Thinking of becoming a facilities manager? In this guide to facilities management careers, you’ll find all you need to know.

A career in Facilities management is ideal if you’re organised, a good communicator and don’t mind being the one everyone calls when the aircon goes rogue! Below, I’ll walk you through exactly how to become a facilities manager – from the qualifications and experience you’ll need, to job-hunting tips and the essential skills employers look for.

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Let’s dive in…

What is a facilities manager?

Not sure what a Facilities Manager does? Well, they’re the people who keep workplaces running smoothly.

That includes managing buildings, services, contractors, compliance and sometimes even office plants (seriously). Whether it’s a hospital, hotel, university or corporate HQ, there’s always someone making sure the lights stay on, the bins get emptied and the heating works come winter.

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What skills do you need to become a facilities manager?

Facilities managers wear a lot of hats. It’s a varied role, and the skillset reflects that.

Whether you’re working in a hospital, a hotel, a university or a high-rise office block, these are the core competencies you’ll need to thrive…

1. Organisation

You’ll be managing multiple projects, people and priorities (often all at once).

From scheduling reactive maintenance to planning long-term building upgrades, good organisation is what keeps it all running smoothly. Expect to be tracking budgets, logging compliance checks, coordinating contractors, and keeping an eye on everything from energy usage to fire safety inspections.

Problem solving, communication

2. Problem-solving

Things will go wrong, it’s practically in the job description. Leaking pipes, broken lifts, dodgy door locks, heating failures in the middle of winter, etc. So you’ll need to stay calm under pressure, assess situations quickly and decide on the best course of action.

Problem-solving in FM isn’t just about fixing issues, though, it’s about preventing them.

You’ll be expected to think ahead, anticipate risks and come up with smart, cost-effective solutions before things escalate.

3. Communication

As a facilities manager, you’re the bridge between many different people: cleaners, security staff, electricians, landlords, employees, directors and sometimes even the local council. So being able to communicate clearly and confidently – both in person and in writing – is essential.

You’ll need to explain technical issues in plain English, negotiate contracts, write up incident reports and keep everyone in the loop. And yes, you’ll probably need a fair bit of diplomacy when complaints roll in about the aircon being “too cold” and “too hot” at the same time.

4. Leadership and people management

Whether you’re directly managing a team or coordinating external contractors, strong leadership is vital. You’ll need to delegate tasks effectively, motivate your team, resolve conflicts and foster a positive working environment.

Good facilities managers lead from the front, stay calm under pressure and earn the trust and respect of those around them.

A can-do attitude and a willingness to roll your sleeves up goes a long way.

5. Health and safety awareness

Health and safety isn’t just a box to tick – it’s central to everything a facilities manager does.

You’ll need a solid understanding of UK regulations like COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations), fire safety, manual handling and risk assessment processes.

You may also be responsible for ensuring the building is accessible, compliant with environmental standards and safe for all users – including contractors, staff and the public.

6. Tech literacy

Modern facilities management relies heavily on digital tools. From Building Management Systems (BMS) and Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software to energy monitoring dashboards and access control systems, being comfortable with tech is a big advantage.

Even if you’re not a tech whizz, a willingness to learn and use new systems will help you stay efficient and effective in your role.

7. Customer service mindset

A good FM always puts people first. You’ll be the go-to person for everything from broken toilets to building refurbishments, so empathy, patience and a positive attitude go a long way.

Great facilities managers don’t just react to issues – they look for ways to improve the experience of everyone using the space.

customer focused

What qualifications do you need to become a facilities manager?

One of the most common questions when assessing facilities management careers is: “Do I need qualifications to become a facilities manager?” Well, technically, no. Some people do work their way up through hands-on experience alone. But these days, most employers are looking for a combination of practical know-how and formal training.

If you’re serious about figuring out how to become a facilities manager, getting qualified can give you a huge leg-up. It shows you’re invested in your development, understand industry standards, and can hit the ground running (without tripping over a trailing extension lead).

Here are some of the most respected qualification routes into the world of FM:

  • IWFM (Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management) Qualifications

    The IWFM is the UK’s leading body for workplace and facilities professionals, and their qualifications are recognised far and wide. Whether you’re starting out or aiming for a senior role, there’s a level for you:

    • Level 2 – Perfect for beginners or those in assistant/coordinator roles
    • Level 3–4 – Great for those managing single sites or small teams
    • Level 5 – Ideal if you’re leading multiple sites or working in a strategic role
    • Level 6–7 – For senior professionals focusing on leadership, strategy and transformation

     

    The best bit? IWFM qualifications are designed with flexibility in mind. You can study part-time, online, or through classroom-based training, whatever suits your schedule (and sanity).

  • Apprenticeships

    If you’re wondering how to become a facilities manager without going down the traditional university route, an apprenticeship might be your golden ticket. They let you earn a salary while learning on the job, which is ideal if you prefer real-world experience to lecture halls.

    There are FM-specific apprenticeships available at both Level 3 and Level 4 in the UK, and they typically cover everything from compliance and sustainability to customer service and budgeting.

