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Facilities manager

Facilities managers oversee the operation and maintenance of building systems and services.

Annual Salary

£23,000 to £47,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

38 to 40 a week

You could work: between 8am and 6pm; flexibly

2.2%
Future employment

There will be 2.2% more Facilities manager jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

In this role you could:

  • be in charge of refurbishment, renovations and office moves
  • make sure the building is maintained and meets health and safety standards
  • advise on energy efficiency
  • manage cleaning, waste disposal, catering, parking and security
  • manage budgets and accounts
  • negotiate with contractors and suppliers
  • manage office systems like IT and equipment

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a sports arena or at a conference centre.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
University

You could get into facilities management with a foundation degree or degree in almost an subjects.

Particularly relevant subjects include:

  • facilities management
  • building services management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships are relevant to this role:

  • facilities management supervisor advanced apprenticeship
  • facilities manager higher apprenticeship
  • senior and head of facilities management degree apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
  • higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
Work

You may be able to start as a building caretaker, management assistant or apprentice facilities services operative and work your way up.

Your employer will likely encourage you to work towards qualifications like a Level 3 Diploma in Facilities Management or professional qualifications offered by the ILM.

Direct application

You can apply for jobs directly if you've got a combination of relevant experience and qualifications. This includes technical skills related to buildings and management skills.

Qualifications and experience in building services engineering, surveying or health and safety could give you an advantage.

More information

Career tips

You may find it useful to have a health and safety qualification.

Professional and industry bodies

You could apply to become a member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a facilities manager from the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.

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With experience you may be able to progress to senior or regional manager roles.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • business management skills
  • administration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of economics and accounting
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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