Operations Manager vs. Facilities Manager: What Are the Differences?

Operations managers and facilities managers both play an important role in keeping businesses running smoothly. If you’re interested in a career in management, understanding the similarities and differences between these two positions can help you decide which is the best fit for you. In this article, we discuss the duties of operations managers and facilities managers, compare and contrast the two positions and offer tips for choosing the right career path.

What is an Operations Manager?

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They oversee and coordinate the activities of employees to ensure that company goals are met efficiently and effectively. Operations Managers develop and implement policies and procedures to improve company productivity and efficiency. They also develop and monitor budgets to ensure that financial goals are met. In addition, Operations Managers typically oversee the hiring, training and performance management of employees.

What is a Facilities Manager?

Facilities Managers are responsible for the overall maintenance and upkeep of a company’s buildings and grounds. They develop and implement plans to ensure that the facility is running smoothly and efficiently. Facilities Managers oversee a team of maintenance workers who perform tasks such as repairs, painting, and landscaping. They also work with vendors to ensure that the facility has the necessary supplies and equipment. Facilities Managers develop budgets and track expenses to ensure that the facility is operating within its financial constraints. They also develop plans for long-term projects, such as renovations or new construction.

Operations Manager vs. Facilities Manager

Here are the main differences between an operations manager and a facilities manager.

Job Duties

Operations and facilities managers share some job duties, but each role has its own specific responsibilities as well. An operations manager oversees the daily functions of a business, making sure that all departments work efficiently together. They often work with teams to develop strategies for improvement and delegate tasks to team members. Facilities managers plan and oversee construction projects, such as building renovations or new building constructions. They also manage the maintenance and repair of existing buildings, ensuring that structures remain in good working order.

The main difference between the two roles is that operations managers focus on how a business functions internally, while facilities managers concentrate on the physical structure of a building. This means that operations managers typically perform desk jobs, while facilities managers are more likely to be involved in manual labor.

Job Requirements

Operations managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. However, some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Additionally, many operations managers have experience working in the area they will be managing, such as manufacturing, human resources or logistics. Some operations managers also pursue certifications through professional organizations, such as the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) or the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

Facilities managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or a related field. However, some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Facilities Management (MSFM). Additionally, many facilities managers have experience working in the area they will be managing, such as building maintenance, event planning or hospitality. Some facilities managers also pursue certifications through professional organizations, such as the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) or the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).

Work Environment

Facilities managers typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to different locations within their facilities. They often spend time on construction sites and in buildings where they can observe the progress of projects. Operations managers usually work in offices as well, but they may visit other departments or locations for meetings.

Both positions require a lot of physical activity, so it’s important that both professionals are physically fit. Facilities managers may need to lift heavy objects or climb stairs regularly. Operations managers may need to walk around their facilities to monitor operations and meet with employees.

Skills

Operations managers and facilities managers share some common skills, such as project management, budgeting and scheduling. They also both need to be able to effectively communicate with other members of their team, as well as with individuals in other departments who they may need to coordinate with.

However, there are some key differences in the skills that these two professionals use on the job. Operations managers typically need to have strong analytical skills, as they are often responsible for analyzing data to identify trends and make recommendations for improvements. They also need to be able to think strategically to develop long-term plans for their department or company.

Facilities managers, on the other hand, need to have strong problem-solving skills to address the various issues that can arise in a facility, such as maintenance problems, safety concerns and space issues. They also need to be familiar with building codes and regulations to ensure that the facility they are responsible for is in compliance.

Salary

Operations managers earn an average salary of $75,844 per year, while facilities managers earn an average salary of $76,074 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the manager has.