What Is The Role Of The Facility Manager?
In a world with self-driving cars, genetic editing, and computer-brain interfaces, it is inevitable that the ways in which we conduct business will have to change to keep up with these new technologies and industries. Likewise, the facilities which house these businesses and other professional organizations must adapt in order to continue accommodating the entities working within. However, these businesses cannot be entirely responsible for overseeing the functionality of these facilities, which is why many choose to hire facility maintenance managers.
Facility Manager Roles and Responsibilities
A facilities maintenance manager’s job description is rather vague, as the specific duties vary greatly by project, location, and client. The most basic description of a facility manager is someone who ensures that a building can meet the needs of the organization that it serves. They are responsible for overseeing the building’s security, maintenance, and services. Many types of specialized software have been developed for facility maintenance managers to use, including facility maintenance software (FMS) and computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). This software can help them with tasks such as:
- Submitting work orders
- Scheduling maintenance
- Monitoring HVAC systems
- Extending asset lifespan
- Optimizing usage of physical space
- Overseeing and signing contracts for external services like catering, parking, and cleaning
Traits and Skills of a Facility Manager
Facility management can be a very demanding job, so facility managers must be capable of staying level-headed, passionate about their work, and open-minded to new technologies and opportunities. There are many things that can go wrong at any given moment so they must have an eye for detail to notice when something is off, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to prioritize and multitask. They work with many different people, from building managers to engineers, so interpersonal skills such as communication, negotiation, and maintaining strong professional relationships are essential. All of this is complementary to the necessary industry knowledge gained through education and training programs.
Qualifications of a Facility Manager
Facility managers come from many different career and academic backgrounds. Some begin as interns or apprentices, while others enter the field as engineers or supervisors. Degrees in facility management have been offered through accredited universities since the 1990s. Most employers prefer to hire those who have earned a certification in facility management and maintenance such as the Certified Facility Management, a competency-based credential given by the International Facility Management Association.
Importance of Facility Management
Businesses would struggle to stay afloat without assistance from a facility manager. Their responsibilities lend themselves to a business’s financial success, health and safety compliance, and worker and asset productivity. They are becoming increasingly essential as more and more businesses integrate the Internet of Things into their workspaces, strive to improve building wellness and find ways to reduce environmental impact.
SimpleFM’s facility maintenance software and experienced team help organizations manage, monitor, and control maintenance including: equipment, resources, and regulatory compliance. Let us handle your facility and job management needs and help your organization save time and money. Interested to see how easy facilities can be? Sign up for a Demo or email us at sales@simplefm.com.