    Perfect for school leavers, career changers or anyone thinking: “I want to start a career in facilities management, but I don’t want student debt, thanks.”

  • Degrees and Diplomas in Facilities Management

    Several UK universities and training providers offer diplomas, foundation degrees and full BSc programmes in Facilities Management or related areas like Building Services Engineering, Construction Management or Real Estate.

    A degree can open doors to more senior roles later down the line – especially if you’re eyeing up FM leadership in large, complex organisations like hospitals, councils or big corporate campuses.

    That said, it’s not the only way in.

    If you’re already working in property, admin, maintenance or operations, a diploma or professional qualification might be a better fit.

  • Other useful certifications

    Depending on where you want your facilities management career to take you, you might also consider:

    • IOSH or NEBOSH – for health & safety knowledge
    • Prince2 or APM qualifications – for project management
    • BIFM or RICS accreditations – for property and asset management
    • Technical training – especially if you’re managing HVAC, electrical or mechanical systems

    Remember, FM is a broad field. A mix of technical knowledge and managerial training is often more valuable than a single big qualification.

    Whether you’re just getting started or climbing the ladder, investing in your development is one of the best things you can do. After all, if you’re going to keep a building running smoothly, it helps to build your own career on solid foundations.

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By submitting this form, you're agreeing to let us contact you about facilities management qualifications, courses and learning events. We won't contact you for any other reason, we won't pass your data onto anyone else (ever!) and you can stop receiving communications at any time.
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How to get FM experience

So, you’ve decided facilities management might just be your calling, but you’re staring at job boards wondering, “How do I get experience if I don’t already have experience?”.

Classic chicken-and-egg.

But fear not: there are plenty of ways to break into the field, even if your CV doesn’t currently scream “future FM legend.”

Facilities managers often come from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s one of the many things that makes the industry so interesting and surprisingly accessible for career changers.

Here are a few sectors that set people up brilliantly for a career in facilities management:

Hospitality and Retail

If you’ve ever managed a restaurant, hotel, shop floor or warehouse, you’re already halfway to FM without knowing it. Think about it: juggling rotas, handling suppliers, dealing with customers, solving problems on the fly, making sure everything runs like clockwork, all of that translates beautifully into facilities management.

Maintenance, Engineering or Trades

Technical know-how is a huge asset in FM, especially if you want to move into hard services – managing things like plumbing, electrics, heating systems or structural maintenance. Many facilities managers start out as electricians, engineers, caretakers or maintenance supervisors before moving into broader management roles.

You already understand how buildings work, what goes wrong and how to fix it, so layering on the organisational and compliance side of FM is a logical next step.

Office Management and Admin

Been the unofficial ‘go-to’ for everything from fixing the printer to chasing the cleaning contractor? You might already be doing an informal version of facilities management.

Office managers, admin professionals and operations assistants often make the jump into FM roles thanks to their organisational skills, people management, and ability to handle a million tasks at once.

Starting with entry-level FM roles

If you’re keen to dive straight into the facilities management career path, there are plenty of entry points. Look out for roles like:

  • Facilities Assistant – Support the FM team with day-to-day tasks
  • Helpdesk Coordinator – Log and manage maintenance requests, liaise with contractors, and keep records
  • Maintenance Operative or Supervisor – Perfect if you’ve got hands-on skills
  • Compliance Administrator – Focused on keeping paperwork and legal requirements up to date

These roles give you a front-row seat to how the FM world works and a solid foundation for progression.

how to start as facility manager

Upskill while you gain experience

Even in an entry-level job, adding to your knowledge makes a big difference.

You could:

  • Take a short online course in FM, health and safety, or project management
  • Shadow your building’s current facilities team (if you’re employed somewhere already)
  • Volunteer to take on building-related tasks in your current role
  • Get familiar with FM software (CAFM tools, asset tracking, BMS dashboards)

You don’t need to know it all from day one, but showing initiative and curiosity will get you noticed.

Where to find facilities management jobs

You’ll find facilities management roles in just about every sector, including:

  • Corporates and office-based businesses
  • Education (schools, colleges, universities)
  • Healthcare (NHS and private hospitals)
  • Hospitality and events
  • Local councils and public services

Top places to look for jobs include:

There’s never been a better time to become a facilities manager

Facilities management careers are fast-paced, varied and ideal for anyone who likes solving problems, leading teams and making things work behind the scenes. Whether you’re just starting out or switching from another sector, there’s more than one route to becoming a facilities manager.

Get the right qualifications, build some hands-on experience and keep learning. And before you know it, you’ll be the go-to person who really runs the place.

About the author

Chris Morris – Xenon Group Director

Chris has spent the past 15 years working in the field of Facilities Management training and qualifications, teaching facilities managers how to be the best they can be.

A strategist and creative thinker, Chris is also a former chair of the IWFM Rising FMs group, a contributor to Facilitate magazine and iFM.net and a firm believer in the value of identifying and developing the strengths of an organisation’s people.