Facilities manager

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you may be able to become a senior facilities manager or head of estates. You might also move into regional management, with responsibility for a number of properties throughout an area.

You could work in-house for an organisation, for example the NHS or a university, or you might be employed by a commercial company that specialises in offering facilities management services.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• business management skills
• leadership skills
• customer service skills
• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• maths skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Business - Facilities managers need strong business management skills to oversee budgets, negotiate contracts with service providers, and ensure buildings operate cost-effectively. They regularly make decisions about spending, resource allocation, and service delivery that directly affect an organisation's bottom line.
• Mathematics - Facilities managers work with budgets, cost estimates, and energy usage data on a daily basis. They need to calculate maintenance costs, compare contractor quotes, and analyse spending patterns to keep building operations within budget.
• Design and Technology - Facilities managers coordinate refurbishments, renovations, and office moves, which requires understanding how buildings and spaces are designed and constructed. Knowledge of materials, building systems, and practical problem-solving helps them plan maintenance work and oversee contractors effectively.
• Environmental Science - Facilities managers plan for sustainability and energy efficiency across the buildings they manage. They need to understand environmental impact, carbon reduction strategies, and how to implement greener practices like waste management and energy-saving technologies.

Also relevant

• Physics - Facilities managers oversee building services like heating, ventilation, lighting, and electrical systems. Understanding the basic physics behind how these systems work – such as heat transfer, energy efficiency, and electrical power – helps them make informed decisions about maintenance and upgrades.
• Engineering - Facilities managers work closely with building services engineers and need to understand how mechanical and electrical systems in a building function together. This knowledge helps them diagnose problems, brief contractors accurately, and plan infrastructure improvements.
• Law - Facilities managers must ensure that buildings comply with health and safety regulations, fire safety laws, and accessibility standards. They also negotiate and manage contracts with service providers, so understanding legal obligations and contractual terms is important.
• Economics - Facilities managers make decisions about outsourcing services, investing in building improvements, and managing operational costs. Understanding economic principles like cost-benefit analysis and market pricing helps them get the best value from suppliers and justify spending decisions.
• Geography - Facilities managers plan for sustainability and consider how buildings interact with their local environment. Understanding topics like urban planning, land use, and climate-related risks helps when managing properties across different locations or planning for long-term resilience.