Manager of Facility

General role description

Facility Managers oversee the operations, safety, and maintenance of research and technical facilities. They ensure that laboratory spaces, specialised equipment, utilities, and building services are functional, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards.

Facility Managers work closely with researchers, students, technicians, and contractors to support research and teaching activities, often acting as the main point of contact for building or infrastructure-related matters.

This role suits professionals with a background in facilities management, engineering services, or technical operations who are confident working in complex environments with high safety and compliance requirements

Key responsibilities

  • Manage day-to-day operations of research or technical facilities, ensuring equipment and spaces are functional and safe
  • Coordinate preventative maintenance, repairs, and response to breakdowns or urgent issues
  • Liaise with contractors and internal service teams to schedule work and monitor performance
  • Oversee compliance with workplace health and safety (WHS), hazardous materials regulations, and facility risk management
  • Monitor and maintain infrastructure systems, asset registers, and facility management databases
  • Support researchers, students, and staff by ensuring the facility meets operational and project needs
  • Contribute to budgeting, service delivery planning, and long-term facility upgrades or refurbishment projects
  • Provide supervision or mentoring to junior staff where applicable.

Workplace settings

  • Universities and Medical Research Institutes

Required qualifications

  • A degree or diploma in facilities management, engineering, building services, or a related field.

Other notable requirements

Managers of Facility often need:

  • Experience managing the operations of laboratories or complex research facilities
  • Strong understanding of WHS, risk management, and regulatory requirements in technical environments
  • Excellent coordination, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Familiarity with asset management systems and building maintenance scheduling
  • Ability to manage service contracts, supervise contractors, and respond to urgent facility needs
  • 3–5+ years of experience in facilities, technical operations, or infrastructure roles.

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