Area Project Manager in Peterborough

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: Peterborough, to cover Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire, Sussex and Norfolk

Permanent, Full time

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Area Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of Billable Works projects across a designated area of the Defence Estate. This is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing the full project lifecycle, from programme development and stakeholder engagement through to project delivery, financial performance and successful handover.

Working closely with Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) stakeholders, operational teams, supply chain partners and internal colleagues, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably and in line with contractual requirements. You will take ownership of an annual portfolio of projects, ensuring delivery against agreed budgets, timescales and performance targets while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality and customer satisfaction.

The role includes responsibility for the financial performance of the Billable Works programme, requiring effective budget management, commercial oversight and proactive management of project risks and opportunities. Working with key stakeholders across the estate, you will contribute to the development of future works programmes by utilising asset condition data, operational requirements and strategic priorities to help shape investment decisions and long‑term planning.

You will ensure projects are appropriately scoped, specified, procured and managed throughout delivery, maintaining clear governance and robust project controls at every stage. You will lead the delivery of complex and high‑profile projects, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, industry standards and JSP requirements. This includes overseeing project planning, procurement activities, contractor management, programme delivery, risk management and project reporting.

You will also ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation, including CDM Regulations and asbestos management requirements, while promoting a strong Safety First culture throughout the project lifecycle.

The role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, acting as a key point of contact for clients, DIO representatives, contractors and internal teams. You will provide regular progress updates, manage expectations, resolve issues and ensure all stakeholders remain informed and engaged throughout delivery.

You will also play an important role in driving continuous improvement across the Billable Works function. This includes identifying opportunities to improve project delivery, enhance commercial performance, strengthen supply chain capability and introduce innovative approaches that improve quality, efficiency and customer outcomes. Sustainability will also be a key focus, with responsibility for identifying opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and support wider environmental objectives throughout the lifecycle of projects.

As a leader within the business, you will motivate and develop project teams, creating a supportive environment that encourages accountability, collaboration and high performance. You will provide clear direction, remove barriers to success and ensure the team consistently delivers against operational and commercial objectives.

This role will require travel to approximately 12 sites across all listed counties, so candidates must be willing and able to fulfil this. The ability to obtain and maintain SC Clearance will be a condition of employment.

About You: You will have substantial experience managing construction, infrastructure or facilities management projects within a complex operational environment, together with a strong understanding of contract delivery, commercial management and stakeholder engagement. You will possess excellent knowledge of project management principles, construction practices and Health, Safety and Environmental compliance requirements, with experience managing projects from initial concept through to completion.

A strong understanding of budget management, commercial controls and project governance is essential. You will be an effective leader with the ability to motivate teams, manage contractors and build strong working relationships with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders. Strong communication, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills are key, along with the ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining focus on delivery. You should be commercially aware, customer focused and committed to delivering high‑quality outcomes. Experience working within construction, facilities management, defence infrastructure or similarly regulated environments would be highly advantageous.

You will also be confident using Microsoft Office applications and project management systems such as Maximo, with the ability to analyse performance data, monitor project progress and provide meaningful reporting to stakeholders.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced project professional to take ownership of a significant programme of works while contributing to the ongoing development, improvement and success of a nationally important estate.

What We Offer:

• 6% employee matched pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical cover for self and partner
• Bonus
• Company car/Car allowance
• 1 x professional subscription per year

VIVO Defence Services: 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.