Hiring managers across the UK are facing a tough challenge: how to recruit facilities management staff in a market where demand is high and supply is limited. Whether you’re looking to hire facilities managers or build an entire FM team, the talent pool is tightening – and the competition is fierce.
Facilities management has evolved rapidly. Today’s FM professionals are expected to manage not just maintenance, but also sustainability targets, digital systems, compliance, workplace wellbeing, and long-term cost efficiency. This means employers are seeking highly skilled individuals at the same time as many experienced professionals are retiring, leaving a gap that’s difficult to fill.
So, how can hiring managers compete? Success depends on standing out as an employer of choice, creating compelling opportunities, and often partnering with a specialist facilities management recruitment agency that can give you the edge.
why its more difficult to hire facilities managers now
The facilities management job market in the UK is under pressure for three main reasons:
Increased complexity of roles – FM is now central to ESG strategies, smart building technology, and risk management.
An ageing workforce – Many senior FM professionals are approaching retirement, with fewer mid-career replacements ready.
Strong competition – Companies across real estate, healthcare, education, and corporate services are all looking to hire facilities managers, creating demand that outpaces supply.
Without a strategic approach, employers risk missing out on the best talent.
What Candidates Care About: How to Attract FM Professionals
In today’s competitive market, it’s not just about salary – it’s about the whole package. Too many employers fail to promote the benefits that make them a great place to work, leaving candidates unaware of what sets them apart.
When you’re looking to hire facilities manager professionals, make sure you’re emphasising:
Hybrid working options – flexibility is one of the most sought-after benefits, especially for mid- to senior-level FM roles.
Car allowance or travel benefits – practical perks that make day-to-day responsibilities more manageable.
Training and development budgets – access to qualifications, leadership programmes, or specialist FM certifications shows you invest in careers, not just roles.
- Structured career paths – show how someone can progress from FM roles into leadership, project management, or regional director positions.
Wellbeing initiatives – mental health support, wellness days, and employee assistance programmes add huge value.
Sustainability-focused projects – today’s FM professionals are proud to contribute to ESG goals; shout about the green initiatives your teams lead.
- Competitive packages – Salary plus benefits such as pensions, healthcare and bonuses. When job seekers google “facilities manager salary and benefits UK,” you want your offer to stand out.
Promoting these benefits in your job adverts, careers pages, and social channels not only helps you attract talent but also strengthens your employer brand.
building your employer brand to stand out
A strong employer brand is your most powerful recruitment tool. In such a competitive market, how you present your organisation can be the difference between a candidate accepting your offer or a competitor’s.
Consider these tactics:
- Share employee stories, testimonials and celebrate team success stories on your website and LinkedIn.
- Highlight the projects your FM team has delivered – especially those involving innovation, sustainability or impact.
- Create engaging content, such as “a day in the life” videos, that show candidates what it’s like to work with you.
- Showcase company events, charity activities and wellbeing initiatives to give candidates and insight into your culture.
Candidates research potential employers online before applying. Your digital footprint should make your company look like the place to be.
retaining facilities management staff
Attracting talent is only half the equation. To reduce churn and protect your investment, you also need strategies to retain FM staff:
- Review salaries and benefits regularly to ensure competitiveness.
- Provide continuous training and career development opportunities.
- Create an environment where employees feel valued and recognised.
- Encourage innovation and input from FM teams, so they see their work has impact.
Retention not only improves stability but also strengthens your reputation in the FM job market, making it easier to attract new staff in the future.
Partnering with a Facilities Management Recruitment Agency
The challenge of the current facilities management job market is real, but it’s not insurmountable. Hiring managers who focus on building a strong employer brand, offering structured career paths, and promoting standout benefits like hybrid working, car allowances and training opportunities will position themselves ahead of the competition.
Working with a specialist facilities management recruitment agency like Boden Group can give you a crucial edge. We can bring market insight, access to active and passive candidates and support to showcase your employer brand, helping you hire faster and retain the best FM staff.
Don’t let top talent slip away. Register your FM vacancy with us today and start attracting the professionals your business needs.