Facilities management is not restricted to the infrastructure and construction industry alone; facilities managers are employed across all markets and industry segments, primarily by large and medium commercial enterprises and businesses in both private and public sectors.
The duties of a facilities manager cover the entire gamut of administrative, infrastructure, telecommunications, technology, health and safety, security, utilities, and maintenance activities that are necessary to keep a company or business enterprise functioning, allowing others to concentrate on running core business activities and operations.
Salary & benefits
Salary and benefits packages vary between £15,000 and upwards of £60,000, depending upon work experience, scope of responsibilities, technical and professional qualifications and the extent of business operations.
Facilities managers who are responsible for nationwide facilities or manage large I.T. operations and data centres are regarded as key personnel (on par with senior management). As such, they get some tasty benefits packages, such as company cars, performance-driven annual bonuses, pension and share save schemes, life assurance, healthcare insurance and lifestyle benefits.
Working hours
Working hours are regular as most facilities’ managers are office-based, but extra working hours may build up during crucial events and emergencies – for example, large-scale outages, the shifting of business premises or the opening of new facilities.
Entry
A career as a facilities manager does not require any specific set of academic qualifications, though there are institutions which offer degree, postgraduate and diploma courses in facilities management.
Ideally, degrees in business, management, building services and similar disciplines are useful.
Individual attributes, such as excellent organisational and networking skills are important, as is an understanding of standard operational procedures and processes relevant to the organisation.
The ability to multitask and a detail-oriented, methodical approach to work are key qualities for a facilities manager.
Training & progression
Professional qualifications and memberships in the facilities management industry are administered by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), though formal qualifications are no substitute for hands-on training.
Career progression depends on work experience and performance of assigned activities in different areas, such as procurement and supply chain management.
However, what really counts here is the ability to keep the infrastructure and facilities of a company running smoothly, without affecting regular business activities. If you can manage this complex and intricate juggling task, you are sure to get ahead as a facilities manager.
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