with niche expertise and a passion to innovate.
A Day in the Life of a Facilities Manager
Facilities managers oversee the safety, functionality and efficiency of the built environment. Their responsibilities regularly involve things like budget management and cost control, procurement and contract management, coordinating maintenance and ensuring compliance with regulations.
A Facilities Manager's Typical Daily Duties
A facilities manager may begin their day by reviewing maintenance requests and coordinating with contractors to ensure urgent issues are addressed. They might carry out a walk-through of the premises, ensuring all systems are working and compliant with safety regulations.
Midday tasks might include meeting with stakeholders to discuss things like:
- Budgets.
- Upcoming projects.
- Sustainability initiatives.
In the afternoon, the facilities manager might oversee a team carrying out repairs or upgrades, or strategize on improving energy efficiency. Their ongoing work is all about ensuring current projects are proceeding smoothly and opportunities for improvement are being pursued.
A facilities manager needs strong problem-solving, organisational and communications skills. This is because they frequently interact with employees, contractors and regulatory authorities to keep operations running smoothly.
Typical Salary for Facilities Managers
Roles in facilities management offer competitive salaries that vary based on things like location, industry, and experience level. The average salary ranges in the UK are as follows:
- Entry-level Roles: Expect to earn £25,000 to £30,000 per year.
- Experienced Professionals: £35,000 to £50,000 per year.
- Senior Managers: £60,000+ per year.
Salaries can also include additional benefits. These might include bonuses, pension schemes and opportunities for professional development.
How to Become a Facilities Manager
There is no single pathway to entering facilities management. But there are certain qualifications that can give candidates an edge over others. A degree in business administration, engineering or real estate management can all be beneficial. There are also certain professional qualifications that are directly tailored to the role of facilities managers.
Let’s look at some of the things that can help in getting this role.
Professional IWFM Qualifications
Obtaining qualifications that demonstrate commitment and expertise in this field can put you in a strong position. The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) offers widely recognised qualifications in the following structure:
- IWFM Level 2 (entry-level): Ideal for newcomers to the field, offering an introduction to the basics of the role.
- IWFM Level 3 (team leader): Ideal for supervisory roles, focused on practical skills and operational management.
- IWFM Level 4 (manager): Covers broader managerial responsibilities like strategic planning and financial management.
- IWFM Level 5 (middle management): Emphasises leadership and innovation in facilities management.
- IWFM Level 6 (senior management): Designed for advanced professionals with a focus on high-level strategy and complex decision-making.
- IWFM Level 7 (strategic management): Tailored for industry leaders with training in strategic development and business transformation.
These qualifications not only enhance knowledge but improve career prospects by ensuring your skills and experience align with industry standards. Learn more about our IWFM Level 4 and IWFM Level 5 Certificates and Diplomas training courses.
If you would like to learn more about IWFM Courses please feel free to read our informative article IWFM Qualifications Explained.
Gaining Experience
Many facilities managers start in junior roles. They may take a job as a maintenance technician or administrator and gradually progress. Internships or apprenticeships can provide valuable hands-on experience.
Networking and Continuing Education
Joining professional bodies like the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) can provide access to networking events. It can also put you at the front of the queue for industry updates and opportunities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Challenges in Facilities Management
Facilities management is not free from challenges. Professionals will often have to juggle multiple responsibilities like managing tight budgets while maintaining high service standards.
Regulatory compliance can be a complex consideration. Facilities managers must keep up-to-date on evolving laws and best practices. Additionally, unforeseen events like emergencies or equipment malfunctions demand quick thinking and effective approaches to problem-solving.
As technology keeps evolving, facilities managers must incorporate new tools and systems to adapt. Building information modelling (BIM) and energy monitoring software are two recent examples of this. Balancing these demands whilst keeping the focus on sustainability and the satisfaction of occupants takes practical expertise and strategic vision.
The Future of Facilities Management
The future of facilities management is being shaped by certain trends. Digital transformation, sustainability and the growing importance of the workplace experience are key drivers of where it is going.
Let’s look at a couple of the most rapidly-evolving considerations that are likely to shape the future of FM:
- Smart Building Technologies: Powered by IoT and AI, these technologies are enabling real-time monitoring and automation. This is helping enhance workplace efficiency.
- Green Practices: The emphasis on sustainability and the environment is driving the adoption of renewable energy solutions. Initiatives to reduce waste are also an important consideration.
Facilities managers remain at the centre of supporting hybrid work models. In the modern world, it is important to ensure that office spaces are flexible and conducive to remote and in-person collaboration.
As the role of facilities managers expands, professionals who stay ahead of these trends will be well-positioned for the future. A focus on continuous evolving and upskilling will be crucial.
Conclusion
Facilities management is a dynamic career that can be very rewarding. It provides opportunities to contribute to the smooth operation of workplaces across a range of industries. Aspiring professionals should focus on understanding core responsibilities, including budget management and compliance to the implementation of sustainability initiatives. You can build a strong foundation to this career with relevant education, such as IWFM qualifications.
To get started, consider gaining experience through entry-level roles or internships. Explore specialised pathways like energy management or integrating technology so that your career path aligns with industry trends. Network with professionals in your industry and take part in continuing development programs to open doors to roles up the ladder.
Whether you’re hoping to transition into facilities management or simply advance your current position, it is crucial to invest in professional growth and remain adaptable. Take deliberate steps to shape a fulfilling career in this important sector.
Why Choose PIP Services for Your IWFM Training?
We have helped countless individuals navigate their IWFM Level 4 and 5 training, with a commitment to making your learning journey as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. Why choose us?
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IWFM Course Key Features
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- Draft assignments are assessed by a former IWFM Assessor.
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