The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Senior Projects Assistant / Project Coordinator (Internal Promotion)
3-5 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Mastering end-to-end project lifecycle administration, demonstrating strong contractor management, taking ownership of complex workstreams, and informally mentoring junior staff.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering projects on time and budget with minimal supervision.
- Proactively identifying and resolving complex project issues.
- Successfully leading small initiatives or significant project workstreams.
- Demonstrating leadership potential through informal guidance and support to peers.
- 2
Assistant Project Manager (External Hire)
10-15 years total experienceSkills to master
- Proven experience managing small-to-medium projects (e.g., £50K-£500K) independently, including full budget and stakeholder management. Experience with formal team leadership is a big plus.
You're ready to move on when
- A portfolio of successfully delivered projects within the real estate/facilities sector.
- Strong references from previous employers highlighting leadership and problem-solving abilities.
- Clear understanding of project governance, risk management, and financial control.
- Demonstrable experience in managing and developing direct reports or project teams.
- 3
Facilities Manager (Transition)
10-15 years total experienceSkills to master
- Bringing a deep operational understanding of facilities, with a keen eye for how projects can improve day-to-day operations. You'll need to develop stronger project management methodologies if your background is purely operational.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record in managing complex facilities operations and maintenance.
- Strong understanding of building systems, services, and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and external contractors in an operational context.
- A clear desire to move into a more project-focused, strategic leadership role.