PPM

Term from Facilities Management industry explained for recruiters

PPM (Planned Preventive Maintenance) is a systematic approach to building and equipment maintenance. Think of it like a regular health check-up schedule for buildings and their systems. Instead of waiting for things to break down, maintenance teams plan regular inspections and repairs. This helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, saves money in the long run, and keeps buildings running smoothly. You might also hear it called "Preventative Maintenance" or "Scheduled Maintenance." It's a crucial part of modern facility management that helps extend equipment life and ensures safety compliance.

Examples in Resumes

Developed and implemented PPM schedules for a 50-story commercial building

Managed a team of 15 technicians executing PPM programs across multiple sites

Reduced emergency repairs by 40% through implementation of comprehensive PPM systems

Streamlined Planned Preventive Maintenance processes resulting in 25% cost savings

Typical job title: "Maintenance Managers"

Also try searching for:

Facilities Manager Maintenance Supervisor Building Services Manager Property Maintenance Manager Operations Manager Technical Services Manager Engineering Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop and implement a PPM strategy for a large commercial building?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover creating maintenance schedules based on equipment needs, managing team resources, using maintenance software, budget planning, and measuring program effectiveness through KPIs like reduced breakdown rates.

Q: How do you prioritize PPM tasks when managing multiple properties with limited resources?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience in risk assessment, cost-benefit analysis, understanding of critical systems, and ability to balance preventive maintenance with reactive needs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What systems would you include in a basic PPM program and why?

Expected Answer: Should mention key building systems like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, and explain how regular maintenance prevents failures and ensures compliance with regulations.

Q: How do you track and document PPM activities?

Expected Answer: Should discuss maintenance management systems, record-keeping practices, work orders, and how to use maintenance data to improve programs.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is PPM and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that PPM is planned maintenance to prevent breakdowns, save costs, and extend equipment life, with basic understanding of maintenance schedules.

Q: What's the difference between reactive maintenance and PPM?

Expected Answer: Should explain that reactive maintenance fixes things after they break, while PPM prevents breakdowns through regular scheduled maintenance.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of building systems
  • Following maintenance schedules
  • Basic record keeping
  • Using maintenance software

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Creating maintenance schedules
  • Managing maintenance teams
  • Budget management
  • Vendor coordination

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic maintenance planning
  • Program development and optimization
  • Team leadership
  • Budget forecasting and control

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic building systems
  • Lack of experience with maintenance management software
  • Poor understanding of safety regulations
  • No experience managing maintenance schedules
  • Unable to explain the importance of preventive vs. reactive maintenance

Related Terms