What Does a Facilities Manager Do?
A facilities manager ensures that a company’s physical assets (offices, buildings, and surrounding infrastructure) are operating safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. They oversee daily operations related to the maintenance, security, and functionality of a workspace, acting as the bridge between internal departments, third-party vendors, and upper management. Their role encompasses everything from verifying that heating and cooling systems are functioning properly to making sure the workplace supports productivity and complies with health and safety regulations.
Facilities managers often lead a team of maintenance technicians, custodians, and contractors, using computerized systems to schedule and track work orders, space usage, and facility budgets. Whether coordinating an office renovation or managing energy efficiency programs, their work is critical to employee well-being, business continuity, and operational readiness.
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Facilities Manager Core Responsibilities
- Plan, manage, and oversee all building maintenance, repair schedules, and facility-related operations
- Develop and manage budgets for building operations, including capital improvement projects
- Negotiate and oversee service contracts for security, cleaning, landscaping, and HVAC vendors
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, OSHA standards, and accessibility requirements
- Monitor facility energy usage and implement sustainability initiatives where possible
- Lead workplace safety initiatives and conduct regular inspections and emergency drills
- Coordinate space planning, office moves, and renovations
- Maintain records of equipment and building systems, scheduling preventive maintenance
- Collaborate with IT and HR to ensure facilities support broader company operations
- Respond promptly to emergencies or service interruptions that affect business continuity
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in building management systems (BMS), CMMS platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge of HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, and general maintenance best practices
- Experience with vendor procurement, contract negotiation, and compliance documentation
- Ability to create and manage operational and capital budgets
- Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental regulations
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Effective written and verbal communication
- High attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in facility management, construction management, engineering, business administration, or a related field
Certifications
- Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
- Facility Management Professional (FMP)
Additional certifications, such as OSHA 30 or LEED accreditation, may be preferred depending on the industry or facility type.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience managing commercial, educational, healthcare, or industrial facilities
- Experience implementing sustainability initiatives or workplace optimization programs
- Familiarity with ERP software or integrated workplace management systems (IWMS)
- Previous supervisory experience managing multi-site operations or distributed teams
- Background in construction or mechanical systems is highly desirable
National Average Salary
Facilities manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Facilities Manager is:
$88,113
Sample Job Description Templates for Facilities Managers
Healthcare Facilities Manager
Position Overview
The Healthcare Facilities Manager is responsible for maintaining a safe, compliant, and fully operational environment across clinical and administrative areas. This role ensures all building systems function optimally, supporting patient care, staff safety, and regulatory compliance. The manager coordinates maintenance, infection control measures, and emergency planning while adhering to healthcare-specific standards and codes.
Responsibilities
- Oversee maintenance of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life safety systems in medical settings
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including Joint Commission, OSHA, and HIPAA standards
- Coordinate environmental services, medical waste disposal, and infection prevention initiatives
- Plan and execute facility projects with minimal disruption to patient care
- Manage vendor relationships for medical-grade cleaning, biohazard removal, and emergency repairs
- Conduct risk assessments and lead disaster preparedness drills
- Support capital planning for medical equipment and infrastructure upgrades
- Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff on facility-related improvements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of NFPA, Joint Commission, and CMS facility standards
- Experience with medical gas systems, emergency generators, and critical HVAC infrastructure
- Budgeting and project management for healthcare environments
- Familiarity with infection control protocols and life safety codes
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with high safety awareness
- Calm under pressure and responsive in emergencies
- Excellent communication with clinical and non-clinical teams
- Ability to manage across departments with empathy and professionalism
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in facility management, healthcare administration, engineering, or related field
Certifications
- Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM)
- OSHA 30
CFM or FMP certifications are also recommended.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in a hospital or outpatient medical facility
- Familiarity with electronic health records infrastructure and sterile environments
- Experience coordinating construction within operational healthcare spaces
Manufacturing Facilities Manager
Position Overview
A Manufacturing Facilities Manager is responsible for maintaining the reliability, safety, and compliance of all building systems within a production or warehouse environment. This role works closely with plant leadership to minimize equipment downtime and enforce safety standards across mechanical, electrical, and structural systems.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair production facility infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and compressed air systems
- Oversee maintenance schedules to reduce downtime and support lean operations
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other industrial regulations
