83 Questions to Ask a Facility Manager

A facility manager is a professional who coordinates the physical workplace with the people and work of an organization. They are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of office buildings, airports, hotels, and other businesses.

Essentially, they ensure that the workplace is a comfortable and productive environment for employees. If you have ever wondered what it’s like to be a facility manager, here are questions that will give you some insight.

18 Questions to ask a facility manager about the facility:

1. What is the name of the company you work for?
2. How many floors does the building have?
3. How many tenants are there in the building?
4. What is the square footage of the building?
5. When was the building built?
6. Who is the main contact for the building?
7. What are the hours of operation for the building?
8. Who has access to the building after hours?
9. Is there a security guard on duty after hours?
10. What is the address of the building?
11. What is the phone number of the building?
12. Is there a website for the building?
13. What amenities does the facility offer?
14. Does the facility have a restaurant or bar?
15. Does the facility have a swimming pool?
16. Does the facility offer wellness services?
17. Does the facility offer meeting rooms or event space?
18. What type of transportation is available to guests?

65 Questions to ask a facility manager:

1. How long have you been a facility manager?
2. What made you decide to become a facility manager?
3. What type of facilities have you managed in the past?
4. What does a typical day look like for you?
5. What are your hours of operation?
6. How do you handle after-hours emergencies?
7. What are your main responsibilities?
8. What do you like most about your job?
9. What do you find most difficult about your job?
10. What challenges do you face in your role?
11. What do you think are the most important aspects of managing a facility?
12. How do you stay organized and keep track of things?
13. How do you handle stress and keep a positive attitude?
14. What is the scope of your authority in managing the facility?
15. How do you plan and implement changes in the facility?
16. Are you familiar with all local, state, and federal laws that relate to facility management?
17. How do you manage the day-to-day operations of a facility?
18. What type of emergency response training have you received?
19. What should people do in the event of an emergency in the building?
20. How do you ensure safety throughout the facility?
21. How do you handle difficult customer inquiries or complaints?
22. Can you tell me about a situation where you had to go above and beyond to solve a problem?
23. What is the chain of command for staff members?
24. How do you handle conflicts with other departments or staff members?
25. What is your approach to customer service?
26. What is your philosophy regarding customer service when it comes to the tenants or residents of the facility?
27. Do you offer loyalty programs or rewards for frequent users of the facility?
28. What is your approach to facility management?
29. How do you think your management style differs from other facility managers?
30. What systems do you have in place to manage the facility?
31. What are your policies for handling repair and maintenance issues?
32. How do you handle maintenance and repair requests?
33. How do you handle the cleaning and janitorial services?
34. How do you handle security for the facility?
35. How do you handle event planning and coordination?
36. How do you monitor and control access to a facility?
37. How do you monitor and evaluate employee performance?
38. How do you handle space planning and layout issues?
39. What are your policies for planning and managing events?
40. What are your policies regarding marketing and promotion of the facility?
41. What are your policies for after-hours use of the facility?
42. What are your policies for space utilization and allocation?
43. What is your policy on environmental sustainability?
44. What is your policy on compliance with regulations?
45. What is your experience in dealing with government agencies or regulatory bodies?
46. Do you have experience with green or sustainable building practices?
47. How do you handle budgeting and financial planning for the facility?
48. What role does preventive maintenance play in your facility management strategy?
49. What are your thoughts on energy efficiency in facilities?
50. What role do you think communication plays in effective facility management?
51. What are your thoughts on the role of technology in managing a facility?
52. Can you tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision affecting the budget?
53. How do you find vendors and contractors for building maintenance and repair?
54. Can you describe the process of coordinating repairs or construction projects?
55. How do you keep up with changes in the industry?
56. Have you ever encountered problems with the facilities you manage? If so, how did you resolve them?
57. Do you have any tips on how to effectively manage a facility?
58. Are there any areas in the facility that you are particularly proud of?
59. Do you have any energy-saving tips for building occupants?
60. Are there any major renovations or repairs that need to be made to the facility?
61. How do you plan to handle growth or decline in the use of the facility?
62. What are your policies for dealing with disruptive or unruly behavior at the facility?
63. What are your plans for the long-term management and development of the facility?
64. What are your plans for the future of the facility?
65. What advice would you give to someone new to facility management?

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A good facility manager can keep the property and its occupants safe, organized, and in compliance with regulations. They must be able to multitask and be knowledgeable in many different areas, from janitorial services to security. A good facility manager is also able to keep the building running smoothly and efficiently, oversee repairs, create budgets for supplies, and manage staff.