Facilities manager

You would make sure that buildings are well-maintained and meet the needs of the people who work there.

If the building is clean and the services are efficient then the people who work there can easily get on with their jobs.

You would organise services such as cleaning, security and parking. You’d be responsible for the maintenance of equipment like heating and air conditioning systems.

You would:

• Manage the general upkeep and maintenance of the building

• Organise refurbishments, renovations and office moves

• Advise on energy efficiency

• Oversee services such as cleaning, waste disposal, catering and parking

• Look after budgets and keep records of payments

• Negotiate the best deals with contractors and suppliers

• Manage security

• Manage office systems including information technology and office equipment.

You’d need to make sure that the building meets health and safety standards and legal requirements. You’d work with a wide range of people and have to deal with lots of tasks at once.

There are roles as facilities managers in the public and private sector.

You could work for a facilities management company that is contracted to manage facilities for a number of organisations.

In small companies, facilities management may be part of a general management role.

• Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management - Careers information from the professional body for facilities management

• Institute of Leadership and Management - Learning and development information