Facilities managers are responsible for the security, maintenance and services of work facilities to ensure that they meet the needs of the organisation and its employees.

Facilities managers are employed in both the private and public sectors and may work in office buildings, retail buildings, schools, hospitals or any other large premises. Roles can vary from focusing on day-to-day security, cleaning and maintenance to managing refurbishment for several organisations:

• financial forecasting/budgeting
• property acquisition and/or disposal
• planning and overseeing building work/renovation
• lease management
• allocating and managing space within buildings
• managing building maintenance activities
• coordinating cleaning, catering and parking services
• organising security and general administrative services
• ensuring that facilities meet government regulations and environmental, health and security standards
• advising on energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• supervising multi-disciplinary teams of staff including maintenance, grounds and custodial workers

Vacancies are advertised via TARGETjobs, by careers services and specialist recruitment agencies, in newspapers, and in a wide range of publications including Property Week, Estates Gazette and Building (and their online equivalents).

Qualifications and training required

Most entrants into the profession possess qualifications in building services related disciplines, including surveying, building services engineering and business management. A number of higher education institutions, colleges and other organisations offer education and training in facilities management, including part- and full-time postgraduate courses.