Facilities Manager

A facilities manager oversees a commercial or residential property and makes sure that everything is in working order. Hours may vary, and sometimes this job requires the facilities manager to be on call to respond to emergency maintenance situations. The manager may be expected to have some experience in handiwork, including electrical, heating and cooling, plumbing, carpentry, and painting. These jobs are either carried out or delegated by the facilities manager.Some jobs require licensing in various fields, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. The facilities manager may also oversee the landscaping and grounds-keeping department. To prevent emergency situations from occurring, the manager will often inspect the property for things that need to be repaired. The manager will often supervise other employees and will work with third party workers, who will help facilitate the smooth operation of the property. Therefore, some management experience will come in handy.Some jobs will require a high school diploma plus relative experience. Others require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. The manager will often be given a budget to stay within, so it is important to adhere to it and to find the most cost-effective materials and labor rates without compromising quality. The ability to use a computer proficiently is important to do things, such as being able to create activity reports, to track budgets, and to communicate with other parties. Strong communication skills are needed, in order to work well with residents and other employees.

As a Facilities Manager with 3-6 years of experience in the AE, your main responsibilities include:

• Oversee the maintenance and repairs of facilities, ensuring they are in compliance with safety regulations and standards.
• Manage facility budgets, including monitoring expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate and supervise facility operations, including security, janitorial services, and building maintenance.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize equipment breakdowns and ensure optimal facility performance.

The role of a Facilities Manager is crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of a company's facilities. With 3-6 years of experience in the AE, here are four alternative roles worth considering:

• Property Manager: Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of properties, ensuring tenant satisfaction and maximizing property value.
• Operations Supervisor: In charge of managing and optimizing operational processes, including logistics, inventory management, and quality control.
• Environmental Health and Safety Specialist: Focuses on ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, implementing risk management strategies, and promoting a safe work environment.
• Project Coordinator: Responsible for coordinating and overseeing various projects, ensuring timely execution, resource allocation, and effective communication among team members.

The projected growth of the Facilities Manager role in the United Arab Emirates market is expected to be significant over the next 10 years. With the rapid expansion of the construction and real estate sectors in the region, the demand for skilled professionals in facility management is on the rise. According to recent data from Google, the number of employment opportunities in this field is expected to increase steadily. This growth can be attributed to the increasing number of commercial and residential buildings being constructed, leading to a greater need for effective facility management to ensure smooth operations and maintenance.