Professions in FM
In the world of facilities management, managing buildings is not just a task; It is a talent that requires hard work, dedication and innovation. Along with talent, of course, it must also require some knowledge, experience and core competencies in various multidisciplinary fields.
Facilities management can be defined as tools and services that support the functionality, safety and sustainability of buildings, offices, infrastructure and real estate. The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) defines Facility Management as “planning, organizing, directing and controlling people, machines and materials to provide a service” and Facilities Manager as “a profession that integrates people, space, process and technology to manage the building, offices and encompasses more than one discipline to ensure the functionality, comfort, safety and efficiency of the facility.”
Facilities management includes:
- Lease management, including lease management and accounting
- Capital project planning and management
- Maintenance and operations
- Energy management
- Occupancy and space management
- Employee and occupant experience
- Emergency management and business continuity
- Real Estate Management
Facilities managers usually have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business management or a related field such as supply chain and operations management. While a general business degree is acceptable, many companies now seek candidates with a specialist degree. An MBA may be advantageous for those who want to advance their careers. While certifications are not required, they can make potential applicants stand out by demonstrating additional expertise in facilities management. Some popular certifications include Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facilities Management Manager (FMA), and Certified Property Manager (CPM) certifications. IFMA is the world’s largest and most recognized international facilities management association for professionals in this field.
There are certain skills required to become a facility manager. Some of these skills are technical and some are social skills. Industry and area of expertise will also play a big role in the skills you need to be successful. A successful FM has skills in problem solving, communication, organization and planning, commercial awareness and leadership. To be successful in their roles, facility managers must also be excellent problem solvers. They need to be able to think outside the box and produce creative solutions to problems that may arise. Facility managers need to be excellent communicators. They need to be able to communicate with a wide range of people, from contractors to suppliers to clients to customers. Being able to build strong relationships is crucial in this role. Facility managers must also be excellent at organization and planning. This is because they need to be able to manage many different tasks and projects simultaneously. They will often have to work to deadlines, so being able to plan and organize their workload is essential. It is also important for those in this profession to have commercial awareness. This means understanding how the business works and knowing what the goals and objectives of the organization are. It also involves being aware of the wider business world and how it will impact your organisation. Leadership is another skill that an FM must have. They will often be tasked with managing large teams of contractors and suppliers. They must be able to motivate and inspire those around them. You can learn good leadership by taking steps to gain experience and asking questions as you go. Understanding people and how they work is one of the best ways to become a better leader. It’s also worth noting that the best leaders lead from the back, not the front.
