What are Administrative Services and Facilities Managers?
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager An Administrative Services and Facilities Manager plans, directs, and coordinates a wide range of administrative and support services for an organization. This includes overseeing building maintenance, managing office operations, handling budgets, and ensuring the facility is safe and functional. They play a critical role in ensuring an organization has the necessary resources to operate efficiently.
Typical Education
A bachelor's degree in a field such as business administration or facilities management is typically required, in addition to several years of related work experience.
Salary Range in the United States
The typical median annual salary for an Administrative Services Manager is $106,418. The lowest 25% of earners make around $93,967, while the highest 75% can earn up to $117,938 annually.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
How to Become an Administrative Services and Facilities Manager
- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Pursue a bachelor's degree in a business-related field such as Business Administration or Facilities Management. A master's degree can be an advantage for higher-level positions.
- Gain Relevant Experience: This is not an entry-level role. You'll need to gain several years of experience in an administrative or facilities-related role, such as an administrative assistant or general maintenance worker, to build the necessary skills.
- Develop Key Skills: Focus on developing strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. You should also become proficient in budget management, project management, and technology.
- Earn Professional Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications from organizations like the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The Facility Management Professional (FMP) or Certified Facility Manager (CFM) certifications can make you a more competitive candidate.
- Build a Network: Establish professional connections in the industry, as many job opportunities come through networking and referrals.
Essential Skills
- Leadership: The ability to direct and motivate staff to accomplish administrative and facilities-related tasks and objectives.
- Analytical Skills: The capacity to review and analyze organizational procedures and data to identify ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with various stakeholders, including staff, vendors, and senior management.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to handle unexpected issues, from equipment failures to building maintenance emergencies, effectively and efficiently.
- Financial Management: Proficiency in planning, managing, and tracking operational budgets for supplies, equipment, and services.
Key Responsibilities
- Overseeing Facilities and Equipment: Ensuring buildings and grounds are well-maintained, safe, and secure, and that equipment is in good working order.
- Budgeting and Financial Planning: Preparing and managing operational budgets for various administrative and facilities needs.
- Managing Administrative Services: Directing and coordinating services such as recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office supplies to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Supervising Staff: Hiring, training, and overseeing administrative and maintenance personnel to ensure all tasks are completed efficiently.
- Ensuring Compliance: Monitoring facilities to ensure they meet all health, safety, and environmental regulations and building codes.
Five Common Interview Questions
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and administrative tasks at once?
- This question assesses your organizational skills and ability to handle the diverse responsibilities of the role.
- Describe your experience with vendor and contractor management.
- Interviewers want to know if you can effectively negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external service providers.
- Tell me about a time you identified an inefficiency in an office process and what you did to improve it.
- This behavioral question demonstrates your analytical skills and proactive approach to problem-solving.
- What steps do you take to ensure a facility is compliant with safety and regulatory standards?
- This question highlights your knowledge of compliance and your commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
- How do you handle an unexpected facility emergency, such as a power outage or plumbing issue?
- This assesses your ability to think on your feet, remain calm under pressure, and take decisive action.
Question?
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