At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects for the UK military, ensuring safety and efficiency from start to finish.
- Company: Join VIVO Defence Services, a dynamic joint venture focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical cover, and a matched pension contribution.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion in our team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence facilities while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, construction, or facilities management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.
What we do
We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do.
Location: West Moors Camp, Dorset, to cover other sites in the Dorset area. On site role. Permanent, Full time.
We are looking for an experienced and driven Project Manager to take ownership of the successful delivery of Billable Works projects across the Defence estate. This is a key role responsible for managing projects from planning through to completion, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with agreed customer requirements, statutory obligations and contractual commitments.
You will oversee a portfolio of projects, working closely with internal teams, supply chain partners, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) representatives, customers and site stakeholders to ensure delivery against agreed programmes, budgets and quality standards. You will provide strong project leadership, ensuring that all works are properly planned, coordinated and executed to achieve excellent outcomes.
A key part of the role will involve managing Supply Partner project teams, ensuring suitably qualified and experienced resources are allocated to each project and that teams have the correct equipment, vehicles and skills required to deliver safely and effectively. You will monitor contractor performance, challenge where necessary and ensure high standards of workmanship, compliance and customer service are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
You will be responsible for ensuring all project documentation is accurate and complete, including reviewing Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), ensuring safe systems of work are followed and supporting compliance with JSP 375 requirements. Working closely with Authorised Persons and operational teams, you will help maintain a strong safety culture across all projects.
You will manage project plans, budgets and delivery programmes, ensuring works are completed within agreed timescales and financial targets. You will monitor progress, identify risks and opportunities, support mitigation activity and provide regular updates to the Senior Project Manager, including project performance reporting and key issues requiring attention.
The role will require effective stakeholder management, acting as a key point of contact for customers, DIO representatives and site teams. You will work collaboratively to agree priorities, manage expectations and ensure projects continue to support operational requirements across the estate.
You will also contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance project delivery, improve supply chain performance and support sustainability objectives, including initiatives that contribute towards the MOD’s Net Zero carbon reduction targets.
As the contract continues to grow, this role provides an excellent opportunity to develop your project management capability, take ownership of increasingly complex programmes and contribute to the delivery of critical infrastructure and facilities management services within the Defence sector.
About You
You will be an experienced Project Manager with a background in construction, facilities management, engineering or a similar project delivery environment. You will have experience managing projects through the full lifecycle, with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, contractors and competing priorities.
You will have a strong understanding of project controls, including programme management, budget monitoring, risk management and quality assurance. You will be confident reviewing technical documentation, managing supply partners and ensuring compliance with health, safety and environmental requirements.
A proactive and organised approach is essential, with the ability to identify challenges early, implement solutions and maintain momentum across projects. You will be commercially aware, with the ability to manage costs, support value-for-money decisions and ensure successful project outcomes.
You will be a strong communicator who can build positive relationships with customers, colleagues and supply chain partners. You will demonstrate a commitment to safety, collaboration and continuous improvement, with the ability to lead by example and deliver high-quality results.
Essential requirements include a relevant technical qualification or equivalent experience, IOSH Managing Safely, Asbestos Awareness, Legionella Control (L8), strong IT skills and a full UK driving licence. SMSTS experience would be desirable.
This role will be based at West Moors Camp, Dorset, with travel required across the SDA30 area.
What We Offer
- 6% employee matched pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave
- Single private medical cover
- Life assurance 2x annual salary
At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
Defence Facilities Project Leader employer: Serco Canada Inc
VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees and their families. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to continuous growth opportunities while working on impactful projects within the Defence sector. Located in West Moors Camp, Dorset, the company provides a collaborative environment where innovation thrives, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme and private medical cover.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Facilities Project Leader
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Serco Canada Inc, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Defence Facilities Project Leader at Serco Canada Inc.
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Facilities Project Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Canada Inc
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