- Manage safety programs, including lockout/tagout, fire prevention, and hazardous material handling
- Supervise technicians and third-party contractors on repairs, retrofits, and installations
- Collaborate with production and engineering teams on workflow optimization
- Maintain CMMS records and manage maintenance KPIs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with industrial equipment, safety systems, and production layouts
- Knowledge of OSHA, NFPA, and ANSI compliance standards
- Experience with CMMS software and predictive maintenance systems
- Facility budgeting and capital expenditure planning
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and strong problem-solving ability
- Clear communication across operations and maintenance teams
- Ability to prioritize urgent repairs with minimal impact to production
- Hands-on leadership style and adaptability in high-paced environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, facility management, or related field
Certifications
- OSHA 30
- CFM
FMP or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in a manufacturing or distribution environment
- Experience with SCADA systems or PLC-controlled infrastructure
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 or GMP regulations
Corporate Office Facilities Manager
Position Overview
A Corporate Office Facilities Manager ensures that a company’s office space operates efficiently, safely, and comfortably for employees and visitors. This role is responsible for overseeing building systems, coordinating vendors, managing workplace services, and ensuring the office supports a productive and positive work environment.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily office operations, including HVAC, lighting, and general maintenance
- Oversee office space planning, furniture procurement, and employee move coordination
- Coordinate with IT, HR, and security on facility access and employee support services
- Lead sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives
- Respond to maintenance requests and ensure rapid issue resolution
- Manage janitorial, landscaping, and office supply contracts
- Maintain office safety protocols, including fire drills and emergency plans
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with corporate facilities systems and CMMS platforms
- Knowledge of building codes, ADA compliance, and workplace ergonomics
- Budgeting, vendor negotiation, and project oversight experience
Soft skills
- Strong customer service orientation
- Organizational agility and multitasking ability
- Excellent communication with cross-functional teams
- Proactive and responsive problem-solving mindset
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in facility management, business administration, or related field
Certifications
- CFM or FMP
LEED Green Associate certification is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting hybrid work models and shared spaces
- 3+ years managing corporate or commercial office spaces
- Familiarity with IWMS or smart building systems
Retail Facilities Manager
Position Overview
The Retail Facilities Manager is responsible for the maintenance and operational readiness of one or multiple retail locations. This role ensures that stores maintain high aesthetic standards, comply with safety regulations, and provide an optimal environment for shoppers and employees.
Responsibilities
- Oversee maintenance of lighting, HVAC, plumbing, and exterior signage across store locations
- Coordinate with store managers on daily facility needs and service issues
- Manage vendor relationships for cleaning, repairs, pest control, and security systems
- Implement safety procedures and ensure ADA and fire code compliance
- Track service requests, monitor budgets, and report on facility performance metrics
- Support new store openings, remodels, and seasonal maintenance programs
- Conduct regular site inspections to maintain brand standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with retail maintenance workflows and multi-site operations
- Familiarity with CMMS tools and service-level agreements (SLAs)
- Vendor management and budget forecasting skills
Soft skills
- Customer-first mindset with strong attention to detail
- Flexibility and availability for urgent off-hours repairs
- Ability to coordinate across distributed retail teams
- Proactive communicator and problem solver
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in facility management, retail operations, or related field
Certifications
- OSHA 30
FMP or retail-specific maintenance certifications are a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years managing facilities in a retail or franchise environment
- Experience working with visual merchandising and store design teams
- Background supporting seasonal or high-traffic retail locations
Hospitality/Resort Facilities Manager
Position Overview
The Hospitality Facilities Manager oversees the smooth operation of buildings, grounds, and systems that support hotels, resorts, or event venues. This role is focused on maintaining an inviting, functional environment while ensuring exceptional guest experiences and minimizing disruptions to services.
Responsibilities
- Maintain building systems including plumbing, HVAC, elevators, pools, and lighting
- Coordinate with housekeeping, event staff, and security on cross-departmental needs
- Respond quickly to maintenance requests to ensure guest satisfaction
- Supervise maintenance teams and schedule preventative upkeep
- Ensure compliance with fire safety, health department, and hospitality regulations
- Oversee contracts for landscaping, pest control, and outsourced technical services
- Plan and execute capital improvement projects during off-peak seasons
Requirements
Hard skills
- Facility operations experience in a 24/7 hospitality environment
- Working knowledge of hotel infrastructure, pools, spas, and kitchens
- Ability to manage seasonal needs and guest service expectations
Soft skills
- Service-focused mindset with strong sense of urgency
- Calm demeanor under pressure and guest-facing professionalism
- Excellent team leadership and time management
- Ability to manage maintenance staff and contractors simultaneously
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, engineering, or facility operations
Certifications
- OSHA 30
- CFM
Hotel engineering certifications, such as CHFE (Certified Hospitality Facilities Executive), may be preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience managing facilities in hotels, resorts, or event venues
- Experience managing luxury properties or large-scale operations
- Familiarity with PMS (Property Management Systems)