Alternate Titles: Administrative Services Manager, Manager of Operations, Operations Manager, Facility Manager
Facilities Managers plan, design, and manage buildings, grounds, equipment, and supplies for large organizations. Increasingly, they develop and implement plans that incorporate energy efficiency into a facility’s operations and structures. These tasks require integrating the principles of business administration, information technology, architecture, and engineering. In smaller organizations, the position title is Facility Manager.
Although the specific tasks assigned to Facilities Managers vary substantially depending on the organization, the duties fall into several categories, relating to operations and maintenance, real estate, project planning and management, communication, finance, facility function, technology integration, and environmental factors. Tasks within these broad categories may include space and workplace planning, budgeting, purchase and sale of real estate, lease management, renovations, or architectural planning and design. Facilities managers may oversee renovation projects to improve efficiency or ensure that facilities meet government regulations and environmental, health, and security standards. For example, they may influence building renovation projects by recommending energy-saving alternatives or production efficiencies that reduce waste. Additionally, Facilities Managers continually monitor the facility to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained. Often, Facilities Managers are responsible for directing staff, including maintenance, grounds, and custodial workers.
About half of Facilities Managers work a standard 40-hour week; most of the remaining workforce work longer hours. However, uncompensated overtime frequently is required to resolve problems and meet deadlines. Facilities Managers often are “on call” to address a variety of problems that can arise in a facility during nonworking hours.