The Building Facility Manager Job Description

Facilities managers look after the maintenance and functions of company buildings

Facilities managers oversee the buildings of a company or organization in bid to make them operate as efficiently as possible. They may be involved in the allocation of space, or the buying of different types of equipment for the company. They may also oversee various functions and departments such as those involved in mail, printing and reproduction, security, maintenance, transport services, telecommunications management and recycling.

Function

The duties of a facilities manager depend on the company he works for and the number of departments that under his supervision. Facilities managers often integrate the principles of business administration, engineering, information technology and architecture under one department. Often the facilities manager oversees renovation projects within a company that include improving the building's energy efficiency to meet government environmental regulations. They often examine the energy consumption patterns of various buildings to plan for long-term maintenance and modernization.

Working Conditions

Facilities managers spend their day in the office in addition to walking around and inspecting the company's buildings. The majority of facilities managers work a standard 40-hour week, although they should be prepared to frequently work overtime, which will not be compensated. Facilities managers are also on call for much of the time and have to be available in non-working hours in the case of emergencies.

Progression

Facilities managers who have a master's degree in something related, such as business administration, will find that advancement is easier to such positions as director of administrative services. This is also true for facilities managers who work within larger organizations that hire several different levels and types of facilities managers. Alternatively, those with experience may wish to leave a company in preference to working for a management consulting firm to provide facilities and administrative management services to client companies on a contractual basis.

Prospects

The number of facilities managers within the United States is expected to grow by 12 percent through 2018, which is about as fast as the national average for all jobs in the United States. The introduction of new forms of technology may result in a downsizing of certain positions and levels within the facilities management departments of companies. A desire for cost effectiveness overall will lead to more and more companies recruiting facilities managers in a bid to make their organizations more profitable.

Salary

The salary of a facilities manager will depend on the type of employer and location. Overall, the average salary of a facilities manager in 2008 was $73,520, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10 percent earned more than $129,770, while the lowest 10 percent took home less than $37,430. Those who worked in private companies and enterprises earned the most, followed by those working in hospitals and then those working for local government.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Administrative Services Managers