Building Manager

Education and Training: Bachelor’s degree
Average Salary: $75,000
Job Outlook: Good

Job Description

A building manager is responsible for organizing the running of buildings and grounds and is sometimes called an administrative service manager. It is their job to make sure that the necessary services and processes are in place to support the institution or business, and it is quite a responsibility to be in charge of making sure operations run smoothly and are cost efficient.

A building manager needs to ensure the building meets all safety requirements, and that all the equipment and facilities work properly. It is their job to assess the conditions of the plumbing, air conditioning, electricity and all other essential utilities, and to ensure that everything is adequately maintained.

They may need to liaise with certain departments such as the IT department to make sure that all technological needs are met. Their duties include managing in-house maintenance, engineering staff and service staff, and making sure that they are adequately trained and able to work efficiently.

A building manager needs to have a wide variety of skills, as they need good leadership skills, they must be able to manage people effectively and to remain calm during times of high stress. They need to be able to have good scheduling capabilities, and a good working knowledge of all the electrical systems, plumbing, and IT systems would be useful.

Education and Training Requirements

Most employers look for building managers who have at least a bachelor’s degree in building management, administrative support or some other related course such as finance, business, or real estate.

Getting the Job

Being able to demonstrate good management skills is essential, and it is probably useful to have gained management experience elsewhere, or to have worked with a building manager before applying for a job as a building manager. Some of the larger establishments require their buildings managers to attain certification such as the Facility Management Professional Credential, and this can be a good course to complete when starting your career.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

Job prospects are reasonable but there is keen competition for higher-level buildings managers jobs. Applicants will stand a better chance if they can demonstrate that they are capable of managing a wide range of responsibilities. Job opportunities can be found in large institutions, non-profit organizations, and any number of commercial businesses. Career development may depend largely on attaining professional certification which can give job applicants an advantage over the competition.

Working Conditions and Environment

Much of the work is office-based, although it is often necessary to walk around the building to supervise grounds keeping activities and general maintenance activities. Technological advancements mean that building managers have less need to travel as they can monitor work and equipment remotely, and conduct teleconferences.
Some building managers work a standard 40 hour week, although many may be required to work longer hours or may need to be on call to resolve problems which can arise out of traditional working hours.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary of a building manager is around $75,000, although some will earn considerably more with the highest 10% earning more than $130,000. The amount earned depends largely on the institution and the size of the building.

Anyone in a management position can expect to receive good dental and health benefits insurance, paid vacations, and contributions to retirement plans. Some building managers may receive bonuses related to their performance.

Where to Go for More Information

The Association of Professional Office Managers
PO Box 1926
Rockville, MD 20849
(240) 654-9108
http://www.apomonline.org

International Facility Management Association
1 E Greenway Plaza, Ste. 1100
Houston, TX 77046-0104
(713) 623-4362
http://www.ifma.org/