Wednesday 21st January 2026
Recently, Debra Petrucci, Head of Operations for the specialist Facilities Management division at Pinnacle, Pinnacle Workplace, spoke with Facilitate Magazine to discuss her role and experiences in the FM industry.
What do you do?
I am head of operations for Pinnacle Workplace, the specialist FM division of Pinnacle Group.
What attracted you to FM, and how did you get into the industry?
My background is in the hospitality industry, and I came into FM through the B&I catering sector, then through soft services with Mitie to a wider FM role now with Pinnacle.
How long have you been in your current role?
I have worked here for two-and-a-half years.
Do you see yourself predominantly as a task or a people manager?
Predominantly a people manager – our 450-plus operatives are focused on service delivery, so it’s key that we give them the right leadership and support to execute those tasks.
Would you describe your role as predominantly operational or strategic?
My role blends both; I am field-based and oversee day-to-day operations. Working alongside our teams and clients often gives me the insights that shape our strategic plans.
How many people are there in your FM team, and to whom does the FM team ultimately report?
We are an operations team of 10, and we report to the managing director of the Workplace division.
My top perk at work is…
The variety that my role brings. We oversee a number of different service lines, so no two days are the same. It’s the diversity of contracts, clients and our team that I enjoy.
What has been your biggest career challenge to date?
Continuing operations during Covid-19 while having to reduce our team was the most difficult time. Fortunately, we re-employed most of them when it was over.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
That more people could see that the FM sector provides a varied and interesting career choice, and do more to engage with young adults at the start of their working life.
Any interesting tales to tell?
I’ve experienced some fascinating moments in FM – from managing unique sites to handling unexpected challenges – every day brings something new and keeps the role exciting.
If I weren’t in facilities management, I’d probably be…
In the legal field, probably involved in employment or corporate law.
Which “FM/Workplace myth” would you most like to put an end to?
That FM is a male-dominated industry, my experience has been quite the opposite, and I have worked with very diverse teams.
What single piece of advice would you give to a young facilities/workplace manager starting out?
Don’t be afraid to ask to be involved in projects or contract mobilisations that may push you out of your comfort zone – you will learn so much, especially about how to react to mistakes, issues and problems.
What was the weirdest day you’ve had in the office?
I once managed a contract that had a restricted nuclear area; the first time visiting that area and hearing the radiation detector was very weird – like being on a film set.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird. Our whole ops team are early risers, so we try to get a head start on the day before the phone starts ringing or the traffic gets too bad!
What FM job in the world would you love more than anything?
I would love to oversee a royal estate like Sandringham. Managing the historical buildings would be an amazing challenge. I would particularly enjoy the grounds maintenance and arranging the dinner parties and events.
And where would FM be an absolute nightmare?
The London Underground.
Your life outside FM mostly involves…
My husband, daughter and our friends and family. We are all foodies, so my spare time is filled with lots of cooking, socialising and travelling.
This article was originally featured in Facilitate Magazine, on 6th January 2026.