A Clean Sweep

By J&C Team

Facilities management is a fast-expanding sector with a variety of roles that help to keep offices and buildings clean, safe and running smoothly!

Any company will struggle to succeed without an army of support services to keep its offices and premises in good condition and running efficiently, from cleaning and grounds maintenance to security and waste management. Facilities management is a fast-expanding sector, with lots of room to progress, and now is a great time to start your career. Whether part of an in-house team or a facilities management company, here are some roles you could consider.

Security

Good security is essential, but what is required can vary, from patrolling and monitoring premises to guarding valuables, supervising entrances and preventing shoplifting. Security companies may also install surveillance systems and provide emergency responses.

What skills do I need? There are no set requirements, although a background in the police or armed forces is an advantage. You need to be confident in challenging people, able to use initiative, make quick decisions and write reports. You’ll need a criminal record check, and may also have to complete industry training.

How can I progress? You can progress to senior and management roles, go into training or set up your own company. 

How much can I earn? Salaries start at £13,000, rising to £26,000 for supervisors. Shift work is common.

Waste Management

Sustainability, energy saving and responsible waste disposal are increasingly important for businesses. Meanwhile, companies still need their waste disposed of efficiently, to ensure the smooth running of the workplace. Jobs range from refuse collectors to recycling officers to waste plant managers.

What skills do I need? Entry-level jobs are often physically demanding and you must be able to work efficiently in all weathers, often at unsociable hours. For driving a waste collection vehicle, you’ll need an LGV (large goods vehicle) licence.

How can I progress? Senior waste-management officers are responsible for running teams, introducing recycling initiatives and managing contracts. This may require a degree or postgraduate qualification.

How much can I earn? Salaries start at £13,000 for refuse or recycling collection, and can rise to around £25,000 for managers, and £45,000 for senior managers.

Grounds Maintenance

Outdoor areas such as hotel gardens, school grounds, parks and pitches need to be maintained. The work varies seasonally and you’ll be out in all weathers, maintaining turf, plants, trees and pathways. Companies often outsource to specialist companies. 

What skills do I need? Experience or qualifications in horticulture or turf maintenance are an advantage, but not essential. Apprenticeships are also an option. The job requires a proactive approach, anticipating issues and following plans. Health and safety is important, as you may be operating and maintaining heavy machinery.

How can I progress? You can become team leader or manager. With training you can move into landscape design or horticulture management.

How much can I earn? Salaries start at £17,000, rising to £27,000 with experience and £48,000 for senior managers.

Cleaning

Entry-level cleaning jobs include contract services in offices, shops, schools and hospitals, or maintaining standards anywhere from industrial sites to wedding venues. You could also deal with the skilled clean-up after floods, fires and crime scenes, or you may specialise in areas such as carpets, upholstery or windows.

What skills do I need? No qualifications are required, but you need to be reliable, hard-working and able to follow safety instructions (for example, with cleaning chemicals).

How can I progress? You can move into supervisory or management roles, or set up your own business.

How much can I earn? Salaries start at £14,000 (or part-time equivalent), rising to £19,000 with experience and £29,000 for management roles. The hours can be unsociable.

Pest Control

Problems with pests such as mice, rats, cockroaches or wasps need to be eliminated quickly and discreetly. A pest control technician will investigate and collect samples, plan and execute a method of control, and advise on how to avoid future problems.

What skills do I need? There are no formal entry requirements, but you’ll need good customer service skills, knowledge of health and safety, confidence in calculating doses of chemicals and setting traps, and the ability to keep records. You’ll usually need a driving licence – and sometimes a strong stomach!

How can I progress? You can move into supervisor or management roles, specialise in a particular pest or set up your own business.

How much can I earn? Salaries start from £17,000, rising to £30,000 for an experienced manager.