IT’S one of the UK’s most important jobs contributing eight per cent of the national GDP and employing ten per cent of all workers – but it’s likely you never got told about it in schools career lessons.
What is it? Facilities Management. The booming sector is the business of looking after people and places.
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Roles in the industry are broad, covering janitorial and caretaking duties, inspecting and repair of workplaces to collecting and analysing data to revise how future buildings and plans should operate.
The UK facilities management industry saw growth of 4.8 per cent in 2022, and is predicted to jump another 5.1 per cent this year, meaning the sector desperately needs more staff.
Currently, there are over 12,000 Facilities Manager vacancies open alongside a further 2,000 Facilities Assistant roles.
So if you’re keen to build a secure future, here’s how to get into the industry.
What is a Facilities Manager?
Facilities managers oversee the operation and maintenance of building systems and services.
Other names it is known by include Estates manager, support services manager and contracts manager.
What skills will I need?
Like the role itself, the skillset is very broad.
Useful skills include business management and customer service, knowledge of economics and accounting, attention to detail and the ability to be thorough alongside patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Teamwork and admin skills are a big plus too.
What are my day-to-day tasks?
Your daily jobs will depend on where you work as it could be anything from an office to a sports stadium to a conference centre, museum or even a palace.
Tasks will include being in charge of refurbishment, renovations and office moves, making sure the building is maintained and meets health and safety standards and advising on energy efficiency.
You’ll also manage cleaning, waste disposal, catering, parking and security, manage office systems like IT and equipment and negotiate with contractors and suppliers
How do I get a FM job?
Routes in range from apprenticeships and even dedicated University courses to applying directly and working your way up.
You can find out more at nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/facilities-manager or visit iwfm.org.uk.
Ready to facilitate your big move? Then let Sun Jobs help you with our top picks this week.
Regional Manager – Facilities, SBFM Ltd, Leeds
Time to step up as a top boss? This regional manager role could be just the job.
The role: SBFM, one of the UK’s leading and fastest-growing soft facilities management service providers is hiring a Regional Manager.
What you’ll do: You’ll join the operations team covering the North East territory, implementing company strategy, leading, motivating and managing your team by providing clear job roles and responsibilities, objectives and KPIs and regularly providing staff with feedback.
What you’ll need: Experience in successfully managing a large team, and commercial awareness are required.
You’ll have undertaken a manager safety course or have an IOSH safety qualification.
Apply now: View more details about this opportunity here.
Site Manager, Fawkes & Reece (North), Manchester
Make the move from trades to facilities management with this exciting new opportunity.
The role: Fawkes & Reece is working with a well-established social housing contractor to appoint a Site Manager on a permanent basis.
What you’ll do: You will manage subcontractors, be in charge of requisitioning materials, issue subcontractors short-term programmes, hold regular progress meetings, manage labourers working onsite and attend monthly cost meetings to ensure projects are on budget.
What you’ll need: A trade background with experience in house refurbishment, particularly kitchen and bathroom replacements is essential.
You should also have SMSTS, CSCS and first aid qualifications and a stable and progressive career history.
Apply now: See the full job description for this role here.
Facilities Manager, Equans, Liverpool
Looking for a job where you can make a big difference? This eco firm specialises in low-carbon and energy efficiency.
The role: Equans is looking for a Facilities Manager to join its team in Knowsley on a permanent basis.
What you’ll do: You will work closely with the client and schools to deliver an excellent service in support of their objectives, work with the help desk function and sit teams to ensure all completion times for planned, corrective and reactive works are correctly logged and recorded.
As well as ensure that all risks relating to safety, health, environment and quality are effectively managed.
What you’ll need: Excellent customer skills, experience in managing small to medium-sized variation works and experience using a CAFM system are required.
You should also have a strong understanding and experience of risk assessment and a thorough knowledge and experience of safety, health, environment and quality assurance systems.
Apply now: Get more information on this opening here.
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