At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects for the UK military, ensuring timely and safe delivery.
- Company: Join VIVO, a dynamic team focused on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, private medical cover, and a company car.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence infrastructure while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within construction or facilities management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.
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 approx 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.
Area Project Manager employer: Serco
VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while delivering vital services to the UK military. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, VIVO offers a supportive work culture where employees can thrive and develop their careers through meaningful projects. Located in Peterborough, the company provides competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme, private medical cover, and opportunities for professional growth, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a rewarding career in facilities management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with VIVO or in similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching VIVO's projects and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of putting customers and families first. Tailor your answers to reflect our core values: open, caring, agile, and collaborative.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. Structure your responses around Situation, Task, Action, and Result to clearly demonstrate your project management skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and highlighting a key point from your conversation can keep you fresh in our minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Area Project Manager role. Highlight your project management experience, especially in construction or facilities management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your values align with VIVO’s core principles of being open, caring, agile, and collaborative. Show us your personality!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your communication and relationship-building skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder expectations in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects VIVO handles. Familiarise yourself with their approach to facilities management and how they prioritise customer satisfaction. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Area Project Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've motivated a team or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to create a collaborative environment, as this aligns with VIVO's core values of being open and caring.
✨Understand Stakeholder Engagement
VIVO places a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams in previous roles. Share specific strategies you've used to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout project lifecycles.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, brush up on relevant legislation and compliance requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured safety standards in past projects and how you plan to promote a 'Safety First' culture at VIVO. This will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
