Types of Facility Manager Jobs
Facility Management encompasses a diverse range of job titles, each with its unique responsibilities and focus areas. From overseeing building operations to managing sustainability initiatives, these roles vary significantly in scope and expertise. Understanding these varied titles can help aspiring and current facility managers navigate their career paths effectively.
Facilities Coordinator
Entry-level position, ideal for those beginning their journey in facility management. Facilities Coordinators typically assist with daily operations, maintenance requests, and support senior facility managers in ensuring smooth facility operations.
Facility Manager
The core role in facility management, responsible for the overall maintenance and operation of a building or facility. Facility Managers coordinate with vendors, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Senior Facility Manager
Experienced professionals overseeing multiple facilities or larger properties. Senior Facility Managers are involved in high-level operational strategies and often mentor junior team members.
Director of Facilities Management
A strategic leadership role, focusing on long-term facility planning and departmental goals. Directors of Facilities Management guide the facility management team and collaborate with other senior leaders to align facility strategies with company objectives.
VP of Facilities Management
Executive-level role, responsible for the broader facility management strategy across the organization. VPs of Facilities Management play a critical role in shaping the company's operational efficiency and sustainability strategies.
Chief Facilities Officer (CFO)
The highest facility management role, overseeing all aspects of facility operations and strategy. CFOs are key decision-makers in the company, driving facility vision, design, and implementation at the executive level.
Each of these roles demands a unique set of skills and offers distinct challenges and opportunities, making the field of facility management a dynamic and diverse career path.
Facility Manager Job Title Hierarchy
Junior Facility Manager
Facility Coordinator
Assistant Facility Manager
Facility Management Trainee
Mid Level Facility Manager Job Title
Facility Supervisor
Facility Operations Manager
Facility Services Manager
Senior Facility Manager
Lead Facility Manager
Facility Maintenance Manager
Facility Project Manager
Facility Team Lead
Principal Facility Manager
Regional Facility Manager
Global Facility Manager
Director of Facility Management
VP of Facility Management
Head of Facility Operations
Chief Facility OfficerTop Facility Manager Job Titles by Level
Entry Level Job Titles
Starting a career in Facility Management often begins with entry-level positions that provide foundational experiences in the field. These roles are designed to introduce new professionals to the basics of facility operations, maintenance, and management. Here are five common entry-level job titles in Facility Management, each offering a unique starting point for those embarking on this essential career path.
Facility Coordinator
Facility Coordinators assist in the daily operations of facility management, including scheduling maintenance, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This role is crucial for gaining an understanding of the logistical aspects of facility management.
Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technicians are responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs on building systems and equipment. This hands-on role provides practical experience in troubleshooting and maintaining facility infrastructure.
Building Services Assistant
Building Services Assistants support the facility management team by handling various administrative tasks, such as managing work orders, tracking inventory, and assisting with space planning. This position offers a comprehensive overview of facility operations.
Operations Support Specialist
Operations Support Specialists focus on ensuring the smooth operation of facility services, including janitorial, security, and landscaping. They play a key role in maintaining a safe and efficient working environment.
Facility Management Intern
Internships in Facility Management provide practical experience in a real-world setting. Interns may engage in various aspects of facility management, from assisting with maintenance projects to participating in sustainability initiatives, offering a broad overview of the field and valuable hands-on experience.
Mid Level Job Titles
Advancing to mid-level positions in Facility Management involves taking on more complex responsibilities and a deeper involvement in the strategic and operational aspects of facility operations. These roles require balancing hands-on management with broader strategic planning, often acting as a bridge between senior leadership and the facility team. Below are five key mid-level job titles in Facility Management, each reflecting an important step in a Facility Manager's career progression.
Facility Manager
At the core of mid-level facility roles, Facility Managers oversee the daily operations of buildings and grounds. They ensure that the facility is safe, compliant, and efficient, managing maintenance schedules, vendor contracts, and facility budgets.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers focus on optimizing the operational processes within a facility. They work on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring that the facility's operations align with the organization's goals. This role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Maintenance Manager
Maintenance Managers are responsible for the upkeep of the facility's physical infrastructure. They lead maintenance teams, develop preventive maintenance plans, and ensure that all equipment and systems are functioning correctly. This role demands a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems.
