What does a Facilities Maintenance Manager do?

A facilities maintenance manager is typically in charge of ensuring that all of his employer’s buildings and systems are operational and in good repair. Working with vendors and contractors on major repairs, performing minor repairs, managing warranty information, obtaining bids, and reporting costs are all examples of specific responsibilities. Depending on the size and needs of the employer, facilities maintenance managers may or may not manage an in-house maintenance staff. Experience managing vendors, managing an internal staff, and working in one or more trade fields are all possible qualifications.

Smaller businesses with fewer maintenance requirements typically seek a facilities maintenance manager who can handle as many tasks as possible without relying on outside contractors. Re-keying locks for new tenants, adjusting faulty doors or windows, interior or exterior painting, installing hardware, repairing plumbing leaks, and patching cement or drywall are just a few examples of these jobs. Facilities maintenance managers may also be asked to perform manufacturer-recommended system maintenance. Creating a schedule for vacuuming refrigeration coils, changing filters, replacing smoke alarm batteries, flushing lines, and other tasks is one example.

Typically, these individuals have received formal training in one or more trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. They must also be able to perform minor repairs, read schematics or blueprints, and read, comprehend, and manage warranty items and maintenance schedules. Some employers may also require certifications specific to the industry.

Larger companies with more maintenance needs typically hire a facilities maintenance manager who can perform these tasks as needed, but is more concerned with managing an in-house staff that does the majority of the work. This person may also be in charge of overseeing bids and vendor hiring. The manager will need to be comfortable conducting interviews, hiring, training, conducting performance reviews, and terminating employees in this situation. She is responsible for creating employee schedules, assigning duty rosters, and maintaining personnel files, which include initial paperwork as well as any annual training or re-certification that her employees may require.

She must also be able to select vendors whose prices and quality of work are acceptable to the employer. Checking potential vendors is one example.

Obtaining references and confirming insurance coverage Large facility facilities managers are frequently in charge of obtaining bids for major projects such as installing a new HVAC system or remodeling a building. They must be able to write a comprehensive scope document, objectively evaluate vendor bids, and adhere to all company policies regarding the bidding process, especially if the employer is a publicly-funded company.

A trained and experienced facilities maintenance manager can work in a variety of settings. The majority of large buildings and complexes will have such a position on their payroll. Malls, shopping centers, office buildings or parks, museums, prisons, multi-family housing, airports, hotels, schools, hospitals, government facilities, and college campuses are all potential employers.