Client Side Vs. FM Service Providers: A UK Career Guide For Facilities Managers

When considering a career in Facilities Management (FM), professionals often face a pivotal choice: should they work client side or for a FM service provider? Both paths offer unique opportunities and challenges for Facilities Managers, and understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed career decision.

At Boden Group, a leading FM recruitment agency in the UK, we specialise in connecting talented FM professionals with the right roles, whether that’s directly with an end-user client or with a service provider. Our dedicated Client Side division, headed by Michael Bleasby, has an in-depth understanding of the nuances of each sector, enabling us to guide candidates towards their ideal career trajectory.

So, what exactly are the key differences?

Client Side FM: The Strategic Heart of an Organisation

As a Facilities Manager, working client-side means you are directly employed by the organisation that owns or occupies the buildings you manage. Your focus is entirely on supporting the core business objectives of that company.

Strategic Focus: Client-side roles are often more strategically oriented. You’re deeply embedded within the organisation, allowing you to align FM strategies directly with business goals. This involves long-term planning, budget management, and ensuring the built environment actively supports the company’s mission. You become an integral part of delivering results that directly impact the organisation’s success.
Deep Organisational Knowledge: You gain an intimate understanding of the company culture, its operational intricacies, and its specific needs. This allows for a more tailored and nuanced approach to facilities management, ensuring that solutions are truly fit for purpose.
Direct Impact and Ownership: There’s a strong sense of ownership and direct impact. When you implement a new process or manage a major project, you see the immediate benefits within your own organisation. This can be incredibly rewarding.
Collaborative Environment (Internal): Collaboration is primarily internal, working closely with various departments like HR, IT, finance, and operations to ensure seamless delivery of services. This fostering of internal relationships is key to being truly organised and process-driven.
Broader Scope (Often): While FM service providers often specialise, client-side roles can encompass a broader range of responsibilities, from space planning and sustainability initiatives to health and safety compliance and project management. You’re often a solutions-orientated central point for all things related to the physical environment.

FM Service Providers: The Dynamic Experts

FM service providers, on the other hand, are external companies that offer a range of facilities management services to multiple clients. This can include anything from cleaning and security to maintenance and integrated FM solutions.

Diverse Portfolio and Exposure: One of the biggest advantages is the exposure to a diverse range of clients, industries, and property types. This offers a broad learning experience and the opportunity to develop expertise across various sectors.
Fast-Paced and Dynamic: Working for a service provider is often fast-paced. You’re constantly engaging with new challenges, adapting to different client requirements, and working within tight deadlines. This environment fosters a highly reactive and solutions-orientated approach.
Specialised Expertise: Many service providers excel in specific areas of FM, allowing you to develop deep expertise in a particular service line, such as mechanical and electrical, catering, or security.
Commercial Acumen: There’s a strong emphasis on commercial awareness, client relationship management, and business development. You’ll be keenly aware of service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs), constantly striving to deliver value and secure contract renewals.
Collaborative Environment (External): Collaboration extends externally to multiple client stakeholders, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills to manage expectations and deliver according to contractual agreements. Being highly organised and process-driven is essential to juggle multiple clients effectively.

How Facilities Managers Can Make the Right Choice

"The choice between client-side and service provider roles often boils down to an individual's career aspirations and personal working style. If you thrive on deep dives into one organisation, strategic influence and a strong sense of ownership over a single portfolio, then client-side could be your perfect fit. However, if you enjoy variety, a fast-paced environment, and the opportunity to work with diverse clients and develop specialised expertise, then a service provider might be more appealing. Both paths offer fantastic opportunities for career progression in the dynamic world of Facilities Management."

Michael Bleasby, Divisional Manager of Boden Group's Client Side division

At Boden Group, we leverage our considerable knowledge of the FM sector to help brands and clients build their perfect internal facilities team, and equally, we assist service providers in finding top-tier talent. By understanding your unique skills, experience and career goals, we can guide you towards a role where you can truly excel and contribute to delivering results, no matter which side of the FM fence you choose.