Facility maintenance is a crucial aspect of any hospitality business, whether you own a hotel, restaurant, bar, or banquet hall. To that end, you’ll need skilled facility managers to carry out those duties. Their job is to not only maintain equipment, but also to develop a skilled staff and improve systems and operations.
Their responsibilities also include overseeing your hotel’s essential assets, including HVAC and plumbing, machinery, alarm systems, and electrical and lighting systems. From golf course maintenance to grounds and landscaping, a facilities manager is an integral part of your business.
If you’re looking for a facilities manager but you don’t have the time to carry out a full hiring process, you need a hospitality staffing agency in Austin to do it for you. Here are some top skills that your next facility manager should possess.
1. Communication
You need someone in this position who can quickly and accurately relay information in print or in person/phone. Look for strong communicators who can engage, motivate, and inform your staff of updates and announcements while taking a leadership position that spans all departments. Good communicators will be able to delegate responsibilities, guide employees and suggest change.
2. Operate and Maintain Machines
Ensuring the optimal function of your building is key. From performing inspections and delegating assignments to assessing equipment and machines, your facility manager must have strong technical skills in operating and maintaining machinery. Not only that, they need to understand how each system works, whether that’s HVAC systems, computers, generators, or boilers.
This will give them a good idea of how long the equipment would last, and it would allow them to troubleshoot systems, teach employees, increase productivity and, ultimately, save the company money.
3. Identify Hazards and Provide Crisis Response
Because facility managers are in charge of the structural safety of your building, they have their hands in a variety of elements, such as security, technology, cleaning, grounds keeping, and technology. A crucial skill of a facilities manager is not only to monitor the safety and security of everyone in the building, but to proactively be aware of any dangers that can threaten that safety and security. They should be well-versed in emergency response plans that can be followed in the event of a crisis.
4. Awareness of Sustainability
Minimizing a company’s environmental impact is what sustainability is all about. It often falls on the shoulders of facilities managers to find ways to reduce waste and consumption of natural resources, supporting the sustainability of the workplace. They can do that by:
- Assessing the energy efficiency of all equipment
- Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones
- Upgrading lighting to incorporate motion sensors
- Updating insulation for more efficient heating and cooling performance
- Avoiding the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cleaning products, paint, and chemicals
- Hiring eco-friendly contractors
- Encouraging recycling throughout the facility
- Conducting sustainability training for all staff
5. Team Management
The ability to effectively lead staff members is also key, from maintenance workers to the cleaning crew to security teams. Part of this responsibility is to:
- Create and adhere to weekly schedules
- Delegate jobs
- Promote unity
- Mediate and resolve conflicts
Managers should be focused on growth and development, devoting resources to training their staff while providing professional development to improve skill and safety. Areas for professional development they should focus on include:
- Sustainability
- Use of technology and software programs
- Lockdown procedures
- Mechanical skills
- Electrical safety
- Crisis management
- Social and emotional awareness
6. Navigate Technology
Facilities managers need to stay on top of the latest trends and developments in technology, with intimate knowledge of how to navigate advanced HVAC equipment, smart security systems, and smart building technologies. From employee experience apps to electronic filing systems to wearable technology, facilities managers should have a strong grasp of software and information systems so they can better train staff.
7. Time Management
In order to maintain a functional office or building, facilities managers have to budget their time well and the time of others. Organizing multiple projects and teams requires good time management skills. From creating schedules for staff shifts to posting daily duties and responsibilities, facilities managers need to be able to prioritize tasks.
Related to that is the ability to have patience and understanding, which can:
- Foster better relationships and rapport.
- Set a positive example.
- Improve active listening and effective communication.
- Reduce workplace stress while increasing productivity.
- Increase approachability.
All of these qualities are vital to find in a facilities manager, and we’re here to help with that.
Contact Tumi Hospitality Today
In need of a fully vetted facilities manager for your hotel, restaurant, or other hospitality business? Tumi Hospitality can connect you with the ideal candidates so you can make the best decision. To learn more, call us at (512) 722-6000 or request staff online.