A common theme in conversations with our team members who work in facilities management is that every day is different.  

Senior Project Manager Jeremy Davis is one great example of that.

In his role leading Project Delivery on our City of Sydney Local Government contract in NSW, Jeremy says that whilst there are some tasks that are common from day to day, each shift throws up different challenges. 

“Most days will revolve around me working with the team to address their needs whilst also balancing client needs, contractor communications, site meetings, scoping projects and reporting on completed works,” Jeremy notes. “Then you have days where I apply the mantra of ‘when it’s on, it’s on’.”

“This could be due to a storm event that we have to respond to across the building portfolio, or if we’re delivering a large project with critical deadlines. On those days, our hours aren’t exactly 9-5.”

Jeremy says though, that whilst some days might require longer hours, you can have flexibility in a role like his if you manage your time efficiently. 

Building a career

Jeremy’s career began straight out of school when he followed in the footsteps of several of his family members and got into the building and construction industry.

“I was always interested in the industry from a very young age,” Jeremy says. “After leaving school in 2003, I completed an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery and worked my way up to being a foreman on commercial and domestic construction sites.”

Running his own small building business had its own challenges, so when he spotted a job add for a carpentry role with Ventia he decided to apply. 

“Thanks to Ventia I was introduced to the world of FM and I haven’t looked back,” Jeremy says.

“When I was running my business I did construction management training to gain my builder’s licence, which formalised the basis of my trade knowledge mixed in with on-the-job project management experience,” he says. “Then when I joined Ventia, I completed a Certificate 4 in Project Management, which really brought it all together and support my career in the FM industry.”

The facility management industry isn’t one that everyone knows a lot about, Jeremy says, or they may not realise the breadth of services that are supported through it. 

Being proactive is key to good facilities management.

“Managing budgets and forecasts are an essential part of a good FM program which can allow planning and forecasting future needs of each facility and its needs to remain operational.”

A unique perspective on our built environment

One of the highlights of Jeremy’s role centers on the types of facilities he gets to work in and around.

“The best part of being in the FM industry for me in my current role is to work behind the scenes of some of the country’s most significant and historical buildings here in Sydney,” he enthuses.

Jeremy is a proud custodian of some of Sydney’s most iconic heritage buildings.

“I’m lucky enough to work in some amazing buildings that most people would never have access too, like Sydney Town Hall and Customs House. The portfolio also includes a number of heritage listed buildings, which adds to the complexity. To me this creates an exciting and proud place to work.”

With a portfolio that includes the oldest operational lift in a commercial building through to state-of-the-art library facilities, no doubt Jeremy will continue to learn about and be excited about the facilities he and the team manage. 

If you’re interested in a role in facilities management, or want to know more, check out our job listings below.