Facilities Managers

Building Maintenance Superintendent

Building Services Supervisor

Facilities Coordinator

Facilities Director

Facilities Engineer

Facilities Maintenance Manager

Facilities Manager

Facilities Operations Manager (Facilities Ops Manager)

Facilities Operations Specialist (Facilities Ops Specialist)

Maintenance Superintendent

What is a Facilities Manager?

A Facilities Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating the physical environment of an organization, ensuring that buildings and their services meet the needs of the occupants. Their role encompasses the management of facility operations, maintenance, property management, and often includes aspects of project management. Facilities Managers are essential in maintaining a safe, efficient, and operationally sound environment, which can include offices, schools, hospitals, and other types of facilities. They ensure that the facility adheres to health, safety, and environmental regulations while implementing sustainability practices. Facilities Managers also play a key role in budgeting, planning space usage, vendor management, and handling crises or emergencies that may arise within the facility. Overall, their work contributes significantly to the productivity and comfort of those working or visiting the premises.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$60840.0 - $169020.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Monitor the facility to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained.
Oversee the maintenance and repair of machinery, equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems.
Oversee construction and renovation projects to improve efficiency and to ensure that facilities meet environmental, health, and security standards, and comply with government regulations.
Plan, administer, and control budgets for contracts, equipment, and supplies.
Participate in architectural and engineering planning and design, including space and installation management.

Technology Skills

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Word processing software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft 365 Word
Electronic mail software
- Email software
- HCL Notes
- Open-Xchange
- Microsoft 365 Outlook
Data base user interface and query software
Accounting software
- Fund accounting software
- QuickBooks Online
- Sage 50cloud Accounting

Tools Used

Photocopiers
- Photocopying equipment
Notebook computers
- Laptop computers
Special purpose telephones
- Multi-line telephone systems
Laser fax machine
- Laser facsimile machines
Desktop calculator
- 10-key calculators

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

888 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R30,860pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to be a Facilities Manager in South Africa

Facilities Management (FM) is the backbone of any functional business environment in South Africa. It is a multidisciplinary field that ensures the safety, comfort, and efficiency of the built environment. With currently 946 active jobs in the market and an average salary of R30,860pm, the demand for skilled professionals is high. Interestingly, the sector has seen a significant salary growth trend throughout 2024, with average monthly earnings rising from R27,157 in January to approximately R33,946 by December. If you are looking for a career that combines technical knowledge with people management, this could be your path.

Is Facilities Management Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before diving into the technicalities, it is essential to assess whether your temperament aligns with the rigours of the role. Ask yourself if you possess the following traits:

Proactive Problem-Solver: Do you anticipate issues before they escalate into crises?
Crisis Resilience: Can you remain calm and authoritative when a water main bursts or during an unexpected power outage?
Meticulous Attention to Detail: Do you notice the small things, from a flickering light to a minor breach in safety protocol?
Strong Interpersonal Skills: Are you able to communicate effectively with everyone from executive boards to technical contractors?
Financial Literacy: Do you have the aptitude to manage budgets, review quotes, and optimise operational costs?
Adaptability: Are you comfortable with a schedule that can change in an instant due to operational requirements?

A Day in the Life of a South African Facilities Manager

In the South African context, a Facilities Manager’s day is rarely predictable. You might start your morning at 07:00, conducting a site walk-through to ensure that the building is secure and the backup power systems—such as generators or solar inverters—are fully functional following a bout of load shedding. Your morning might involve a meeting with the Health and Safety committee to ensure compliance with the OHS Act, followed by a site visit from a plumbing contractor to oversee a grey-water system maintenance project.

The afternoon often involves administrative precision: reviewing service level agreements (SLAs), negotiating with vendors for better rates on cleaning chemicals, and responding to tenant or staff requests regarding workspace ergonomics. You are the link between the physical structure and the people inside it, ensuring that the environment supports productivity while remaining sustainable and cost-effective.

Education & Upskilling

While many enter the field through experience in property or construction, formal education is becoming increasingly vital in the South African market. A degree or diploma provides the theoretical foundation needed to manage complex infrastructure.

Formal Qualifications: Consider a BSc in Property Studies, a BCom in Business Management, or a National Diploma in Facilities Management from a TVET college or University of Technology.
Certifications: Short courses through the South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA) are highly regarded and provide specific local context to global standards (like ISO 41001).
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software and a solid understanding of the South African Labour Law and Occupational Health and Safety regulations are essential.

It is important to remember that continuous learning is key. The built environment is evolving rapidly with the integration of "Smart Building" technology and green energy solutions. To remain competitive and move toward the higher end of the salary bracket, you must stay updated with the latest industry trends and sustainable practices.

Next Steps

Transitioning into Facilities Management requires a blend of technical competence and leadership grit. If the description above resonates with your professional goals and personal strengths, it is time to take the next step in your career journey. Do not leave your future to chance—take the initiative to validate your potential. Test your readiness now by completing our professional assessment to see if you have what it takes to thrive in this essential South African industry.

Skills

Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Abilities

Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Associate's degree

57 %
High school diploma or equivalent

15 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Some college, no degree

11 %

Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Detailed Work Activities

Monitor facilities or operational systems.
Direct facility maintenance or repair activities.
Manage construction activities.
Prepare operational budgets.
Plan facility layouts or designs.

Work Interests

Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.