Example management postion (Facilities)

What is the work like?

Facilities managers make sure that buildings and their services meet the needs of their occupants and users as efficiently, safely and cost effectively as possible.

You could work as a facilities manager in either the public or private sector, and could have another job title such as business services manager, support services manager or contracts manager.

Your duties would vary widely depending on the job, but would typically include:

• making sure that the inside of the building is arranged to make the best use of space
• managing refurbishment, renovations and office moves
• managing general upkeep and maintenance
• making sure that the building meets health and safety standards and legal requirements
• advising on energy efficiency
• managing facilities such as cleaning, waste disposal, catering and parking
• managing budgets and keeping expenditure records
• negotiating the best deals with outside contractors and suppliers
• managing security
• making sure that IT systems such as computers, telephones, photocopiers and faxes, work effectively.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

You would need both technical skills related to property and relevant management skills, such as business strategy, budget and cost control, and people management. You could get these in one or more of the following ways:

• a foundation degree, BTEC HND or degree in facilities management
• other degree/HND subjects such as management and business studies
• relevant professional qualifications, such as chartered surveyor, accountant, hospitality professional
• experience in a relevant field, such as construction, building services, engineering, accountancy, hospitality or healthcare.

If you have strong administrative and organisational skills and experience, you may be able to work your way up to a facilities management position. For example, some people take on wider responsibilities after working in a management job in areas such as cleaning, catering or security.

For this route, you may not need formal facilities management qualifications, however, you could develop relevant skills by completing the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Facilities Management. See the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) website for details.

• British Institute of Facilities Management – qualifications

You can do also part-time or distance learning diplomas or Masters degrees after gaining a first degree or relevant experience. These may help you to progress in your career.

Some courses are recognised by the BIFM. Visit the BIFM website for details of providers of accredited courses.

• British Institute of Facilities Management – course providers

You are likely to find health and safety qualifications useful, such as those offered by NEBOSH and IOSH. These may be essential for some jobs.

• NEBOSH
• IOSH

You may also be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

What further training and development can I do?

Once you are employed as a facilities manager, you can complete the following BIFM/ILM qualifications:

• Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma
• Level 4 Award/Certificate/Diploma
• Level 5 Certificate/Diploma
• Level 6 Certificate/Diploma.

http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/JobProfiles?familyid=15&familyname=Management%20and%20Planning&code=-1737925446

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