Facilities Management
The facilities management department is crucial in making sure that the physical environments of a business, like offices or factories, are well-maintained and safe for everyone. This includes handling the upkeep of buildings, making sure heating and cooling systems work, and that everything is clean and functioning. If there are any issues with the facilities, it’s up to the facilities management team to fix them.
Ensuring a comfortable and safe workspace is important too. The facilities management team works hard to make sure that employees have a good environment to work in, which helps everyone do their best. They also keep an eye on how the facilities are used and make improvements to make things better and more efficient.
Working in facilities management might involve tasks like carrying out repairs, managing cleaning crews, or overseeing a building’s security systems. Many facilities management roles offer flexible hours and might even include some hands-on work, making it a great option if you’re interested in a mix of desk-based and active work.
Why people love working in facilities management
Solutions focused
Each day in facilities management is like a new puzzle. You might start your morning figuring out why the lights aren’t working in one part of the building and end it planning how to set up a new office layout. The thrill comes from tackling these problems head-on and finding solutions that keep everything running smoothly.
Making a difference
When you work in facilities management, you directly affect the comfort and safety of everyone in the building. By ensuring that the physical workspace is well-maintained and functioning properly, you help others perform their jobs without any hassle. It’s rewarding to know that your work makes a difference and helps create a productive environment.
Exciting and dynamic
There’s never a dull moment. One day, you could be fixing a leak in the roof, and the next, you could be coordinating with contractors for a major refurbishment.
This variety keeps the job exciting and dynamic, perfect for someone who loves new challenges.
Essential service
Because every organization relies on its physical infrastructure to operate, facilities management is an essential service. There’s always a need for skilled professionals to manage and maintain buildings, making job security a significant perk in this field.
On the go
If sitting behind a desk all day isn’t for you, facilities management can offer a more dynamic work environment. You’ll often be on the move, inspecting different parts of a building, interacting with vendors, and managing staff. It’s ideal for those who enjoy being physically active and engaging with a variety of tasks throughout the day.
Some of the key job roles within a facilities department
Facilities manager
A facilities manager oversees the smooth operation of a building or site, ensuring all systems, services, and infrastructure are functioning efficiently. Daily tasks include managing maintenance schedules, coordinating repairs, overseeing security and cleaning teams, and planning strategic upgrades. This role requires balancing operational needs with cost efficiency, sustainability, and compliance with regulations.
It suits someone with strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and an eye for detail, who enjoys ensuring that environments run smoothly and effectively.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Maintenance manager
A maintenance manager is responsible for the upkeep of a building’s mechanical, electrical, and structural components. Daily tasks include organising routine maintenance, responding to breakdowns, overseeing a team of technicians, and ensuring all systems (HVAC, plumbing, lighting, and equipment) function properly.
This role is hands-on and suits someone with technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage unexpected challenges while keeping operations running efficiently.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Health and safety manager
A health and safety manager ensures that the workplace meets legal safety requirements and maintains a safe environment for all occupants. Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, creating safety policies, delivering staff training, and ensuring compliance with workplace regulations. They investigate incidents, address hazards, and work to prevent accidents.
This role suits a detail-oriented person with strong organisational skills, a passion for safety, and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an organisation.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Environment officer
An environment officer promotes sustainability and ensures compliance with environmental regulations within an organisation. Daily tasks include developing eco-friendly policies, monitoring waste management and energy usage, conducting environmental audits, and leading initiatives to reduce carbon footprints. They may also engage staff in sustainability practices and ensure legal compliance.
This role suits individuals passionate about the environment, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and an interest in driving green initiatives.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Cleaning services manager
A cleaning services manager is responsible for ensuring a building is clean, hygienic, and well-maintained. They oversee a team of cleaning staff, develop cleaning schedules, order supplies, and inspect the premises to ensure high standards are met. They also address hygiene regulations and respond to maintenance issues that impact cleanliness.
This role suits someone with excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage teams while maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Security manager
A security manager is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of a facility and its occupants. They oversee security personnel, monitor surveillance systems, develop emergency response plans, and manage access control. Other duties include investigating security breaches and working with law enforcement if necessary.
This role suits individuals with strong leadership skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure while ensuring a secure environment.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Compliance officer
A compliance officer ensures that an organisation meets all legal, regulatory, and safety requirements. Daily responsibilities include monitoring compliance with health and safety laws, managing audits, maintaining up-to-date documentation, and ensuring that all inspections and certifications are completed on time. They work closely with various departments to ensure standards are met.
