The role
As a facility manager, you keep buildings and their services running. You plan maintenance of power, generators, air conditioning, plumbing and lifts, manage cleaning, security and catering contracts, and handle office moves and space planning. You control the general services budget and make sure the premises meet health and safety rules.
Who is hiring
Banks, telecom operators, multinationals, hospitals, hotels, universities, embassies and managers of office towers and malls hire facility managers. The role is on-site, with on-call duty when a generator, the water supply or the air conditioning fails.
Background and career path
Many have a technical background in electrical or mechanical maintenance, others come from office management or administration. You can grow into head of general services, property manager or facilities and real estate director.