How to Become a Senior Facilities Manager?
Steps to Become a Facilities Manager
Facilities managers are essential for keeping large buildings running smoothly. To become a facilities manager, follow these steps:Get an education related to facilities management.
Facilities managers need at least a high school diploma, and most have a bachelor's degree. Some facilities managers have an associate's degree, and many of the most highly paid individuals have master's degrees. Consider studying business, management, accounting, or engineering. You can also major in facilities management. These programs focus on basic building maintenance and repair, project management, financial management, labor relations, building operations, and sustainability. With a master's degree in facilities management, you can learn more about contract management, communications, emergency management, and engineering for facilities.
What skills do you need to be a Facilities Manager?
- Filing
- Writing
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Requests
- General Carpentry
- Multifaceted
- Powerpoint
- MEP
Gain some experience related to facilities management.
Most facilities managers have at least a few years of experience. Before becoming facilities managers, many people work in maintenance, janitorial, security, cleaning, or other departments for large facilities like airports, hotels, office buildings, or shopping centers. They often have management experience in facilities management or other industries. Even if the job isn't related, showing that you have leadership experience can make your resume more appealing to employers.
Expand your operational skills.
To become a facilities manager, you need a wide range of skills. Many facilities managers use and maintain HVAC systems, forklifts, landscaping equipment, and other devices. They can learn how this equipment operates while working in other positions. They should have excellent organizational, time management, and customer service skills as well. Facilities managers often communicate with businesses located in the facility and schedule services like cleaning, trash pickup, and landscaping. They respond to maintenance requests as well.
Facilities managers must be able to adapt to changing conditions, identify safety hazards, and respond to emergencies. They should be aware of national and local building codes, safety regulations, and laws for employers. Most facilities managers also need to know how to follow a budget, create expense reports, and suggest changes to the budget that could increase operational efficiency.
Apply for a facilities manager position.
In your resume, highlight your experience, accomplishments, and skills. If possible, use numbers and statistics to describe how you reduced expenses or increased efficiency at a previous job. Use keywords from the job description to make your resume a better match for search software, and write a customized cover letter that describes why you want to work at the company.
Get certified by the International Facility Management Association.
The International Facility Management Association or IFMA offers a variety of certifications for facilities managers. To become a Facility Management Professional or FMP, you'll need to pass an exam about facilities management. Certified Facility Managers or CFM must pass a more advanced exam. They also need to renew their certification every three years by completing six approved activities. These include attending continuing education, publishing articles relevant to the industry, practicing as a facilities manager, participating in focus groups or surveys, and more.
Senior Facilities Manager Career Path
Senior Facilities Manager
Lead Facilities Manager
Senior Staff Facilities Manager
Total Pay Trajectory
Senior Facilities Manager Career Path
Related Careers in the Administrative Industry
Interested in other Administrative careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Senior Facilities Manager skills. Discover some of the most common Senior Facilities Manager career transitions, along with skills overlap.