OVERVIEW
What is a Facilities Manager?
A facilities manager is the central figure responsible for overseeing the maintenance and operations of an organization’s facilities. They ensure that all buildings and grounds of an organization's physical infrastructure runs smoothly, effectively, and efficiently. Facilities managers handle a wide range of tasks, from coordinating maintenance and repairs to managing vendor relationships and budgeting for facility needs.
Facilities managers possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills. They are adept at multitasking and quick decision-making to address unexpected challenges and sometimes crisis situations. Facilities managers are also excellent communicators, collaborating with various teams, stakeholders, and owners to maintain a safe and functional work environment.
Facilities managers can be broadly categorized into two types: hard facilities management and soft facilities management. Hard facilities management services primarily deals with the physical aspects of maintaining a facility. This includes building maintenance, utilities, inspections, repairs, and overseeing systems such as gas, plumbing, HVAC, lighting, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing. Soft facilities management focuses more on the usage aspects and creature comforts of a facility such as interior decorating, catering and vending, workspaces, parking, landscaping, pest control, and waste management. Both types of facilities managers are essential in maintaining efficient and well-functioning spaces across various industries.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Facilities Manager Do?
The daily responsibilities of a transportation manager can vary depending on the size and type of company they work for. However, there are some typical duties that all transportation managers must perform, such as:
- Ensuring that goods are delivered on time and in good condition
- Investigating lost packages and shipments
- Communicating with production managers
- Writing policies for handling transportation issues and delayed shipments
- Developing and implementing efficient routes for vehicles
- Ensuring that all vehicles are properly serviced and repaired
- Training drivers and transportation team members
- Monitoring compliance with safety regulations
- Overseeing budgeting and financial planning for the transportation department
- Analyzing information about delivery times and expenses to minimize future costs
Where Do Facility Managers Work?
Facility managers can work in a variety of environments in both the public and private sectors, for organizations of all sizes. This includes organizations of all sizes such as government, real estate, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, K–12 schools, colleges, and more. They may also be employed by individual companies or enterprises, spanning from small businesses to large corporations. The versatility of this role allows facility managers to bring their expertise to a wide range of opportunities in this in-demand field.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Facilities Manager?
Facilities managers typically hold a minimum of a bachelor’s in a relevant field such as business management or supply chain and operations management. While a general business degree may be acceptable, many companies are now seeking candidates with specialized degrees. For those looking to advance their career, an MBA can be advantageous.
Certifications, though not required, can make potential applicants stand out by demonstrating additional expertise in facilities management. Some popular certifications include the Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facilities Management Administrator (FMA), and Certified Property Manager (CPM) certificates. IFMA is the world's largest and most widely recognized international facility management association for professionals in this field.
Best Degrees for a Facilities Manager
Business
Accounting – B.S.
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 24 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 41 courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Financial Statements
- Communication
- Detail Oriented
- Research
Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals.
Business
Supply Chain and Operations Management - B.S.
This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare...
This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare you for real-world experiences in business.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Detail Oriented
- Management
- Leadership
- Operations:
Business
Business Management – B.S.
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Supply Chain Fundamentals Certificate – School of Business
Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain...
Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain fundamentals certificate from the School of Business.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,500 for the certificate.
- Courses: 4 courses total in this program.
This program is designed for individuals who are ready to take their supply chain experience to the next level and become a front-line leader in their organization.
Whether you want to advance your career in this field, or you're just getting started, a supply chain fundamentals certificate can help you be ready for your next career step. You'll be prepared to work in a variety of industries including:
- Startups
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- IT
- Retail
- E-Commerce
Business
Management Skills for Supervisors Certificate - School of Business
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a management skills for supervisors certificate from the School of Business.
- Time: 4 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $1,200 for the certificate.
- Courses: 3 courses total in this program.
This program is for aspiring supervisors, however this program does not require a bachelor’s degree, and provides transferable credit towards a WGU degree program.
Whether you are an aspiring manager, transitioning into a management role for the first time, or already working as a supervisor and looking to refine your skills, this certificate prepares you for success in a variety of industries, including:
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Fast Food
How Much Does a Facilities Manager Make?
$95,080
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), facilities managers earn an average annual salary of $105,970. This translates to an hourly rate of around $50.95. Geographic location, organization, industry, experience, job responsibilities, and skill level can influence the salary of a facilities manager, with the top 10% of facilities managers earning as much as $164,080 and an average salary of $59,280 on the lower end.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
5%
The employment outlook for facilities managers is on the rise, with a projected growth of 5% from 2022 to 2032. These openings will stem from a combination of new job opportunities and the need to replace workers who retire or transition to other professions, contributing to a steady demand for qualified facilities managers.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Facilities Manager Need?
A facilities manager requires a diverse set of both hard and soft skills to effectively oversee their responsibilities and ensure the smooth functioning of an organization. Key requirements listed in facilities manager job postings include:
- Strong leadership skills to guide teams, delegate tasks, and make important decisions.
- Highly organized to manage tasks, schedules, facilities maintenance, and resources efficiently.
- Effective problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Good time management with the ability to prioritize tasks.
- Able to recognize hazards and take measures to ensure a safe environment.
- Crisis response during emergencies.
- Adaptable at managing unforeseen challenges and evolving organizational needs.
- Teamwork in leading and being part of a team.
- Stress management and able to make decisions under pressure.
- Proficient with technology such as security systems, space planning software, and managing maintenance requests.
- Operating and maintaining equipment.
- Create and manage budgets, allocate resources, and oversee expenditures.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
Next Start Date
May 1
Interested in Becoming a Facilities Manager?
Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.
