How to Be Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 22, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Building Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the commercial building is maintained in a safe and efficient manner. This includes coordinating and supervising maintenance personnel, as well as developing and implementing a preventative maintenance program. By taking these measures, the supervisor can help to reduce the risk of costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and extend the life of the building's systems and equipment. This, in turn, helps to improve the building's overall value, while providing a more comfortable and safe environment for occupants.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement for most commercial building maintenance supervisor positions.
Obtain Technical Training. Technical training in plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other related trades is often a requirement for becoming a commercial building maintenance supervisor. Completion of a vocational certificate program or apprenticeship is a way to gain this knowledge and experience.
Pursue Post-Secondary Education. Completing a post-secondary degree or certificate in building maintenance management is recommended for those who want to become a commercial building maintenance supervisor. These programs combine technical coursework with business principles and management practices.
Get Certified. Obtaining certification from a trade organization such as the American Institute of Plant Engineers can be beneficial for becoming a commercial building maintenance supervisor. Certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job.
Gain Work Experience. Work experience in areas such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC and carpentry is essential for becoming a commercial building maintenance supervisor. You can gain this experience through an internship or by working in the industry.
Find a Job. Once you have the necessary education, training, certification and experience, you can begin applying for jobs as a commercial building maintenance supervisor. You can search for job openings through online job boards and professional organizations such as the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).

It is essential for a Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor to stay up to date and qualified in order to ensure the building operates in a safe and efficient manner. To do so, they must complete continuing education courses, obtain certifications in their field, and participate in regular training sessions. Additionally, they must keep up with the latest industry trends and regulations to stay informed of any changes that may affect the building and its operations. By doing so, they are able to provide the best services possible to their customers and ensure the safety of the building's occupants.

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Job Description

Oversee the daily operations of the building maintenance staff.
Supervise and schedule maintenance staff.
Monitor job performance and provide feedback to staff.
Respond to maintenance requests in an efficient and timely manner.
Ensure that all repairs and maintenance are completed to company standards.
Maintain accurate records of all maintenance, repair, and inspection activities.
Inspect buildings, grounds, and equipment on a regular basis and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Ensure all safety protocols are followed during maintenance and repair work.
Develop and implement preventive maintenance plans for the building and its equipment.
Manage the budget for building maintenance and repairs.
Coordinate with outside contractors to complete repairs or major projects as needed.
Develop and implement energy efficiency plans for the building.
Monitor inventory and order supplies as needed.
Liaise with tenants and landlords to address their concerns and needs.
Ensure all health and safety regulations are met within the building space.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Leadership: Ability to effectively direct and manage a team of maintenance personnel.
Communication: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Problem-solving: Ability to identify and resolve maintenance issues efficiently and effectively.
Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other related systems.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and complete projects within established timelines.
Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and organize resources to maximize efficiency.
Budgeting: Familiarity with cost control procedures and budgeting within an organization.
Safety: Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety protocols related to building maintenance.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact professionally with tenants, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Quality Assurance: Ability to inspect buildings regularly and ensure quality standards are met.

The Building Maintenance Supervisor plays a critical role in the upkeep and maintenance of commercial buildings. They are responsible for ensuring that all building systems are functioning properly, that required repairs and preventive maintenance are completed in a timely fashion, and that the building meets all applicable safety standards. Having excellent organization and communication skills is essential in this role as they are responsible for coordinating with maintenance staff and other departments to ensure that all tasks are completed.

They must also be able to multitask and manage multiple projects at once, and have an in-depth understanding of building codes and regulations. A thorough knowledge of HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and other related building systems is also important for this role. By ensuring that all building maintenance tasks are completed in a timely and effective manner, the Building Maintenance Supervisor can help ensure that the building is safe, efficient, and up-to-date.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in commercial building maintenance?
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced in the maintenance of commercial buildings?
How do you handle multiple tasks and prioritize them?
What strategies do you use to stay organized and on top of maintenance tasks?
How would you evaluate a buildings maintenance needs and create a plan to address them?
How do you ensure compliance with safety requirements when performing maintenance activities?
What experience do you have in managing staff and contractors?
How do you stay current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to the maintenance of a commercial building.
How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with staff or contractors?

Common Tools in Industry

Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). A computerized system used to track maintenance schedules and labor costs for a commercial building. Example: IBM Maximo.
Vacuum Cleaners. Used to deep clean carpets and upholstered furniture. Example: Dyson DC41 Animal Plus Upright Vacuum Cleaner.
Pressure Washer. A high-pressure sprayer used to clean hard surfaces such as walls, floors, and walkways. Example: Karcher K1700 Electric Pressure Washer.
Heavy Duty Ladders. Used to reach high places such as rooftops and windows. Example: Werner Aluminum Extension Ladder.
Floor Scrubbers. Used to power wash floors, removing dirt and debris quickly and effectively. Example: Tennant T20 Floor Scrubber.
Hand Tools. Used for minor repairs and maintenance tasks. Examples: Hammer, screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, etc.
Portable Generators. Used to provide power in case of power outages or other emergencies. Example: Briggs & Stratton P3000 PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator.
Power Tools. Used to perform larger maintenance tasks with greater efficiency. Examples: Drill, saw, sander, etc.

Professional Organizations to Know

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
National Association of Professional Maintenance Managers (NAPMM)
American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE)
The Building Maintenance Management Association (BMMA)
The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS)
International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

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Common Important Terms

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). A system of components and equipment used to regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality in a building.
Plumbing. The installation and maintenance of pipes, fixtures, and other equipment used for the distribution of water and/or gas in a building.
Electrical System. The installation and maintenance of wiring and other electrical components used to provide power to a building.
Fire Safety. The installation and maintenance of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and other safety devices used to protect against the risk of fire in a building.
Building Maintenance. The routine inspection and repair of a building's structure, systems, and components in order to keep it in good working order.
Facility Management. The overall management of a building's operations, including scheduling maintenance and repairs, managing staff, and overseeing safety regulations.
Janitorial Services. The cleaning and upkeep of a building, including vacuuming, dusting, mopping floors, and restocking supplies.
Painting. The application of paint or other protective coatings to the interior walls or exterior surfaces of a building.
Pest Control. The prevention and elimination of pests on a property, including insects, rodents, and other animals.
Landscaping. The planting and upkeep of trees, plants, and other vegetation on a property, including mowing lawns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor?

To become a Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as several years of experience in building maintenance and repair. You may also need to possess certification or licensure in certain areas such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.

What tasks does a Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor typically perform?

A Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor typically performs a variety of tasks related to the upkeep of a commercial building. This can include inspecting the building for safety and code compliance, performing repairs and maintenance, coordinating with contractors to complete renovations, and managing staff.

How many people does a Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor typically oversee?

The number of people a Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor oversees can vary depending on the size of the building and the scope of the project. Generally, they may manage a team of up to 10 people, including custodial staff, maintenance workers, and subcontractors.

What types of tools does a Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor use?

A Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor may use a variety of tools in order to complete their tasks. This can include hand tools such as hammers and screwdrivers, power tools such as drills and saws, and specialized tools such as levels and pipe wrenches.

What are some of the safety protocols a Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor must follow?

A Commercial Building Maintenance Supervisor must follow all safety protocols when performing their job duties. This includes wearing appropriate protective gear such as hard hats, goggles, and gloves, properly using tools, following safety regulations, and training staff on proper safety procedures.