If you own or rent a building, you’ll want a functional, safe, clean and productive environment for occupants. A facilities manager will support you to do just that.
Facilities managers are responsible for the efficient operational control of buildings and other facilities. They have a large number and wide range of responsibilities, including coordinating maintenance and repairs of the built environment (buildings and grounds, infrastructure, security and real estate). Facilities managers also have great supplier contacts and know how to manage multi-disciplinary teams of providers.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a facilities manager, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great facilities manager?
Choosing the right facilities management company can give you peace of mind by ensuring your facilities and surrounds are safe and well maintained and that your investment is protected.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a facilities manager.
- Proper qualifications. You’ll want a facilities manager who is properly qualified, licensed and insured to do the job, and do it well. Check out credentials and qualifications on facilities management company websites or call them to discuss their offering and points of difference.
- Number of properties. Some facilities management operators are bigger than others and some look after a high-volume of facilities. Ask how many facilities the company manages and how many staff they have on board to back up their service, so you don’t get locked in to inefficient or unresponsive service.
- Expertise and experience. In addition to formal qualifications, you’ll want to be confident that your facilities manager has depth of experience, especially important given the breadth of their responsibilities and the complexities of managing facilities.
- Value for money. You’ll not only want a facilities management company that itself offers value-for-money, you’ll want one who will ensure value-for-money by spending your funds wisely and ensuring any suppliers or contractors required are sourced competitively and fairly.
- Quality service. Ask your facilities management company what procedures and processes they have in place for providing quality and responsive service. Also ask about their response and turnaround times so you know what you can reasonably expect.
The best facilities managers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Civium Facilities Management
Civium Facilities Management was founded to fill a gap in the market between property services and building and facilities management. Civium’s extensive industry experience enables its facilities management experts to advise and provide guidance on major projects, maintenance tasks and compliance requirements.
Facilities management duties include asset management, routine building inspections, risk assessments, and compliance management of essential services and safety management. Also, project management of major capital works.
Civium's onsite building managers work so daily systems and processes run smoothly and matters that arise are responded to promptly. Responsibilities include communicating with strata managers and executive committees, managing security, maintaining maintenance schedules, preparing building management reports, and documenting property walkarounds.
With concierge services, Civium goes a step further, ensuring that staff is trained to proactively handle most inquiries in-house. Concierge staff is a resource clients rely on to answer many routine questions on the spot and perform everyday duties without a hitch.
Civium is Australian owned and operated. The team strives for perfection and aims for continuous improvement and quality control to instil confidence in clients.
Stephen Trewartha wrote on Google, “The service I have received from Civium has always been timely and detailed. Responses have always been polite and helpful in answering my queries.”
Laing+Simmons Facilities Management
Laing+Simmons Facilities Management provides a full suite of facility management solutions, whether at a single site or over multiple locations. Services include general building maintenance, building equipment maintenance, garden maintenance, building asset registers, security systems, building condition reports, contract management and other building support services. Facilities managers ensure the efficient operation of properties.
Simon McGuire wrote on Google, “The personalised service is outstanding and the property management team goes beyond expectations every time.”
Ultimate Facility Services
Ultimate Facility Services has more than 20 years’ experience as a specialist provider of facility management services in the commercial, corporate, medical, educational and government sectors. Specific services including quality, reliable and affordable cleaning, painting and specialist maintenance services. The large team of committed professionals at Ultimate Facility Services is highly trained in the latest technologies and products.
On Google, Christabel Noronha wrote, “Excellent customer service and the job is outstanding.”
Vantage Strata
The team at award-winning Vantage Strata provides the full range of strata, facilities and building management services.
Vantage Strata believes facilities and maintenance management is the seamless provision of amenity and compliance to the built environment for the enjoyment and use of people, culture and commerce. The company’s facilities and maintenance team include technical specialists with a wealth of experience.
For two consecutive years, Vantage Strata has won the Strata Community Management Business Awards by the Strata Community Association ACT. That’s three times in Canberra during its five years in business.
Braedan Kidd wrote on Google, “Vantage is by far the best. Phone calls are answered, account queries dealt with and buildings well maintained.”
Grady Strata
Grady Strata provide comprehensive facilities management services for residential and mixed-residential complexes. The facilities managers in Grady Strata’s specialist facilities division ensure the smooth operation of plant, equipment and common property. They undertake a full range of services—from the daily operation of a building through to long-term strategic asset planning and cost savings.
On Google, Ashleigh Maree wrote, “Grady’s is the most responsive, helpful and kind strata managers (and receptionist). Ten out of ten every time.”
Pacific Facilities Group
Pacific Facilities Group has more than 10 years’ experience in facilities management for residential and commercial buildings, large and small. A full-service company, Pacific Facilities Group ensures buildings are maintained to the highest standard. Services include security, general repairs and maintenance, waste management, cleaning, gardening, and building report and meetings.
David Griffin wrote on Google, “Highly professional and efficient service. The team at Pacific FM provides a tailored service to suit your business. Highly recommended.”
If you’re looking for more information on other property management services, you might like our articles on the best strata managers, best property managers and strata insurance brokers Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with facilities managers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the facilities managers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do facilities managers provide?
Facilities managers provide a large number and wide range of services that help a business or organisation do its work. This includes coordinating maintenance and repairs of the built environment (buildings and grounds, infrastructure, security and real estate). It typically also includes overseeing contracts for service providers, supervising teams of cleaners, maintenance personnel, grounds personnel and security staff. Facilities managers also ensure government regulations and environmental, health and security standards are met.
What makes a great facilities manager?
In addition to technical skills and expertise, a facilities manager should be proactive in providing advice to help you save money and get value-for-money. They should also be a good listener and communicator. This enables them to understand your needs and be proactive in keeping you up-to-date on all you need to know about the management of your facility.
How do I choose a facilities manager?
Do your research. Check out facilities management company websites to see if they present professionally. Look for sound experience, expertise and qualifications. Interview a few facilities managers and ask about the efficiency measures they have in place and ask them to describe how they are forward thinking and innovative. You can also check online reviews to see what others say.
Should our complex have a facilities management agreement?
Definitely and the agreement should be detailed, clear and outline what your facilities manager will do, how much their fees are and how they’ll be paid. The agreement should cover service levels, such as business operating hours and how the facilities manager will handle out-of-hours emergencies. It should also specify if additional fees will be charged and, if so, for what.
Things fall through the cracks with our facilities manager. How should we handle?
Organisation, time management, prioritising and the ability to handle a complex and varied workload are all key skills your facilities management company should have. If things are falling through the cracks, review your facilities management agreement and then talk and/or write to your facilities management outlining all concerns and seeking a resolution for each. Don’t let things drag. If you continue to be unhappy, it could be time to change facilities management companies.