Estates and facilities management careers – what you need to know

Estates and facilities management is crucial to many organisations’ operational capacities. Estates and facilities management teams streamline processes, which reduces workload burdens, provides more sustainable practices, and offers cost-effective methods. Estates and facilities management is also prevalent in many institutions that are integral to a robust society, such as education and healthcare. 

Recent technological advancements have transformed the estates and facilities management sector, leading to the evolution of existing roles and the creation of new career opportunities.

Our guide digs deeper into this crucial field. We first answer the question, ‘What is estates and facilities management?’, then discover the various key job responsibilities, and finally explore the skills needed to be successful in applying for facilities management vacancies. 

What is estates and facilities management? 

Estates and facilities management (EFM) is a broad field focused on managing an organisation's physical assets and ensuring their optimal performance. It covers a wide range of responsibilities, including the planning, development, maintenance, and oversight of buildings, land, and the services provided within those spaces. EFM plays a crucial role in ensuring that an organisation's facilities operate efficiently and effectively.

Innovation driving estates and facilities management 

A host of technological advancements supplement modern estate and facilities management to ensure the efficacy of an organisation’s physical assets. These developments have added a new dimension to the field, adapting existing estates and facilities jobs and presenting new facilities management careers. Here are some examples of technological developments paving the way in EFM: 

Building Management System (BMS)

BMS provides a central platform where professionals can monitor and optimise building systems and operations. This technology can streamline the following building systems: 

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) 
• Security and access control  
• Fire safety systems 
• Equipment and asset monitoring 
• Energy management 
• Lighting

These developments bring many benefits: firstly, they allow for improved energy efficiency. Control of energy-consuming systems allows for better optimisation, reducing energy use and saving costs. Secondly, systems that control environmental conditions enhance occupants’ comfort. For example, HVAC systems can provide real-time monitoring and adjustments without an occupant intervening.
 
As discussed, BMS provides a unified, central platform for estates and facilities management professionals to monitor and control multiple sites from a single remote station. This also refines processes and is less resource-intensive. What’s more, data is the backbone of these contemporary systems. BMS is equipped to collect and analyse data, enabling Facilities Managers to make informed decisions concerning resource allocation. 

Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM)

CAFM is a powerful software platform created to streamline various estates and facilities management jobs. It offers a centralised system for managing physical spaces, assets, and resources. Its key features and capabilities consist of: 

• Space management: Uses CAD-based floor plans to optimise how space is used. 
• Asset tracking: Manages physical assets throughout their lifecycle. 
• Energy management: Monitors energy usage and provides insight for implementing sustainable measures. 
• Analytics: Compiles data so Facilities Managers can make EFM-related decisions supported by evidence. 

Similarly to BMS, CAFM's advantages include cost-effective measures, energy consumption, and data-driven decisions that support strategy changes. 

Estates and facilities management’s importance to institutions 

Estates and Facilities Managers will be responsible for the buildings of many institutions, notably education and healthcare. EFM plays a vital role in education, here’s how:

• Ensuring a safe learning environment: Facilities Managers must work diligently to ensure school buildings are safe, warm, and weatherproof. The environment must be suitable for both teaching and learning. 
• Supporting educational goals: Strategic estates and facilities management allow adjustments to align with a school’s needs and aims, such as ensuring ample space for students and creating environments that enhance the learning experience.  
• Financial benefits: Proficient Facilities Managers can save educational institutions money via efficient maintenance and operations, as well as optimised budget allocation. 
• Supporting and preserving reputation: Appearance can influence how an institution is perceived. Well-maintained facilities can create positive first impressions and illustrate responsible stewardship. 

Estates and facilities management is equally as important to healthcare institutions. Here’s an overview of its functions and benefits: 

• Improved patient outcomes: Healthcare environments that receive exemplary stewardship from facilities managers will improve patient safety through proper infection control measures and increase patient satisfaction. 
• Safety and compliance: Facilities Managers must ensure stringent safety and regulatory requirements are met, such as fire safety, proper ventilation, and compliance with specific standards. 
• Adaptability: Technological advancements mean healthcare institutions continually evolve, and facilities managers must be prepared to accommodate such changes.  

Estates and facilities jobs and responsibilities

Given how broad of a field EFM is, there are a range of estates and facilities jobs available. As mentioned in this guide, estates and facilities management entails the planning, development and management of an organisation’s or institution’s physical assets. It’s a career that comes with complexities and, therefore, a multitude of responsibilities, but firstly, let’s explore the key roles: 

• Director of Estates and Facilities 
• Facilities Manager 
• Estates Manager
• Property Manager
• Maintenance Manager
• Health and Safety Manager
• Sustainability Manager
• Project Manager

As estates and facilities jobs could mean a professional working in healthcare, education, or a different institution, responsibilities may vary from different facilities management positions. However, many will be transferable. 

