a guide to FM jobs:

Facilities Management Jobs

Facilities Management (FM) is a crucial, ever-evolving discipline that ensures the functionality, comfort, and safety of a building and its environment. It is a profession dedicated to integrating people, place, and process within the built environment to enhance the quality of life for a building's occupants and improve the productivity of a company’s core business. At its heart, a facilities management job is about creating and maintaining an efficient, safe, and productive workplace. With the rapid adoption of new technologies and a growing emphasis on sustainability, the facilities management sector is a dynamic and essential field. Whether you're interested in a hands-on technical role or a strategic leadership position, the facilities management sector offers a wide range of rewarding FM jobs.

The Role of a Facilities Manager

A facilities manager is the person who brings a building to life. They are responsible for the overall management of services and processes that support a business's core operations. This role is far more than just maintenance; it is a strategic function that requires a broad skill set. A facilities manager job description often includes overseeing the entire lifecycle of a building, from space planning and procurement to asset management and long-term strategic development. This is why the role has become increasingly vital for organisations looking to optimise their operations and reduce costs. A great facilities manager is a problem-solver and a forward-thinker, proactively identifying and addressing issues before they impact a company's performance or its employees' well-being.

Key Responsibilities in Facilities Management

The responsibilities of a facilities manager can be broken down into two core areas: Hard FM and Soft FM. Understanding these two pillars is fundamental to a career in the sector.

  • Hard FM Services: These are the responsibilities related to the physical structure and mechanical infrastructure of a building. This includes essential services like plumbing, electrical systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Professionals working on hard FM jobs ensure that a building is safe, legally compliant, and running efficiently. This often involves a technical skill set, and roles such as facilities technician or building services engineer fall into this category.
  • Soft FM Services: These services focus on the comfort, safety, and productivity of the people within the workspace. This can include everything from cleaning and security to catering, waste management, and even internal mail services. Soft FM professionals manage a wide range of day-to-day services that make a workplace functional and welcoming for all occupants.

A facilities manager must be adept at handling both sides of this role to ensure a building operates efficiently and meets all legal and safety requirements. Their daily tasks can range from managing budgets and contracts to coordinating with suppliers and responding to emergencies. This complexity is why the facilities manager responsibilities are so highly valued across the industry.

Career Progression in FM

The facilities management career path offers clear and rewarding opportunities for progression. Many professionals start in an entry-level role, such as a facilities assistant or facilities coordinator, providing administrative support and assisting with daily operations. From there, you can progress into a facilities management position and, with experience, become a senior facilities manager. The ultimate goal for many is a director-level position, where you take on a strategic role in shaping a company’s entire property portfolio.

The industry is also seeing a rise in specialist roles. Professionals can choose to focus on niche areas, such as a sustainability manager who works to reduce a building's environmental impact, or a space planner who optimises the use of an office. The increasing adoption of smart building technology, AI, and IoT also means that digital skills are becoming more important, opening up new avenues for career growth.

Whether you're interested in hands-on facilities maintenance roles or a more strategic role, we offer a wide range of facilities management vacancies to help you find your ideal position. You can also explore our career advice section to learn more about the different qualifications and certifications that can help you stand out.

frequently asked questions.

  • what is facilities management?

    Facilities management (FM) refers to any role that helps maintain and facilitate the use of services and resources in an organisation. This can include jobs that involve the maintenance of onsite systems and services like plumbing and fire safety, as well as property management jobs, such as cleaning and security services. Facilities management jobs exist across a wide range of organisations, from public institutions like schools and government departments to businesses in the private sector.

  • what does a facilities manager do?

    At its core, a facilities manager ensures that buildings, equipment and services remain safe, functional and efficient. As a facilities manager, your responsibilities may include cleaning, repairing equipment and managing security. Your duties may also include restocking supplies, supervising staff, coordinating with contractors and overseeing ongoing projects. The specific job description can vary depending on the organisation. In larger companies, a facilities manager may lead dedicated teams, while in smaller settings, they might handle all responsibilities themselves.

  • how to become a facilities manager?

    To become a facilities manager, start by identifying the type of job you want, then gain relevant experience and tailor your CV accordingly. Roles can range from cleaning and maintenance jobs to those that involve security, safety and operational requirements. Next, craft your CV to reflect the job requirements of the position you’re targeting. In addition to personal details, include relevant information on any previous experience, qualifications or skills that will help you stand out from other applicants. Finally, register with Randstad, submit your CV and check the jobs board for the latest FM vacancies.

  • what qualifications do I need to be a facilities manager?

    While a formal qualification isn't essential for starting a career in facilities management, having a foundational degree is strongly recommended, especially when it comes to gaining the right knowledge and skills for the role. Some good facilities management qualifications to consider are degrees in engineering, building management and business administration. You can also consider an apprenticeship, which can help you gain experience and develop skills in the sector. Gaining formal training not only improves your job prospects but can also open the door to more senior positions later in your career.

  • what are the roles and responsibilities of a facilities manager?

    A facilities manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, safety and efficiency of buildings and their operations. In a typical facilities manager job description, these are some common roles and responsibilities:

    • maintaining, cleaning and repairing all onsite infrastructure, including electrical wiring, security systems and ventilation units

    • carrying out regular inspections and proactive maintenance to prevent risks and ensure compliance

    • ensuring emergency procedures are in place and that buildings meet health, safety and security standards

    • managing the layout of the building to ensure space is well used and free from safety hazards

    • overseeing the facilities budget, including repairs, maintenance and stock resupply

    • coordinating services with contract staff and vendors and maintaining ongoing communication between teams 

  • what is the average salary of a facility manager?

    Generally, a facilities manager salary in the UK ranges from £26,000 to £45,000. However, senior facilities managers can earn £70,000 or more, especially in large organisations or high-demand sectors like healthcare or finance. Salaries for facilities managers vary based on location, experience, and the size and complexity of the facility you manage. Additional certifications or specialist skills, such as energy efficiency or compliance expertise, can also boost your earning potential.

  • what are facilities management jobs?

    Facilities management jobs refer to roles involved in the upkeep, safety and daily operation of buildings and workspaces. These roles can cover both newly constructed and existing facilities across sectors like healthcare, retail and government. Typical duties of a facilities manager include cleaning, maintenance, security and stock management. The goal is to ensure a safe, efficient environment for occupants while maintaining the long-term value and performance of the property.

  • what is the difference between hard and soft FM?

    Hard FM refers to services related to the physical building and its mechanical infrastructure, such as maintenance, plumbing, and electrical systems. Soft FM refers to services that make the building comfortable and functional for people, such as cleaning, catering, security, and waste management.

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