Grant Sommerfeld MBA, CMC, CFM, CEFP, MRICS

I am passionate about facilities management and the transformative opportunities presented by technology, digitisation, artificial intelligence, and data management in this once-staid function. Technology coupled with a new workforce that expects to be engaged, empowered, and led but not managed creates a tremendous opportunity for fundamental change.  It’s an exciting time to be a leader and agent of change in facilities management.
 
I’ve served as the most senior facilities management officer in three complex organisations since 2005. I have led departments with 750 employees, managed annual operating budgets of $41.5M, and delivered oversight to $250M of capital construction projects since 2014.  I also spent twelve years as a management consultant bringing disruptive change to organisations facing significant operational challenges.  In fact, it was a consulting engagement that first brought me to Facilities management in 2005.  I use my management consulting and facilities management experience to make transformative changes in the facilities management function.
 
I’m interested in supporting the facilities management function and putting into practice the things I’ve learned over the years, my belief in the transformative power of technology, and my unshakeable belief that team member engagement and empowerment are the only sustainable path to continuous improvement. The opportunities are there waiting to be exploited.
 
Born and raised on a farm in Saskatchewan, I have a Bachelor of Commerce and MBA from the University of Saskatchewan. I’m a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), a Certified Facility Manager (IFMA), a Certified Educational Facilities Professional (APPA), and a Chartered Facilities Management Surveyor (RICS). I’ve studied executive leadership, strategy, strategic execution, and operations management with Cornell University, INSEAD, HEC Paris, and the London School of Economics.

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Facilities Management

Facilities management portfolios face cost pressures as organisations move to reduce leased space and make maximum use of owned holdings all the while cutting operations and maintenance budgets. Meanwhile, there are new requirements to meet sustainability targets and effectively implement smart technologies. The need for training, improved IT proficiency, and strategic asset management plans anchored with accurate life cycle costing capability are priorities.  Now, more than ever facilities management must deliver modern and effective services from the most efficient property asset base possible.

How do you make sure that the way you manage your operation will deliver this, year on year?  The answer is to embed effective facilities management across the organisation. The demands on the profession have never been higher.
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RICS Public Sector Asset Management

IFMA Framework for Lifecycle Cost

RICS Public Sector Roundtable

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