Space Planning Manager
Space Planning Managers specialize in the efficient use of space within a facility. They analyze space requirements, develop space allocation plans, and coordinate moves and changes within the facility. This role requires a keen eye for detail and strong project management skills.
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager
EHS Managers focus on ensuring that the facility complies with environmental, health, and safety regulations. They develop and implement safety programs, conduct risk assessments, and train staff on safety protocols. This role requires a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements and a commitment to creating a safe work environment.
Senior Level Job Titles
Starting a career in Facility Management often begins with entry-level positions that provide foundational experiences in the field. These roles are designed to introduce new professionals to the basics of facility operations, maintenance, and management. Here are five common entry-level job titles in Facility Management, each offering a unique starting point for those embarking on this essential career path.
Facility Coordinator
Facility Coordinators assist in the daily operations of facility management, including scheduling maintenance, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This role is crucial for gaining an understanding of the logistical aspects of facility management.
Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technicians are responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs on building systems and equipment. This hands-on role provides practical experience in troubleshooting and maintaining facility infrastructure.
Building Services Assistant
Building Services Assistants support the facility management team by handling various administrative tasks, such as managing work orders, tracking inventory, and assisting with space planning. This position offers a comprehensive overview of facility operations.
Operations Support Specialist
Operations Support Specialists focus on ensuring the smooth operation of facility services, including janitorial, security, and landscaping. They play a key role in maintaining a safe and efficient working environment.
Facility Management Intern
Internships in Facility Management provide practical experience in a real-world setting. Interns may engage in various aspects of facility management, from assisting with maintenance projects to participating in sustainability initiatives, offering a broad overview of the field and valuable hands-on experience.
Director Level Job Titles
Director-level roles in Facility Management are characterized by strategic oversight, high-level decision-making, and significant influence over the facility's operations and the organization's broader goals. These positions require a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and strong leadership skills. Here are five prominent director-level job titles in Facility Management.
Director of Facility Management
The Director of Facility Management oversees the entire facilities department, setting strategic direction and ensuring alignment with the organization's objectives. They play a key role in facility planning, maintenance, and long-term sustainability.
Director of Operations and Maintenance
This role focuses on the operational efficiency and maintenance of facilities, ensuring that all systems and processes run smoothly. They are responsible for the upkeep of buildings, equipment, and infrastructure, ensuring safety and compliance.
Director of Real Estate and Facilities
Responsible for managing the organization's real estate portfolio, the Director of Real Estate and Facilities oversees property acquisitions, leases, and space utilization. They ensure that real estate strategies align with the company's growth and operational needs.
Director of Environmental Health and Safety
This position is pivotal in ensuring that the facility complies with environmental, health, and safety regulations. The Director of Environmental Health and Safety develops and implements policies to protect employees and the environment, promoting a culture of safety.
Director of Facility Planning and Design
While primarily focused on the planning and design aspect, this role is integral in facility management, ensuring that spaces are functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. The Director of Facility Planning and Design collaborates closely with architects and engineers to align the facility's design with organizational needs.
VP Level Job Titles
Ascending to a VP-level position in facility management signifies a transition into executive leadership. Professionals at this level are responsible for setting strategic direction, overseeing facility operations, and ensuring that the management of physical assets aligns with the overall business objectives. Here are five prominent VP-level job titles in Facility Management, each reflecting a significant role in steering the company's facility strategies and operational excellence.
Vice President of Facility Management
This title represents a senior executive role, where the individual oversees the entire facility management function. They are responsible for long-term facility strategy, aligning facility goals with business objectives, and leading facility teams towards achieving these goals.
VP of Operations and Facilities
Focusing specifically on the operational aspect of facilities, this role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and management of physical assets. The VP of Operations and Facilities ensures that facilities operate efficiently and effectively while maintaining safety and compliance standards.
