Jade Caruana had 15 years of experience as Facilities Manager of a shopping mall when she decided it was time to 'future-proof' her career by gaining her BSc (Hons) Workplace and Facilities Management.
Recognising the rapid evolution of technology and sustainability in facilities management, Jade knew that staying ahead required more than experience - it required in-depth knowledge and a formal qualification.
“I’ve always been committed to professional growth, and after 15 years in the industry, I realised that to remain at the forefront of best practices, I needed to formalise my knowledge. The BSc (Hons) in Workplace and Facilities Management gave me the opportunity to deepen my expertise in strategic planning, sustainability, and advanced building management systems,” she said.
As a female graduate of this course in a male-dominated sector, we interviewed Jade about her experiences for International Women's Day which takes place on March 8th, 2025 with the theme #AccelerateAction.
At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.
Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
Facilities management (FM) is a career focused on ensuring that buildings, workplaces, and infrastructure function efficiently, safely, and sustainably. It involves maintaining services such as security, cleaning, maintenance, catering, and health and safety compliance. It can typically be seen as a male-dominated workforce, but more and more women are changing that.
FM professionals manage budgets, oversee contractors, and implement energy-efficient solutions to enhance operational efficiency. The role is vital in sectors like corporate offices, healthcare, education, and retail. It requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and strong organisational abilities to ensure that physical environments support the needs of businesses and occupants effectively.
There are many women who work in FM who are passionate about their roles, the diverse environment they work in and making a difference in sustainability and efficiency. Portobello Institute aims to highlight these women for International Women's Day 2025.
Breaking Barriers in Facilities Management
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Jade has navigated challenges throughout her career, from establishing credibility to ensuring her authority is recognised.
"Early in my career, it was sometimes challenging to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field. I overcame this by consistently demonstrating my expertise and building strong relationships based on mutual respect. Now, I would say, my biggest challenge is balancing the demands of a high-pressure role with my personal life.
"In the past, I've encountered situations where contractors or suppliers would struggle to take my command or direction, often defaulting to addressing a male colleague instead. I've learned to address this directly but professionally, re-asserting my role and expertise to ensure that my authority is recognised," she said.
How Can Companies Support Women in FM?
Jade believes that increasing female representation in facilities management starts with awareness, mentorship, and workplace inclusivity.
"We need to promote facilities management as a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career option for women, starting at the school level.
"We also need to create more inclusive workplaces where women feel valued, respected, and supported. This means addressing unconscious bias, providing equal opportunities for advancement, and offering flexible work arrangements that allow women to balance their work and personal lives.
"Organisations need to be proactive in identifying and developing female leaders. This means providing them with leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to strategic decision-making. They also need to challenge traditional stereotypes and create a culture where women feel empowered to lead.
"My experience as Facilities Manager at the shopping mall has been incredibly rewarding. I'm passionate about creating a safe, comfortable, and sustainable environment for our shoppers and tenants. I believe that facilities management is a critical function that plays a vital role in the success of any organisation. And I'm excited to see what the future holds for our profession," she said.
For women considering a career in facilities management, Jade’s advice is simple:
“Don't be intimidated by the fact that it's still a male-dominated field. Focus on building your technical skills, developing your leadership abilities, and networking with other professionals. Find mentors who can support you and advocate for you. And never be afraid to speak up and share your ideas," she said.
The Future of Facilities Management
Jade sees the facilities management industry evolving towards a more data-driven, technology-focused future, with sustainability at its core.
"I see facilities management becoming even more data-driven and technology-focused. We'll need to be experts in using data analytics to optimise building performance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the occupant experience. Sustainability will also be a major driver, with facilities managers playing a key role in achieving net-zero emissions and promoting circular economy principles. The focus will be on creating smart, sustainable, and people-centric environments," she said.
Jade paints a hopeful picture for the future of women in FM, with mentoring, support systems, leadership opportunities, more women may find their way into facilities management roles.
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