National Careers Week: Top tips for a varied and fulfilling career in FM
Careers Week encourages people of all ages to explore different career pathways. To mark the occasion, we have spoken to Harley Hart, Associate Director and Tony Whitehorn, Director in the Property Management, Facilities Management team at Savills.
Read their top tips for a varied and fulfilling career in facilities management below.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Facilities Management?
HH: I joined Savills in 2018 as a Reception Supervisor and felt positive about the progression opportunities a career in facilities management could offer.
TW: As a young Security Officer at a small scheme, I was mentored by an Operations Manager nearing retirement, where we all took on different roles. Intrigued by the workings of a shopping centre, I explored technical operations, health and safety, and other aspects of centre management without a predefined career path in mind.
What roles have you had between your first and current position?
HH: I was given the opportunity to progress and develop in a new administrator role for the Regional Facilities Management network. Although this was a great opportunity, I missed the human connection of the front of house service and took on a role as an Operations Manager within the Front of House Team, where I was responsible for overseeing reception service delivery across a number of properties in London. Since then, I have progressed to my current position of Associate Director.
TW: My first exposure to the world of facilities management and shopping centre operations was as a Technical Services Supervisor. I spent a number of years learning the craft. I wanted to see where my skills could take me, so I applied for an Operations Manager role. I spent fantastic years learning and enjoying the combination of retail and residential. I was then very fortunate to take part in an Operations Manager exchange at Stratford Shopping Centre in East London. This was eye opening - a totally different environment to work in, with different pressures and ways of managing. I returned to my position with fresh ideas, and once the role was vacant at Stratford, my family and I decided to up sticks and move.
A number of years later, I was delighted to become the Centre Manager and then applied for the Retail Operations Manager role. Leaving Centre Management was dauting and a huge leap of faith, but I am glad I did it. I have grown my role in the past six years and expanded the remit and team and am taking on new exciting instructions. Every day is different - there is always something cooking!
Describe a career highlight
HH: A real highlight for me has to be my recent promotion to Associate Director. I cried when I received the news and I felt so grateful that my hard work was being recognised!
TW: I have several, but one that stands out is the work we undertook during Covid, mobilising shopping nine shopping centres in a short period of time was a massive project and being a part of it was truly special. Additionally, my promotion to Director is probably the pinnacle.
What skills / attributes do you think helped get you to your current position?
HH: Good communication, networking, strong people management, but most of all a desire to learn and a willingness to put my all into every opportunity.
TW: People skills. I think being able to communicate, empathise and lead have been paramount to getting me where I am today. In facilities management you have to be agile, no two days will be the same.
What advice would you give to someone looking to explore a career in Facilities Management?
HH: There are so many different roles and avenues within Facilities Management. Explore these to understand how your personal interests interact with the roles. If you’re interested in using your leadership and organisational skills to help create safe and comfortable work environments, you might consider a career in facilities management.
Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to learn from others; they can offer invaluable insights and guidance. But most importantly, a career in facilities management really does give you the opportunity to progress if you are eager to learn.
TW: Go for it! Don’t pigeonhole yourself. You will be amazed by what you can do if you show interest or desire. The information you absorb, even if you are not aware of it, is remarkable. Also, network! Speak to your colleagues, be inquisitive, and ask questions.
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