VP of Real Estate and Facilities
This role centers around strategic planning for real estate and facility portfolios. The VP of Real Estate and Facilities analyzes market trends, oversees property acquisitions and dispositions, and ensures that real estate initiatives contribute to the company's broader strategic goals.
VP of Facility Services
Bridging the gap between facility management and service delivery, this role involves leading service strategies for facilities. The VP of Facility Services works on optimizing service contracts, enhancing service quality, and ensuring that facilities provide a conducive environment for business operations.
VP of Facility Planning and Development
This role is often seen in organizations with significant construction and development activities, combining facility management with planning and development leadership. The VP of Facility Planning and Development oversees both facility strategy and development projects, ensuring that facilities are designed and built to meet future business needs effectively.
How to Advance Your Current Facility Manager Title
Similar Facility Manager Careers & Titles
The role of a Facility Manager is multifaceted and intersects with several other career paths. Understanding these similar or alternative careers not only broadens your professional horizon but also enriches your skill set as you may often collaborate with or transition into these roles during your career journey.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers share similarities with Facility Managers in terms of overseeing the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational processes. While Facility Managers focus on the physical environment and infrastructure, Operations Managers concentrate on optimizing overall business operations, often working closely with Facility Managers to ensure that facilities support operational goals.
Property Manager
Property Managers play a critical role in managing real estate properties, similar to how Facility Managers oversee the maintenance and functionality of buildings. They specialize in tenant relations, lease management, and property upkeep, often providing valuable insights for Facility Managers in terms of property utilization and compliance.
Health and Safety Manager
Health and Safety Managers focus on creating a safe and compliant work environment, an aspect crucial to the success of any facility. Their role complements that of a Facility Manager, as both aim to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants, making this a potential career transition or collaborative role for Facility Managers.
Maintenance Manager
Maintenance Managers, much like Facility Managers, work heavily with the upkeep and repair of building systems. They focus on ensuring that all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are functioning optimally, a skill that is increasingly important for Facility Managers, especially in maintaining operational efficiency.
Environmental Services Manager
Environmental Services Managers have a role that often intersects with that of Facility Managers, particularly in maintaining cleanliness, waste management, and sustainability practices within a facility. The synergy between these roles is vital for creating a healthy and eco-friendly environment for all occupants.
FAQs about Facility Manager Titles
How do Facility Manager job titles vary across industries?
Facility Management job titles often reflect industry-specific needs. In healthcare, you'll find roles like 'Healthcare Facility Manager', emphasizing compliance with medical regulations. Corporate settings might have 'Corporate Facility Manager', focusing on office space optimization. In education, titles like 'Campus Facility Manager' are common, requiring knowledge of educational infrastructure. Manufacturing industries could use 'Industrial Facility Manager', demanding expertise in safety and machinery maintenance. Each industry tailors Facility Management roles to meet its unique operational challenges and regulatory requirements, maintaining core facility management principles while varying in specialized skills.
Are there any emerging job titles for Facility Managers that are gaining popularity?
Yes, as the field of Facility Management evolves, new job titles are emerging to address modern challenges and technological advancements. Titles such as 'Sustainability Facility Manager' focus on implementing eco-friendly practices and reducing the environmental impact of facilities. 'Smart Building Manager' roles are on the rise, requiring expertise in IoT and smart technologies to optimize building operations. Similarly, 'Workplace Experience Manager' is a growing title, emphasizing the creation of engaging and productive work environments. These emerging roles reflect the industry's shift towards sustainability, technology integration, and enhanced employee experiences, aligning facility management with contemporary trends and innovations.
Which Facility Manager job title has the highest salary potential?
Generally, the salary potential in Facility Management increases with seniority and scope of responsibility. Titles at the executive level, such as 'Director of Facilities' or 'Vice President of Facilities Management', often command the highest salaries in the field. These roles involve strategic oversight, decision-making authority, and management of large teams and multiple facilities. Salary potential in these positions reflects their high level of responsibility and their significant impact on operational efficiency, safety, and overall organizational success.
Up Next
Facility Manager Work-Life Balance
