Building manager

1 Introduction
2 Differences between building managers and property managers
3 Differences between building managers and facility managers
4 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[edit] Introduction

Unlike facilities management, which is described by ISO 41001:2018, the role of a building manager is not clearly outlined, but generally, they are in charge of aspects of a building.

They may serve as client representatives and may have responsibilities that overlap with property managers and facilities managers. In some instances, building managers act as site managers, project managers or construction managers, but more often, they are responsible for post-construction activities around the management of a property or properties.

The building manager job description, roles, responsibilities and duties vary with the type of building overseen, but may include:

Maintaining a safe environment with proper lighting, signage and accessibility.
Drafting and updating emergency plans and evacuation procedures.
Overseeing security, fire prevention and other safety systems.
Scheduling regular building maintenance and operational services.
Contracting professionals for repairs as needed.
Ensuring that occupants are provided with proper utilities.
Monitoring building maintenance budgets.
Arranging for building improvements.
Overseeing contractors and inspecting completed works.
Supervising grounds staff.
Providing training for building employees as needed.
Evaluating employee performance and providing direction, correction, or additional training to ensure proper maintenance of the building.
Scheduling works.
Resolving complaints, problems, and requests from occupants.
Assisting with emergency response and evacuations.
Maintaining records of occupants.
Inspecting the building frequently for signs of damage or wear.

[edit] Differences between building managers and property managers

Generally speaking, building management will fall under property management services. Building managers are responsible for the space itself - the physical building shell and rented offices - and are charged with maintenance to ensure it retains its value.

In some instances, building managers may share maintenance responsibilities with property managers. These include tasks such as repairing roof leaks, rotting timbers, cracking and other movement, mould and other problems which, if left unattended, can result in costly repairs.

However, property managers may be less involved with the maintenance and management of the physical building and more involved with business aspects. This may include responsibilities associated with securing tenants, creating occupant satisfaction surveys and maintaining tenant retention levels along with financial aspects and other general administrative activities.

For more information see: Property management.

[edit] Differences between building managers and facility managers

The lines between building, property and facility management are frequently blurred. Building and property managers may be responsible for multiple buildings and numerous clients, while a facility manager may be responsible for a portfolio of buildings, but will only work for one organisation.

In some instances (particularly in the United States), building managers and facility managers have very similar responsibilities. Both are charged with processes to maintain and develop services which support and improve the effectiveness of an organisation's activities.

What differentiates the roles is that building managers tend to work for an external company (often a corporate real estate firm or property management company) that owns the building, whereas facility managers are frequently employed by the organisation that owns, operates and occupies the building (or buildings).

Both managers protect the building owner’s financial investment in the building, just in slightly different ways. Facility managers tend to be more involved with the people using a facility and the work being conducted there. They are charged with making a facility a better and more productive place. Building managers typically represent the owners’ interests. Their work generally helps to generate revenue for the building owner. Building managers act to maintain positive relationships with tenants or other occupants on behalf of their employers, but their ultimate responsibility is the building itself, and not occupant's distinct facility-related requirements.