In today’s fast-paced commercial landscape, the role of a facilities manager has become indispensable. From ensuring operational efficiency to managing real estate, health and safety compliance, and sustainability strategies, facilities managers are the unsung heroes behind smoothly functioning workplaces. If you’re aiming to pursue this dynamic and evolving career, you’re likely asking: How do I become a facilities manager?

Are you thinking about becoming a facilities manager but unsure where to start? This guide will walk you through every step of the career path—clearly and practically. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to change careers, or aiming to move up the ladder, we’ll cover the essential qualifications, skills, and decisions that lead to success in facilities management. You’ll discover what it takes to enter the field, thrive in it, and build a long-term career with real growth potential.

What Does a Facilities Manager Do?

Before diving into how to become one, it’s essential to understand the core responsibilities of a facilities manager. The role varies depending on the size and type of organisation, but typically includes:

• Overseeing building maintenance, safety regulations, and space management
  
• Managing contractors and vendors for security, cleaning, and repairs
  
• Budgeting for operational costs and ensuring energy efficiency
  
• Implementing workplace health and safety protocols
  
• Coordinating office moves or refurbishments
  

Facilities managers operate across a wide range of sectors including education, healthcare, corporate real estate, hospitality, and public services.

Step 1: Understand the Career Path and Demand

If you’re wondering whether facilities management is a good career choice, the answer is a resounding yes. According to recent labour market data, the demand for skilled facilities professionals continues to rise due to rapid urban development, sustainability goals, and the evolution of hybrid workplaces. The role offers:

• Competitive salaries
  
• Job stability
  
• Cross-industry mobility
  
• Leadership potential
  

This demand is particularly high in areas focused on sustainability and smart building technologies.

Step 2: Gain Relevant Educational Qualifications

While there’s no single path into the field, most employers prefer candidates with relevant educational backgrounds such as:

• Facilities Management
  
• Building Services Engineering
  
• Business Administration
  
• Property Management
  
• Health and Safety Management
  

You can start with a diploma or foundation degree and gradually pursue higher-level certifications or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Step 3: Choose the Right Certifications

Certifications are crucial for both entry-level and senior professionals in this field. They validate your skills, enhance your credibility, and open up better opportunities.

Some of the best certifications for facilities management professionals include:

• Certified Facility Manager (CFM) – Ideal for senior professionals
  
• Facility Management Professional (FMP) – Good for newcomers
  
• RICS Chartered FM Certification – Highly recognised in the UK
  
• IWFM Level 4/5 Qualifications – Tailored to the UK market
  
• LEED Green Associate – For sustainability-focused managers
  

If you’re trying to decide which qualification is right for you, you may find it helpful to read our related guide:
Best Certifications for Facilities Management – Which One Should You Choose?
It compares major certifications and helps you decide based on your career goals, experience, and specialisations.

Step 4: Develop Key Skills for Facilities Management

While formal education is important, employers also look for soft and technical skills that are essential to daily operations. These include:

• Leadership and team coordination
  
• Budgeting and financial planning
  
• Risk and compliance management
  
• Technical understanding of building systems
  
• Vendor and contract management
  
• Communication and negotiation
  

Developing a mix of these abilities ensures you can handle diverse scenarios, from crisis response to long-term space planning.

Step 5: Gain Practical Experience

Experience plays a vital role in becoming a competent facilities manager. Many professionals start in related roles such as:

• Maintenance supervisor
  
• Property administrator
  
• Office manager
  
• Health and safety officer
  
• Administrative support for estates/facilities teams
  

Internships, apprenticeships, or graduate trainee schemes in property or estates management can provide early exposure to real-world challenges.

Step 6: Build a Professional Network

As with many professions, networking can accelerate your growth. Join professional organisations such as:

• IWFM (Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management)
  
• BIFM (British Institute of Facilities Management)
  
• IFMA (International Facility Management Association)
  

These networks often provide access to job boards, events, mentoring programmes, and exclusive training content.

Step 7: Keep Learning and Stay Updated

Facilities management is constantly evolving with innovations in smart building technologies, sustainability standards, and legal compliance. Continuous learning is key. You should:

• Attend industry webinars and conferences
  
• Subscribe to trade journals
  
• Take online facilities management training courses
  
• Seek CPD (Continuing Professional Development) opportunities
  

Keeping up-to-date ensures you remain relevant and competitive in the market.

Step 8: Apply for Jobs Strategically

When applying for jobs, tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight:

• Your certifications and academic background
  
• Relevant project or team leadership experience
  
• Technical competencies with property or workplace systems
  
• Soft skills like problem-solving and conflict resolution
  

Roles to look for include:

• Facilities Coordinator
  
• Assistant Facilities Manager
  
• Property Manager
  
• Operations Supervisor
  
• Estates Manager
  

Step 9: Set Long-Term Career Goals

After gaining experience, many facilities managers move into senior roles such as:

• Director of Facilities
  
• Head of Estates
  
• Workplace Strategy Lead
  
• Regional FM Manager
  

Setting long-term goals will help you stay focused and align your professional development accordingly.

Final Thoughts

A career in facilities management is ideal for those who enjoy strategic thinking, operational planning, and problem-solving. The field is growing fast and offers plenty of opportunities for advancement, particularly for those who pursue relevant training and certification.

If you’re committed to entering this field, consider enrolling in high-impact facilities management training courses to fast-track your development and gain recognised qualifications. Whether you’re starting fresh or upskilling for a senior role, structured training ensures you stay competitive.

Oxford Training Centre offers a range of industry-aligned programs designed to meet the evolving needs of modern facilities managers. Explore the Oxford Training Centre catalogue to find tailored learning paths that support your long-term career journey in facilities and workplace management.