At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects for the UK military, ensuring timely and safe delivery.
- Company: Join VIVO Defence Services, a dynamic joint venture focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension contributions, life assurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion in our team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence infrastructure while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a relevant engineering qualification are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Contract Type: Full Time
Who we are
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.
Salary: Competitive Permanent, Full time On site role, RAF Fairford
As a Project Manager at VIVO Defence Services, you will play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of Billable Works projects across the Ministry of Defence estate. You will take ownership of projects from initiation through to completion, ensuring that all works are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This includes assessing and managing risks throughout the project lifecycle while maintaining compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Your responsibility will extend to ensuring that delivery meets both statutory and government regulations, as well as the MoD’s sustainability targets, with a particular focus on reducing carbon emissions. Working closely with stakeholders—including DIO representatives, site managers, and local customer service teams—you will regularly agree on project scope, priorities, and delivery timelines. You'll ensure that all necessary documentation is properly completed, distributed, and uploaded via platforms like SharePoint and the Maximo system.
You will lead and monitor supply chain teams, ensuring the deployment of suitably qualified and experienced operatives for each task. Your oversight will include reviewing risk assessments and method statements to ensure they meet required standards, while actively supporting the management and mitigation of contract risk. You'll act as a key contact point for addressing and resolving end‑user issues and complaints, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
Financial and stakeholder management will be a core aspect of your role. You’ll be responsible for setting and managing work plans and budgets, making informed commercial decisions to ensure value for money, and keeping stakeholders aligned and informed through clear, consistent communication. You will also focus on proactive performance management and continuous improvement to deliver optimal project outcomes.
What You’ll Bring
To succeed in this role, you will have proven experience supervising teams within a project management setting. This includes leading operational teams to meet KPIs, managing site operations, planning and prioritising work scopes, solving problems in real time, and implementing safe systems of work. Your knowledge of project cost control, stakeholder engagement, and health and safety will be essential. Academically, you will hold an HNC/D qualification in Building, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering or possess equivalent professional experience. A recognised health and safety qualification, such as SMSTS, is essential, along with a commitment to ongoing professional development. Strong IT skills are also a must, including proficiency in Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint, and CAFM tools.
It would be advantageous to be an Associate Member of a relevant professional body such as APM, RICS, or MCIOB, and to hold additional technical qualifications in asbestos, legionella, or authorised person responsibilities. Familiarity with CAFM applications is also desirable. You will demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, motivating local teams and leading by example. Your ability to influence and negotiate effectively will support delivery across the contract. Adaptability, resilience, and sound decision‑making are vital, as is the capacity to maintain performance and focus in a changing environment.
Technically, you will be responsible for effective resource planning, data analysis, record maintenance, and ensuring value for money by combining technical expertise with practical decision‑making. You’ll take full ownership of health and safety implementation and be instrumental in promoting and sharing best practices within the VIVO contract. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact in supporting defence infrastructure, leading diverse projects with professionalism and integrity. You must hold a full UK driving licence and be able to pass SC Clearance to be considered for this position.
What We Offer:
- 6% employee matched pension contribution
- Company car/car allowance
- Life assurance at 2 x base salary
- 25 days annual leave
- Single private medical cover
The role you have applied for is with VIVO Defence Services, a joint venture between Serco and EQUANS. By applying for this role, please be aware that information contained within your CV may be shared between VIVO Defence Services, Serco and EQUANS during the recruitment process.
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. If candidates wish to request extra time to apply then they should contact 0345 010 4000 and ask to speak to a VIVO Recruiter.
Project Manager - RAF Fairford in Gloucester employer: Serco Canada Inc
VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive benefits such as a 6% matched pension contribution, life assurance, and opportunities for flexible working, VIVO empowers its Project Managers to lead impactful projects within the Ministry of Defence estate while fostering a collaborative environment that values innovation and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - RAF Fairford in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at VIVO or in similar roles. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching VIVO's projects and values. Show us that you understand our commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainability. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with our core values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. We love to hear about specific situations where you've demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Make sure to highlight your project management successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you're genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity to chat.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - RAF Fairford in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Project Manager role. Highlight your project management experience, especially in facilities management or similar sectors, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you want to work with VIVO and how your values align with ours. Be sure to mention your commitment to customer satisfaction and safety, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage projects effectively. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success, like budget management or project completion times.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Canada Inc
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects VIVO handles. Familiarise yourself with their approach to project management, especially in the context of defence infrastructure. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences align with their focus on safety, quality, and timely delivery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Project Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your previous roles where you've successfully led teams, managed conflicts, or influenced stakeholders. Highlight your ability to motivate others and maintain high performance under pressure.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be prepared to discuss your qualifications, such as SMSTS, and any relevant experience you have in implementing safe systems of work. Share specific instances where you ensured compliance with health and safety regulations on your projects.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your technical knowledge related to project cost control, resource planning, and CAFM tools. Expect questions that assess your proficiency in these areas, and be prepared to discuss how you've used technology to improve project outcomes in the past.