Facilities Management Careers Guide

Working within the facilities management industry is a rewarding career choice. It encompasses a diverse range of roles and responsibilities, and jobs in facilities management play a pivotal role in creating optimal work environments. 

At PRS Americas, we help both experienced professionals and those just looking to start their careers in facilities management. We offer a gateway to finding roles tailored to your specific skills. 

When it comes to facilities management, one shoe does not fit all and that’s why we work with you to find the role that allows your unique expertise to shine.  In this guide, we will look at the different roles available, what they entail, and what qualifications and skills you may need to ensure you’re the right candidate. 

Maintenance Manager 

The role of a Maintenance Manager is multifaceted. You will be responsible for strategic planning, team leadership, asset management, budgeting and resource management, risk management and compliance, communication and stakeholder engagement, and continuous business improvement. 

Those responsibilities are not exhaustive but give a brief overview of what will be expected of you. You will often be considered the backbone of a well-functioning workplace. If things are not running smoothly you will be expected to address the issues promptly and come up with cost-effective solutions. However, implementing preventive measures to avoid issues occurring is preferential. 

If you have a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic vision to effectively manage maintenance operations and contribute to the overall success of an organization then we welcome you to apply for our Maintenance Manager roles. 

It is also beneficial to possess a degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, business administration, or facilities management, along with significant hands-on experience with maintenance work. While it is not essential, knowledge of various systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, will all be great drivers for your recruitment. 

Health and Safety Manager 

As a Health and Safety Manager, your role is paramount to the well-being of employees across dynamic teams. You must ensure your team remains compliant with industry-specific regulations and standards. You should develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures tailored to the unique requirements of the industry, conduct regular inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and recommend corrective actions, provide leadership and guidance to employees on safety protocols and best practices, collaborate with cross-functional teams to address safety concerns and promote continuous improvement initiatives and stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory updates to ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines.

The role of a Health and Safety Manager must be taken seriously to ensure all employees are safe and compliant. All risks should be assessed thoroughly and mitigated quickly. It is important you’re able to gain the trust of the team to fulfil this role. 

A relevant degree in environmental science or public health is beneficial when applying for a Health and Safety Manager role. Recognized certifications from health and safety institutions will also be taken into account when applying. Relevant experience in entry-level roles and expertise is a must, along with strong communication, interpersonal skills, intuition, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. 

Space Planner 

In the construction industry, a good Space Planner is key to success. If you’re a seasoned professional equipped with the requisite skills, expertise, and experience, don’t hold back; apply today! 

You’ll be responsible for designing and optimizing interiors to meet clients’ functional and aesthetic needs and collaborating with architects, interior designers, and project managers to develop space plans that maximize space efficiency while adhering to building codes and regulations. 

conducting site evaluations and space assessments, developing plans and layouts that optimize the use of space while ensuring functionality, flow, and safety, and selecting appropriate furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) to complement space plans and meet client needs.

Creating detailed drawings, specifications, and presentations to communicate design concepts to clients and project teams, providing guidance on space utilization strategies, including flexible workspace solutions and ergonomic design principles and liaising with contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of space plans during construction or renovation projects.

Conducting post-occupancy evaluations and making recommendations for space optimization and improvements based on user feedback and changing business needs.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to take responsibility for those tasks and possess a degree in architecture, interior design or another relevant field, as well as hands-on experience and project management, creativity and strong verbal and written skills, you may be the right person for the role. 

Facilities Coordinator

Facilities coordinators are renowned for being detail-oriented. For this role, you should have a passion for ensuring operational excellence and thrive in dynamic environments. Your organizational skills will be put to the test as you take on responsibilities such as overseeing the day-to-day operations of facilities and ensuring they are well-maintained and compliant with safety regulations.

Coordinating with external vendors and service providers to schedule and oversee maintenance, repairs, and renovations. Collaborating with internal stakeholders to optimize space utilization and plan for future facility needs and assisting in developing and managing facility budgets, ensuring to identify cost-saving opportunities whenever possible.

You will develop and implement emergency response plans to ensure the safety and security of all occupants. You will also stay current with relevant laws and regulations pertaining to facility management and ensure compliance at all times.

Before applying for a Facilities Coordinator role, consider whether you have the required qualifications and experience. While not always required, a degree in business management, facilities management, or other relevant fields can be beneficial. 

You should have strong organizational and communication skills, knowledge of building systems and proficiency in facility management software. 

Facilities Manager 

Being a Facilities Manager isn’t a role for the faint-hearted. You will be required to oversee the entire spectrum of facilities operations. You need to be determined, headstrong, and hardworking. Your key responsibilities will include but are not limited to, leading and managing facility maintenance teams and providing guidance, training, and support to ensure optimal performance.

