A facilities manager works at a building or structure and ensures that it runs smoothly. A business background, education and training are essential. A well-qualified facilities manager must be familiar with the work that he or she will oversee, so a great deal of relevant experience is needed. The building could be a small apartment building or a huge multi-tiered convention center. The manager will coordinate typical structural and business aspects, including space allocation and leasing, all the way to janitorial services. He or she will be involved in the hiring and management of the wide variety of required or necessary people. Essential people and functions that the facility manager will oversee and train include pest control, phone systems, food production and waste management, sprinkler systems, window washers, furniture, lighting, handicapped access facilitators, interior decorating, grounds maintenance, parking, air quality, heating, and snow removal right down to the welcome center and reception desk. The facilities manager is responsible for the budget and organization of various plant projects, and will plan the necessary expansions. The code violations and governmental requirements will be handled by the facilities manager. He or she will make sure that the electricity, fire prevention, personnel safety, security, parking, environmental systems (for example: heating, humidity and/or air conditioning), plumbing, and all other facets of a well-run structure are operational and well maintained. The manager will schedule the proper maintenance tasks and plan critically for the future. The exact tasks and functions of this job will depend on the nature of the facility, and are likely to change over time when the building or its functions and requirements change. The smoothly running facility requires superb personnel hiring and periodic training, keeping the employees updated on all applicable procedures, written instructions for operations, leadership and management, and both an attention to detail and an overall top-down view of the entire facility.
Facilities Manager Tasks
- Manage facilities staff to deliver maintenance and operations services.
- Manage facilities budget and project planning tasks.
- Hire and direct contracted service providers associated with facility maintenance and operations.
- Develop policies and procedures for the use of supplies and facilities.