The role of a facility manager is multifaceted and requires a combination of technical expertise, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills to effectively manage all aspects of a property's operations.
by Rafael Berumen de Cervantes*
A facility manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the efficient and effective operation of a physical space or work facilities. Your responsibilities may vary depending on the size and type of property, but generally include the following:
Maintenance and repairs: Facility managers are responsible for ensuring that properties are properly maintained and in good working condition. This involves scheduling regular inspections, coordinating repair and maintenance activities, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. By performing this function correctly, they have a very important responsibility in the operating expenses of the property, since corrective maintenance is inefficient and very expensive and if the facility manager performs his work in a preventive, predictive and proactive manner; It can reduce the cost and increase the efficiency in the real estate.
Space management: Facility managers are often in charge of optimizing the use of space within a facility. This includes determining the layout of workspaces, allocating space to different departments or functions, and overseeing moves or reconfigurations as needed.
Utility Management: Facility managers oversee the management of utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and cooling systems. They can implement energy-saving, water-saving, and better waste management initiatives to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Safety and security: Ensuring the safety of facilities and their occupants is a key responsibility of facility managers. This includes implementing safety measures, conducting safety inspections, and developing emergency response plans. They are also in charge of being prepared for emergencies and Civil Protection Plans.
Budgeting and cost control: Facility managers are typically responsible for managing the budget and managing expenses for the operation of real estate, including forecasting expenses, tracking costs, and identifying savings opportunities.
Vendor management: Facility managers often work with vendors and third-party contractors to outsource services such as cleaning, gardening, and maintenance. And many times the scope of your services can include other concepts that your clients and users of the properties require, such as food, events, amenities, etc. They are responsible for selecting vendors, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that services are delivered satisfactorily.
Compliance with rules and regulations: Facility managers must stay informed about relevant regulations and ensure that the facility complies with all applicable laws and standards. This includes building codes, health and safety regulations, and environmental regulations.
Communication and coordination: Facility managers serve as the main point of contact for issues related to the operation of the properties. They must communicate effectively with employees, tenants, and external stakeholders, and coordinate activities to ensure smooth operations.
Overall, the role of a facility manager is multifaceted and requires a combination of technical expertise, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills to effectively manage all aspects of a property's operations. In order to be able to perform their work better, it is important that they are linked to the guild to which they belong, that they are trained, that they are certified and that they have access to the best practices and information that are linked to their work. And to achieve this, the Mexico chapter of IFMA (International Facility Management Association) provides them with the opportunity for all these benefits, by being members and being part of the most important global association in this matter.
* Rafael Berumen, Managing Director Colliers REMS Mexico | President of IFMA Mexico Chapter.