Developing and implementing strategic plans to optimize facility operations, including maintenance schedules, budget allocations, and resource management. Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and codes, conducting regular inspections and audits to maintain a safe and compliant environment.

Overseeing vendor relationships and contracts, negotiating terms and ensuring service levels meet expectations. Developing and implementing emergency response plans and conducting drills and training exercises to ensure readiness in critical situations.

Managing facility budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing resource allocations to maximize efficiency. Different organizations have differing needs, and therefore, your role and responsibilities may look different depending on the company you work for. 

Most organizations will be looking for an individual who has a degree in related fields such as engineering or construction. You should also have a good understanding of building maintenance and operations. You should possess great time management, decision-making and leadership skills. 

Operations Manager 

Operations Managers are responsible for driving operational excellence. You will be expected to develop strategic plans to streamline operations and enhance productivity. 

You will set goals, allocate resources effectively, and implement strategies to achieve desired outcomes. You’ll identify inefficiencies in existing processes and implement improvements to optimize workflow, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency.

Operations managers are responsible for managing resources such as manpower, equipment, and materials to ensure smooth operations and meet production targets as well as oversee quality control measures to maintain high standards and meet customer expectations.

In sectors like construction and facilities management, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations is paramount. You will work alongside the Health and Safety Manager to implement and monitor safety protocols to create a secure work environment.

Operations Managers are responsible for providing leadership and guidance to operational teams, fostering a collaborative work culture that promotes innovation and continuous improvement.

To succeed in this role, you need a degree in business administration, management, industrial engineering or a related discipline. You should also have strong communication skills, be highly organized and be able to lead a team effectively. 

Mechanical Engineer

There are many different paths to take as a mechanical engineer. Whether you choose to focus on traditional fossil fuels, renewable sources such as wind and solar, or emerging technologies like hydrogen power, you will find a niche that suits you. 

Some Mechanical Engineer roles may encompass different areas of energy. Regardless, this role is at the forefront of ensuring efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across the board. 

Your role knows no limits, but here are some of your key responsibilities: designing and optimizing various components of energy systems, including turbines, generators, heat exchangers, and piping systems, to maximize performance and efficiency.

Overseeing the maintenance and repair of equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. Ensuring that all equipment and systems comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements, prioritizing safety in all aspects of energy production and distribution.

Driving innovation by researching and implementing new technologies and methodologies to improve energy production processes, reduce environmental impact, and enhance sustainability.

Working alongside the project manager to lead teams in the execution of energy projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budgetary constraints.

Consider applying if you have relevant experience, a degree in mechanical engineering, and problem-solving and communication skills. 

Electrical Engineer

It’s time to make your career shine that little bit brighter by applying for an Electrical Engineer position with PRS Americas. If you believe you have what it tasks to take on the following responsibilities and more, apply today

Electrical engineers are responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing electrical systems and components tailored to specific project requirements. They also oversee testing procedures, analyze results, and implement necessary modifications to enhance system performance and mitigate risks.

You’ll play a key role in project management, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and timely delivery of projects. Beyond initial implementation, electrical engineers are tasked with ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical systems to address any issues or malfunctions promptly. 

Staying abreast of regulatory requirements and industry standards is paramount to ensure compliance and uphold safety protocols.

To do all this successfully you should obtain a degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field. Relevant experience through internships and apprenticeships may be beneficial. Critical thinking, complex problem solving, and mathematics and physics skills are needed. 

HVAC Engineer

HVAC Engineers have an important role in ensuring the comfort of an environment. If a building is too hot or cold, this can cause complaints. As an HVAC Engineer, you will master climate control, specializing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. 

You would be responsible for designing and optimizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to meet the unique requirements of each project while implementing energy-efficient solutions and sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact and reduce operational costs. 

Ensure that HVAC systems comply with relevant codes, regulations, and industry standards, including energy codes, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines. 

Collaborate with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders to coordinate the design, installation, and commissioning of HVAC systems within project timelines and budgets. 

You should hold a degree in HVAC technology or mechanical engineering with training in HVAC systems. This should involve knowledge of design, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, at minimum. Some roles may also require professional certifications, depending on the region. 

It’s important you master the use of tools and machines quickly and efficiently, have logical thinking skills, and have the ability to communicate well with others. 

We hope this guide has enabled you to make an informed decision about which Facilities Management role would best suit your unique skills and qualifications. If you have the relevant experience, skills and qualifications for a range of these jobs, pick which one sounds the most interesting to you or apply for a few, and we can help you decide which is the best fit for you. 

At PRS Americas, we care about finding the right candidate for the right role, so contact us today at +1281 779 4186 or email us at usa@prsjobs.com and our friendly and well-informed team will be more than happy to help answer any questions you have.