The Responsibilities of Facility Managers

by Kristin Swain, Demand Media

The facility manager works to ensure that all employees have a safe, efficient work environment.

Management

A facility manager is a strategic planner who helps to organize the day- to-day operations of a business, paying special attention to the premises on which the business is located. This person oversees many different aspects of a company's operations from managing vendors and contractors to arranging for maintenance and looking for new ways to lower costs. Being able to multitask is essential for achieving success as a facility manager.

 As a facility manager you are deeply involved in the everyday management of maintenance employees on the premises . The facility manager organizes these employees into teams to meet the goals of the business. You also may work to develop and implement employee schedules and deal with any minor problems that arise between employees. As facility manager, you are also responsible for complying with all local and state safety requirements for the building including employee training, facility inspections and security of the premises.

Maintenance

Maintenance is an all-encompassing category that includes the building, premises and any equipment located on the property. It is one of the most important priorities for the facility manager to make sure that all of these areas are properly maintained and kept in good working order. As facility manager you are also responsible for the cleanliness of

the property, making sure that any vending or catering that takes place on premises meets code requirements, and managing the space in the building so that it is used efficiently.

Facility managers are in charge of negotiating contracts with clients and vendors who work on company property. These contracts can range from advertising to lawn care and catering. Before agreeing to contract services from a vendor, as facility manager you obtain bids for the service from different providers to make sure that your facility is receiving the maximum benefit for the money that is being spent. Once a price is agreed upon, you are responsible for drafting and reviewing any necessary contracts as well as preparing documentation or presentations on the work being done for company owners. Once work has commenced, you must make sure that the work is completed on time and according to the contracted agreement.

Operational Costs

Another large part of the facility manager's responsibility is to manage operational costs. You have to search out ways to cut costs while adequately maintaining the business premises. You have to create a budget for all expenditures from your department and work throughout the year to keep costs within the budgeted amount, making adjustments on an emergency basis. As facility manager, it is your responsibility to make sure that the business is budgeting effectively and that every expenditure works toward creating a more efficient work environment.