Here are the core responsibilities: 

• Managing property and land for organisations in public and private sectors.
• Ensuring estates and facilities operate smoothly. 
• Overseeing maintenance and repairs. 
• Financial planning and resource management.
• Leading staff and contractors. 
• Complying with health and safety regulations.  

What skills are needed for estates and facilities jobs? 

A recurring feature of this guide is the sheer scope of estates and facilities management. This depth comes with a diverse set of skills required for several facilities management careers. 

This includes core competencies such as:

• Leadership and people management: Must be able to lead teams and delegate tasks accordingly. 
• Communication skills: Communication must be clear and concise, whether written or verbal. Excellent presentation skills are also desirable. 
• Strong organisation: Must be able to plan, organise and work on multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Problem-solving: Each institution presents its unique challenges. Facilities managers must be prepared to overcome obstacles quickly. 
• Adaptability: As alluded to above, each institution comes with different difficulties. It is imperative to be able to adapt to accommodate challenges and changes. 

In addition to the requisite key skills for estates and facilities jobs, there is also an array of beneficial specialist skills. These are as follows: 

• Property management knowledge: A deep understanding of property management principles, including maintenance, repairs, and space utilisation, is essential. 
• Financial capabilities: Financial management and budgeting are integral to estates and facilities management jobs. One must be able to track expenses and work to achieve profit. 
• Health and safety awareness: Knowledge of health and safety regulations is paramount for the safety of visitors, occupants and staff. 
• Technological competence: Estates and facilities management is continually evolving, and an individual must be familiar with existing and emerging software.

Career paths in estates and facilities management 

There are numerous sectors that Estates and Facilities Managers could work in. For example: 

• Healthcare (NHS and private hospitals)
• Education (universities and schools)
• Government (local and central)
• Commercial real estate
• Retail
• Manufacturing

Estates and facilities management salary

When it comes to salaries in estates and facilities management, location plays a significant role in shaping earning potential. Salaries in this sector can vary widely depending on the region due to factors like cost of living, demand for skilled professionals, and the concentration of industries requiring facilities management.

In larger cities like London, Birmingham, or Manchester, salaries tend to be higher to account for the increased cost of living and the higher demand for facilities management services in urban areas. For example, a Facilities Manager in London may ask for a salary significantly above the national average, reflecting the premium for working in a high-cost area where top-tier management of large office complexes or public spaces is critical.

There are several rewarding institutions and sectors to work in, and the salary packages are particularly attractive. Entry-level positions can range between £23,000 and £26,000, while mid-level positions can earn considerably more. For example, a Facilities Manager could have a salary between £45,000 - £60,000, and a Maintenance Manager could earn up to £53,000, depending on factors including the location of the role. 

Senior positions, such as Head of Estates could make between £55,000 and £80,000, and a Director of Estates and Facilities could earn between £80,000 - £100,000.  

Furthermore, as well as lucrative salaries, many estates and facilities positions come with a range of additional benefits such as: 

• Health cover
• Discounted gym membership
• Bonus schemes
• Company vehicles
• Generous pension plans (especially in the NHS) 

Final word on estates and facilities management 

How effectively an organisation operates depends mainly on those with estates and facilities jobs. EFM is especially significant in sectors like education and healthcare. They ensure schools are safe for staff and students and improve the quality of healthcare provided. 
 
As the space continues to evolve due to technological developments like Building Management Systems (BMS) and Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM), the range of facilities management positions grows, and so too do the required skills needed to have successful facilities management careers. 

Should a professional wish to be successful in filling facilities management vacancies, one must have a variety of key skills, ranging from core competencies like leadership and communication, to more advanced abilities such as technological proficiency and financial acumen. EFM constantly evolves. Therefore, individuals must be able to adapt and provide solutions for complex and institution-specific problems.  

Quality estates and facilities management recruitment solutions

At Sellick Partnership, we’re guided by our mission of being driven by purpose and performance whilst being led by principle. This enables us to deliver consistent results for clients and candidates. 

For businesses, we are meticulous in our processes when sourcing exceptional talent for the estates and facilities industry. We take pride in finding you professionals that match your business ethos and vision for success. For candidates, we’re dedicated to understanding your ambitions and connecting you with opportunities that mirror your aspirations. 

Contact us today and a member of our team will get in touch to assist you.