I dedicated almost six years to my facility manager role, showing up every day with commitment, pride, and a genuine sense of responsibility to my team, our suppliers, and the client. When our IFM contract transitioned to CBRE, I was told by the client that I would definitely be retained by CBRE - I believed my experience and proven performance would speak for itself. I truly expected to continue in the role I had worked so hard to build.
Instead, the process felt deeply disheartening. CBRE came to the interview with a big box of donuts and proceed to give a “sales pitch”. During my interview, he stated he didn’t have my résumé (yet he had those of the male technicians), he asked questions that had nothing to do with the work I had been successfully performing for years, and he offered no real explanation of what they were looking for; even though I asked.
Despite my track record, my 24/7 availability, and the strong relationships I had built, I was told they had decided to outsource my position to a — male candidate — at the very last minute. I later learned that several other experienced female facility managers from nearby sites were also told they were “not qualified” for the very jobs they had been excelling in for years.
I am proud to work in an industry that should value skill, dedication, and integrity. But this experience with CBRE left me questioning how fairly and consistently employees — especially women — were evaluated during this transition. People deserve honesty, respect, and a transparent process when their careers are on the line.
