When you think about real estate, what comes to mind? Fancy buildings, big deals, maybe the thrill of selling or buying property. But behind every well-run building is someone like Hamed Onatuga, Head of Department, Facility Management at Azid Properties Ltd. He’s the guy who keeps the lights on, the elevators working, and the tenants happy; all while leading a team and juggling a million small fires before breakfast.
Hamed Onatuga’s path through the real estate sector has been anything but routine. He’s got strong views on what makes a good leader, why curiosity matters, and how predictive tech is changing the game. Inside CareerBuddy sat down with Hamed to talk shop. Here’s the lowdown:
So, Hamed. Let’s go way back. What was your first role in facility management? How did you even end up in facility management?
Hamed: Honestly, it started kind of randomly. My first role was at Square Meters, and I’d just finished school and was thrown into managing a mall. It wasn’t even fully occupied, but I still had to oversee all the facilities and the artisans on site. So yeah, young graduate, first time managing people: and I was their direct point of contact.
I imagine being young and managing older workers came with some challenges.
Hamed: It was rough. A lot of the artisans would look down on me because of my age. I had to figure out how to balance firmness with respect. Sometimes you have to shout. Sometimes you have to listen. Getting that balance right; that’s what makes a good leader. That balance has shaped the way I lead teams even now.
Was there a moment where you realized, “okay, I’ve figured this out?”
Hamed: There wasn’t one big moment, but more like small wins. The first time a team actually listened without pushing back. The first time a problem was solved smoothly. It builds over time. But I’ll say this: leadership gets easier when people see you’re not just giving orders, you’re doing the work too.
When people started coming to me for help or asking me how I’d solve a problem, I knew I was getting somewhere.
And now that you’re at your most current appointment, Azid Group, what’s been the biggest shift in how you approach your work?
Hamed: Technology. We’ve moved to CAFM software (Computer-Aided Facility Management) that handles work orders, asset tracking, space management; all of it. It sounds simple, but switching from paper-based systems to software changed how we operate. Before this, we were logging things on paper. But with the software, you can track who’s everything; even how much space a tenant is using. It just makes life easier.
And it’s not just about the speed of things, too. There’s a lot more accountability now. You know what’s been done, what’s pending, and you’re not relying on memory or WhatsApp messages to keep things moving.
That sounds amazing! Now, let’s talk impact. Have you worked on any projects where you could actually see the results? Also, there’s so much talk about climate change; so anything around sustainability as well?
Hamed: Yes actually. We were renovating a property and needed to cut down on energy use. I suggested we use motion-sensor lights in low-traffic areas, like stairwells or certain hallways. That way the lights only come on when someone’s there.
That sounds like a pretty simple idea, but very smart.
Hamed: Exactly. And it worked. We noticed at least a 20% drop in energy consumption. And it made tenants happy too, because they saw we were doing something thoughtful with how we managed power. I think people appreciate those small improvements, even if they don’t say it out loud. I mean, anyone would love you if you reduced their bills LOL.
It also answers your question on the sustainability part, because with less power consumption, we’re burning fewer resources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a whole thing actually.
Fantastic. Saving the world while you’re at the daily grind. What about post-COVID, with the hybrid work shift system nowadays. Did that change your approach to things?
Hamed: A bit. I managed a few short-let properties where people needed flexibility. So we added self check-in and check-out systems. This way there was no need for keys or in-person handovers. Guests could arrive anytime without needing me or a staff member to let them in. It gave us more freedom, and guests could arrive any time without needing help.
That must’ve saved you a few weekends.
Hamed: More than a few, honestly. But it also made the process smoother overall. People want convenience now. You’ve got to meet them halfway.
Let’s talk people. What do you look for when hiring technicians or facility managers? What’s it like building your team?
Hamed: To be honest, it’s less about degrees and more about people skills. I need people who are hands-on and polite; people who can talk to a tenant and not create conflict. Most of the guys (the technical staff) might not have formal education, but if they can communicate clearly and do the work, that’s what matters.
