How to Be Corporate Facilities Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 10, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Corporate Facilities Manager is an important one, as they are responsible for overseeing the maintenance, security, and operations of a business's facilities. This includes ensuring that all facilities are kept clean and in good working order, as well as dealing with any operational issues that may arise. The Corporate Facilities Manager must also ensure the safety of all personnel and equipment, as well as maintain a safe working environment.

As a result, this role can have a significant impact on the overall productivity and efficiency of a business, as well as its reputation and bottom line. By keeping facilities well-maintained and running smoothly, Corporate Facilities Managers can play an integral role in the long-term success of the organization.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in business management, facilities management, or a related field is the most common educational requirement for those seeking to become a corporate facilities manager. Relevant courses include accounting, finance, business law, economics, and facilities management.
Gain Experience. Most corporate facilities managers have previous experience in property management, including experience in real estate or construction management. Those interested in becoming a corporate facilities manager should seek to gain experience in any related field.
Obtain Professional Certification. Obtaining professional certification is not required to become a corporate facilities manager, but it may help demonstrate expertise and knowledge in the field. The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offers several certifications; those interested should check with the IFMA for requirements and fees.
Understand Business and Facilities Management. Corporate facilities managers should have a thorough understanding of both business and facilities management. They should be familiar with the principles of finance and accounting, as well as the legal aspects of leasing and renting property. They should also be able to coordinate with vendors and contractors, as well as understand local building codes and regulations.
Develop Strong Leadership Skills. Corporate facilities managers must have strong leadership and problem-solving skills in order to effectively manage their teams. They should also be able to communicate clearly and efficiently with their colleagues and vendors.

The most successful corporate facilities managers are those who have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage their facilities. To become an effective corporate facilities manager, it is important to understand the various aspects of the job, such as understanding the needs of their tenants and customers, keeping up with maintenance and repairs, and staying up to date on the latest industry trends. they must be well organized, proactive, and possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Having a strong organizational plan and budgeting skills are also important for successful corporate facilities management. When these skills are combined with effective time management and customer service, Corporate Facilities Managers can ensure that their facilities run smoothly and efficiently, thereby providing a better experience for tenants and customers.

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Job Description

Develop and implement facility management strategies to ensure the efficient and cost effective operation of corporate facilities.
Manage facility maintenance activities, including preventive and corrective maintenance.
Establish and maintain relationships with outside vendors, contractors, and other third parties to ensure the best services and resources for the company.
Oversee and coordinate the installation, repair, and maintenance of all company facilities, equipment, and systems.
Create and manage facility budgets to ensure resources are allocated appropriately.
Develop and enforce safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
Monitor usage of facilities to ensure proper utilization of available resources.
Implement energy efficient measures to reduce operating costs.
Lead a team of facilities personnel in providing quality service to customers and clients.
Monitor facility operations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of office management systems and procedures
Working knowledge of budgeting and financial management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks
Creativity and problem-solving skills
Ability to supervise and motivate staff
Knowledge of building operations and maintenance
Knowledge of safety and security regulations and procedures
Knowledge of building codes, regulations, and standards
Knowledge of health and safety protocols
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office and other programs
Ability to negotiate and manage vendor contracts
Strong organizational and time management skills
Familiarity with project management principles
Ability to facilitate meetings and workshops

Good communication skills are essential for a Corporate Facilities Manager. They need to be able to effectively communicate with employees, vendors, customers, and other stakeholders to ensure the facilities they manage are running smoothly. Good communication also means that they are able to set expectations and meet deadlines, as well as quickly address any problems that arise.

problem-solving skills are essential; Corporate Facilities Managers must be able to anticipate potential issues related to the facilities and develop solutions that are both effective and cost efficient. Lastly, being organized is key for a Corporate Facilities Manager. They must be able to manage multiple projects at once, prioritize tasks, and stay on top of any changes in the facility.

By having strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, Corporate Facilities Managers can ensure the smooth running of their facilities and successful business operations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

Describe your experience managing corporate facilities.
How have you used technology to improve corporate facility operations?
What strategies have you employed to reduce operational costs?
How do you ensure regulatory compliance in the workplace?
What experience do you have in budgeting and financial management?
Describe a time when you successfully managed a large-scale project related to corporate facility management.
How do you handle difficult conversations with vendors or contractors?
What strategies do you use to improve employee engagement in the workplace?
How do you handle workplace safety or health concerns?
What methods do you use to measure the performance of corporate facilities?

Common Tools in Industry

Building Management System (BMS). A computer-based system used to control and monitor the mechanical, electrical and security systems in a building. (eg: Automated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems)
Work Order Management System (WOMS). A software application used to manage, track and report on work orders related to maintenance and repair of equipment, vehicles and buildings. (eg: Scheduling preventive maintenance tasks)
Risk Assessment Software. A software program used to identify, analyze and assess potential risks facing an organization. (eg: Identifying hazardous materials in the workplace)
Facility Scheduling Software. A software program used to plan and manage activities, meetings and events in a facility. (eg: Booking conference rooms in advance)
Building Automation Software. A software platform that automates and controls operations of a building or facility, such as lighting and temperature control systems. (eg: Controlling lights and temperature remotely)
Space Planning Software. A software program used to create a visual representation of how space is used in a building or facility. (eg: Mapping out office space for different departments)
Project Management Software. A software program used to plan and manage resources, tasks and timelines for construction, remodeling or repair projects. (eg: Tracking progress on a renovation project)
Asset Tracking Software. A software program used to monitor the location and condition of equipment, tools and other movable assets. (eg: Tracking location of vehicles and machines)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
Real Estate and Facility Management Institute (REMI)
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM)
Professional Conference Management Association (PCMA)
Global Sustainability Facility Management Association (GSFMA)
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
Building Commissioning Association (BCA)

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Common Important Terms

Sustainability. The practice of creating and maintaining systems and processes that are environmentally conscious, while striving to continuously improve environmental performance.
LEED Certification. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a certification program that recognizes buildings and projects that have achieved sustainable design.
Building Automation Systems. Systems that monitor and control a buildings mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Space Planning. The process of designing interior spaces to maximize efficiency and comfort for the occupants.
Facility Management. The management of a businesss physical environment, including maintenance, security, and energy management.
Maintenance Management. The practice of managing and scheduling maintenance activities to ensure the efficient operation of a facility.
Vendor Management. The process of selecting and managing vendors to ensure that all services are provided at the highest quality and within budget.
Risk Management. The practice of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks associated with a facility or project.
Contract Management. The practice of managing contracts between a business and its suppliers or contractors to ensure that all terms are met in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Corporate Facilities Manager?

A Corporate Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, operations, and management of a company's physical infrastructure and grounds. This includes all building, landscaping, and equipment related to the organization's facilities.

What are some of the responsibilities of a Corporate Facilities Manager?

A Corporate Facilities Manager is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees in the organization's facilities. This includes maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations, managing the maintenance of physical infrastructure, supervising facility personnel and contractors, and overseeing facility security.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Corporate Facilities Manager?

To become a Corporate Facilities Manager, individuals must typically possess a bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field and have at least five years of experience in facilities management. Additionally, having strong communication and organizational skills is essential to success in this role.

How much can a Corporate Facilities Manager expect to earn?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Corporate Facilities Manager is $64,274 as of 2019. Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization.

What other roles might a Corporate Facilities Manager have?

In addition to overseeing the maintenance, operations, and management of a company's physical infrastructure and grounds, a Corporate Facilities Manager may also be responsible for planning and implementing sustainability initiatives, developing processes for monitoring energy usage, and managing budgets for capital projects.