This role suits someone with strong attention to detail, excellent knowledge of regulations, and the ability to implement and enforce compliance policies effectively.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Project manager
A project manager oversees specific projects within a facility, such as renovations, new constructions, or system upgrades. They are responsible for planning, budgeting, setting timelines, and ensuring that work is completed to the required standard. Daily tasks include coordinating contractors, managing resources, and problem-solving any issues that arise.
This role suits individuals who enjoy organisation, leadership, and multitasking, with a strong ability to manage deadlines and budgets while keeping projects on track.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Key skills and attributes needed
Problem-solving skills
Strong organizational skills
Technical knowledge
Good communication
Adaptability
Key specialisms within facilities management
Grounds manager
This person manage the upkeep of the exterior areas of a facility, including landscaping, grounds maintenance, and outdoor facilities.
Property manager
This person manages the day-to-day operations of a property or properties, including tenant relations, leasing, maintenance, and financial management.
Building services engineer
This role is about ensuring that building systems (such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing) are properly maintained and operational. This person works on the design, installation, and maintenance of these systems.
Space planner
This person focuses on optimizing the use of space within a facility. They also work on space allocation, office layouts, and planning for future space needs based on organizational growth.
Energy manager
This role is about managing energy consumption within a facility to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency. Implements energy-saving initiatives and monitors energy usage to identify opportunities for further savings.
Entry path into a career in facilities management
There are various entry paths into facilities management, suitable for individuals with different educational backgrounds and levels of experience.
Many professionals start in entry-level roles such as facilities assistant or cCoordinator, which typically require GCSEs or A-Levels and provide valuable on-the-job training or through an apprenticeship programme.
Graduates can enter the field through degree programmes in facilities management, property management, or related disciplines, or by joining specialised graduate schemes offered by large companies.
Apprenticeships are available at various levels, from Level 2 to Level 7, and are open to individuals of any age and at any stage in their career, offering flexible opportunities for professional growth and development.
Professional qualifications from institutions like the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) or certification in Health and Safety can further enhance career prospects. Additionally, those with experience in areas such as construction, engineering, or project management can transition into facilities management by applying their technical knowledge and skills to the management of buildings and services.
We’ve included a snapshot of relevant courses that might be suitable for you.
GCSEs
- English
- Maths
- Business Studies
- Finance
- Economics
- Statistics
A-Levels
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Finance
- Physics
- Geography
- Design and Technology
T-Levels
- Design
- Surveying
- Planning for Construction
- Engineering for Construction
Apprenticeship Standards
- Business Administration
- Chartered Surveyor
- Property Maintenance Operative
- Facilities Management
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Plumbing and Domestic Heating
- Installation Electrician
Further Education Courses
Level 1, 2, 3, 4 courses in:-
- Business Skills Level 1
- Construction Skills Award (Carpentry)
- Construction Skills Award (Plastering)
- Health and Safety In Construction Environment
- IOSH Working and Managing Safely
- NEBEOSH National General Certificate
- City and Guilds Requirement for Electrical Installations
- PAT Testing City & Guilds
- Engineering HNC
- Health Safety Technicial
- Construction Site Supervisor
- Safety, Health and Environment
- Electrical Installation
- Gas Engineering
- Plumbing Diploma
- Welder (Arc Processes)
- Understanding Domestic Retrofit
- Principles of Warehousing and Storage
University Courses
- BSc (Hons) in Construction Science and Management
- MSc in Construction Project Management
- MSc in Engineering Management
- BA (Hons) Business (Management)
- HND in Building Services Engineering
Professional Courses
Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management
- Level 2 Certificate in Facilities Services Principles
- Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Facilities Management
- Level 4 Diploma in Facilities Management
- Level 5 Diploma in Facilities Management
- Level 6 Diploma in Facilities Management
- Level 7 Diploma in Facilities Management
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- RICS Associate (AssocRICS)
- RICS Chartered Status
British Safety Council (BSC) Qualifications
- Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
- Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health
National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Qualifications
- NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
- NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
For more information about skills and training please visit here.
Professional Associations
- Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) – https://www.iwfm.org.uk/
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – https://www.rics.org/
- British Safety Council (BSC) – https://www.britsafe.org/