Facilities managers are responsible for the management of services and processes that support the core business of an organisation. They ensure that an organisation has the most suitable working environment for its employees and their activities.
Duties vary with the nature of the organisation, but facilities managers generally focus on using best business practice to improve efficiency, by reducing operating costs while increasing productivity.
This is a wide field with a diverse range of responsibilities, which are dependant on the structure and size of the organisation.
Facilities managers are involved in both strategic planning and day-to-day operations, particularly in relation to buildings and premises. Likely areas of responsibility include:
• procurement and contract management;
• building and grounds maintenance;
• cleaning;
• catering and vending;
• health and safety;
• security;
• utilities and communications infrastructure;
• space management.
Facilities managers are employed in all sectors and industries and the diversity of the work is reflected in the wide range of job titles, for example operations, estates, technical services, asset or property manager.
Typical work activities
Responsibilities often cover several departments, as well as central services that link to all the teams in the organisation. In smaller companies, duties may include more practical and hands-on tasks.
Many facilities management professionals are employed directly by an organisation and are responsible for either one or many sites. Some will provide all the services themselves, whilst others will also manage outsourced third-party facility management service providers brought in under contract (e.g. cleaning).
Some organisations outsource their facilities management services and use specialist facilities management providers. In these cases, facilities managers