Finding Your Fit in Facilities Management

Nicola Robinson, Director of RobinsonsFM, discusses facilities management recruitment and shares insights for professionals looking to build their careers in the industry.

Recruitment in facilities management is complex due to the specialized nature of the field. Robinson has focused on simplifying these complexities and connecting facilities managers (FMs) with clients. As the profession grows, there is increasing demand for facilities management services.

The Evolving Demand for Facilities Management

Robinson notes that companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of facilities management in achieving measurable targets like profitability. The profession has evolved from disparate functions to a centralized role, often rooted in office administration. Facilities management teams are now relied upon to provide safe and suitable working environments, influenced by factors such as legislation, inflation, and environmental concerns like recycling and climate change.

Permanent vs. Fixed-Term Hiring

Hiring practices are influenced by market conditions and role hierarchy. After the collapse of Carillion, a major UK facilities management provider, there has been a shift toward bringing facilities teams in-house to reduce risk. Smaller service providers have gained opportunities, and there is a trend toward permanent hires with benefits to encourage retention. Conversely, larger companies and public sector organizations often hire consultants on a fixed-term basis to review compliance and operations, especially after trust issues stemming from incidents like Carillion's collapse.

Outsourcing Trends

Robinson observes that outsourcing facilities management is becoming more common as businesses recognize its importance. Companies weigh the costs of outsourcing versus maintaining in-house teams. Many are moving toward outsourcing, but some still use ad hoc contractors. Trust in smaller providers has increased, as they offer more personalized service compared to larger firms.

Key Skills for Facilities Managers

Facilities management roles are diverse, requiring professionals to be well-rounded in experience and skills. FMs should understand technical building aspects, health and safety, compliance, legislation, and cost management. It's important to grasp every aspect of building operations and potential issues. Robinson advises those aiming for management roles to familiarize themselves with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, as these will become increasingly important in operational strategy.

Common Resume Mistakes

A frequent error is providing too little or irrelevant information on resumes. Candidates should paint a clear picture of their capabilities, detailing services, contracts, building types, and budget sizes they've managed. Avoid generic terms like "hard working" or "team player"; instead, tell your story, highlight your strengths, and specify your achievements. For example, break down budget responsibilities to show depth of experience.

The Future of FM Recruitment

Flexible working is a major topic, but Robinson feels that cultural adaptation is still lacking. While remote work is discussed, many people prefer traditional work environments after experiencing remote setups. Technology is improving, and Robinson is committed to adapting as the industry evolves.

For more information about career opportunities in facilities management, Nicola Robinson can be contacted directly at Nicola.Robinson@RobinsonsFM.com.

What do you think are the most important skills FMs need to have to land the jobs they want? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.