FM TRAINING AND THE WORKPLACE

In considering FM training for employees, employers require an indication of the level at which a trained employee should be competent to function. The following categories may be useful:

1.1 Operational FM Level - Supervision
All supervisor and middle management course

This employee is likely to be supervising a small single facility or a number of services (cleaning, Call Centre, etc.) in a larger facility. The employee will be focussed on the operational aspects of facility services provision and supervise the(se) function(s) rather than having management responsibility. While being involved in FM planning and procedures the responsibility will lie with a more senior manager who will provide guidance and management support.

1.2 Operational Level - Management
Facility Manager

This employee/ manager will probably manage a large facility or a portfolio of smaller facilities in more than one province. He/she may even be responsible for more than one facility type. The job will probably require responsibility for facility outcomes including management of contracts (outsourced), FM planning and development of procedures, facilities budget, and managing a FM team. He/she may be at management level (middle management) and work with clearly delegated authority, with limited guidance, but reports to a senior manager who in all likelihood is not an FM specialist.  

1.3 Strategic Level - Senior Management
Senior FM Manager

The person will be actively involved in strategy development for a large national, regional or global organisation with a portfolio of facilities varying in type. He/she will have overall responsibility for FM outcomes, management of the full facilities team, setting of FM performance standards, development and implementation of facility policy and procedures, strategic management of contract specifications and tendering processes, as well as communication of key FM decisions. He/she will report to the CEO or FD / CFO and advise on strategic FM issues at a corporate level.