When people think about veterans moving into facilities management, operational, security, or technical roles often come to mind. A move from military leadership into Employee Relations may seem less obvious, but it highlights the breadth of opportunities that exist within the sector. We spoke with Mark Reay, ER Manager, about his journey from the British Army into Employee Relations and the lessons he has learnt along the way.
After 24 years of service in the British Army, I transitioned into civilian employment and eventually found my place within facilities management in a role that many people might not immediately associate with a military background.
Throughout my military career, I led teams in challenging environments across the UK and overseas. Success often depended on effective planning, clear communication, teamwork and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. No two days were ever the same, but one constant remained throughout my service: people.
While operational delivery was always important, the aspect of military life I found most rewarding was supporting and developing others. Whether helping individuals overcome challenges, mentoring future leaders or building high-performing teams, I took great pride in seeing people grow in confidence and achieve more than they thought possible.
As my military career progressed, I increasingly found myself drawn towards the people side of leadership. Looking back, that interest ultimately shaped the direction of my civilian career.
Navigating the transition to civilian Life
Like many veterans, leaving the Armed Forces was both exciting and daunting. The military provides a highly structured environment with a strong sense of purpose, identity and belonging. Transitioning into civilian employment meant stepping into an unfamiliar world and learning a new language of business, industries and professions.
One of the biggest challenges was understanding how my military experience translated into civilian careers. Veterans often possess a wealth of transferable skills, but articulating those skills in a way that employers understand can be difficult. Leadership, resilience and decision-making may be second nature to those leaving the military, but they are often described differently in the civilian workplace.
Discovering a career in facilities management
I did not set out with a specific ambition to work in facilities management. Instead, I was looking for an industry where people, leadership and problem-solving were valued. What I discovered was an industry that offered all those things and more.
My first impressions of facilities management were shaped by the sheer scale and complexity of the sector. Many people outside the industry are unaware of the breadth of services delivered every day to keep organisations operating effectively. Behind the scenes, facilities management brings together people, processes and services to create environments where others can perform at their best.
What surprised me most was how many similarities existed between military life and facilities management. Both rely heavily on teamwork, adaptability, communication and strong leadership. Both require people to work together towards shared objectives, often in fast-moving environments where priorities can change quickly.
Building a career in Employee Relations
My career eventually led me into Human Resources and Employee Relations, where I now work as an Employee Relations Manager leading a team of Employee Relations specialists. Our role is to support managers and colleagues across the business, helping them navigate complex workplace situations, resolve challenges and create positive outcomes for both individuals and the organisation.
A key part of our work involves identifying potential employment law risks at an early stage, providing pragmatic advice and guidance, and helping the business take proactive steps to mitigate those risks wherever possible. This requires balancing legal compliance, commercial considerations and colleague experience to achieve fair, consistent and sustainable outcomes.
How military skills transfer to Employee Relations
The connection between my military career and my current role is much stronger than I initially realised. The Army taught me how to remain calm under pressure, assess situations objectively, make informed decisions and communicate effectively in difficult circumstances. Those same skills are invaluable when supporting managers and colleagues through complex employee relations matters.
Military training also develops a structured approach to problem-solving. In the Army, you are taught to gather information, assess risks, consider options and implement solutions. In Employee Relations, the process is remarkably similar. While the challenges may be different, the underlying principles remain the same.
Another area where I see strong parallels is teamwork. Success in both the military and facilities management depends on people trusting one another, communicating openly and working towards a common goal. Individual performance matters, but the best outcomes are always achieved through collaboration.
Challenging misconceptions about veterans
One of the biggest misconceptions about military service is that it only prepares people for a narrow range of careers. My own experience has shown the opposite. The skills developed in the Armed Forces are highly transferable and can open doors to a wide variety of professions, including strategic and people-focused roles.
Facilities management is an excellent industry for veterans because it values many of the qualities that military service develops. Leadership, accountability, resilience, professionalism, adaptability and a strong work ethic are all characteristics that can make a significant contribution within the sector.
Since leaving the Army, I have continued to invest in my own professional development, achieving a First-Class Honours degree in Leadership and Management, becoming a Chartered Member of the CIPD and progressing into a leadership role within Employee Relations. Those achievements are important to me because they demonstrate that the transition from military service is not simply about finding another job; it is about building a meaningful and rewarding second career.
Advice for other service leavers
For anyone leaving the Armed Forces and feeling uncertain about their next career move, my advice would be simple: focus on the skills you have developed rather than the job titles you have held. Be open-minded about the opportunities available and do not underestimate the value you can bring to an organisation.
Looking back, I am proud of my military service and everything it taught me. Equally, I am proud of what I have achieved since transitioning into civilian life. Facilities management has allowed me to build a rewarding second career, continue developing as a leader and, most importantly, continue doing what I enjoyed most in the Army: helping people succeed.
If my journey demonstrates anything, it is that there is no single path for veterans entering facilities management. The industry offers opportunities far beyond what many people initially expect, and the skills developed through military service can create a strong foundation for success in a wide range of roles.
Find out more about transitioning from the military to facilities management here.