Facilities managers play an essential role in the success of businesses. From overseeing building maintenance tasks and network issues to communicating workplace safety precautions to employees, their work is delegated, monitored and communicated directly by team leaders.
An integral component of success in this field is developing the necessary set of professional skills. Some key areas include:
Education and Training
Facilities management can be an exciting career path for individuals who thrive on expanding and honing their skill sets. From managing teams of repair people and delegating projects, to communicating workplace safety precautions to employees and overseeing budgets – facilities manager is an ideal option for anyone who can think strategically while acting upon their ideas.
Most professionals in this field require at least a bachelor’s degree in an applicable discipline such as business administration, management, hospitality or facility management. Individuals already in other careers can gain the experience needed through on-the-job training or courses offered at local colleges and universities; some facility managers even earn professional certification from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
Facilities managers perform various duties depending on the organization they are employed by, which may range from scientific laboratories and educational institutions like universities and schools to public building structures like libraries and museums, departmental stores, government authority offices, business firms or healthcare facilities such as NHS hospitals. Some work for facilities management providers who oversee multiple organizations while others may work directly for organizations of all sizes – no matter the setting they must juggle numerous responsibilities while keeping abreast of workplace trends and technologies to be successful facilities managers.
Experience
Facility managers are accountable for managing a company’s physical assets and making decisions daily on a variety of subjects, from thermostat settings and building code compliance to emergency planning. This profession demands strong project management abilities as well as being adaptable enough to respond to unexpected challenges as organizational needs shift over time.
Typically, this role is filled by someone who has experience in their industry through either their employer or through promotions and additional certifications.
Keep up-to-date on industry trends, best practices and technology with blogs or newsletters from your facility management company to remain abreast of industry developments and better serve both their organization and client base. Attend professional conferences if possible but blogs or newsletters can also keep facility managers up-to-date. This allows them to better serve both organizations and clients.
Facilities managers hours and salaries can differ significantly depending on their employer and whether overtime work is required to deliver services or respond to emergencies, travel between different sites within an organization and provide service delivery or respond to crises. While the role can be stressful and demanding, successful facilities managers with relevant education, certification, experience and technical/managerial abilities are highly valued by organizations.
Skills
Facilities managers must be adept at communicating effectively with various groups in different environments. From meeting with IT teams about new security systems to working on presentations about office neighborhoods, strong communication skills are indispensable in this role.
Facility managers need the ability to solve problems as an essential skill of facility management. You’ll often be managing multiple projects and tasks at the same time, so strong analytical problem-solving abilities are crucial. If you’re trying to justify consolidating space to reduce utility and maintenance costs, quickly sorting through occupancy data may help make the case for consolidation quickly and logically.
Leadership skills are also an invaluable asset to have as a facilities manager. Your job as a leader is to invigorate employees and help them perform at their peak performance; setting clear expectations and developing processes will keep everyone on the right track.
Assuming leadership of any workplace can be daunting during challenging periods like pandemics. With the right qualities at your fingertips, however, navigating these difficult waters should become much simpler – helping to recognize opportunities amidst headwinds and prioritize long-term efficiencies over short-term challenges. Furthermore, these traits will enable you to foster an environment in which employees feel safe and productive.
Certifications
Any business with physical premises should designate a team to oversee the maintenance of buildings, equipment and assets to keep costs under control while improving employee productivity and engagement. This helps lower expenses while improving employee productivity.
Facility managers are in high demand across various sectors of the industry. Not only private businesses but public organizations and local governments require these professionals.
Facilities management certifications offer those looking to advance their careers a way forward. Many are available from professional organizations like the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). Earning one of these credentials demonstrates your knowledge and expertise within this field as well as shows employers you possess all of the qualifications they require for success.
Facility managers play a vital role in creating an enjoyable working environment for their employees and other teams, whether that means designing workspace layouts, keeping shared areas clean or providing the appropriate technology. A good facility manager is key to helping employees thrive at work.
If you’re seeking to become a facilities manager, it is wise to explore job listings on leading online portals and carefully select those that best match your skills and interests. Create a detailed resume incorporating any applicable skills before applying to positions that seem suitable to you.
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