At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire compliance and remedial works, ensuring safety standards are met across the estate.
- Company: VIVO Defence Services, a dynamic joint venture focused on facilities management for the UK military.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, pension contribution, company car, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Home-based role with national travel; flexible working options available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fire safety while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in fire compliance, strong communication skills, and relevant fire qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 42000 £ 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: Home based with national travel
Permanent, Full time
Salary: £38,000-£42,000
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Fire Service Manager to lead the delivery of fire compliance and remedial works across a key service area. This is an important role responsible for ensuring fire safety standards are maintained, risks are effectively managed and statutory requirements are consistently achieved across the estate.
As Fire Service Manager, you will take ownership of the delivery and coordination of fire door compliance activities, working closely with operational teams, supply chain partners, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and internal stakeholders to ensure works are completed safely, efficiently and within required timescales.
You will oversee the management of fire door inspection findings, remedial programmes and compliance activities, ensuring defects are correctly assessed, prioritised and resolved. You will provide technical guidance to teams, reviewing inspection reports, supporting the identification of required actions and ensuring appropriate mitigation is implemented where risks are identified.
A key part of the role will be managing the end-to-end remedial process, ensuring works are accurately raised, programmed and completed in line with contractual requirements. You will work closely with supply chain partners to monitor quality, documentation and performance, ensuring all works meet required standards and provide value for money.
You will act as the main point of contact for fire compliance matters within your area, supporting operational teams and providing advice to customers, stakeholders and delivery teams. You will build strong relationships with Heads of Establishment, DIO representatives and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and effective resolution of issues.
The role will also involve supporting commercial and operational performance, including monitoring budgets, reviewing supply chain performance, managing risks and providing regular updates on progress, KPI performance and compliance activity. You will help drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to strengthen processes, improve efficiency and enhance service delivery.
You will promote a strong safety culture, ensuring teams operate in line with relevant legislation, company procedures and best practice. Through effective leadership and collaboration, you will help ensure fire compliance remains a priority across the contract.
This role will require national travel and so candidates MUST be willing and able to commit to this. The frequency of travel will be dictated by business need.
About You
You will have experience managing fire compliance activities, building maintenance, facilities management or a related operational environment, with a strong understanding of fire safety requirements and remedial works delivery.
You will hold relevant fire qualifications, including Fire Door Inspection and Passive Fire experience, with a good understanding of compliance standards, inspection processes and risk management. Experience managing contractors, coordinating multiple workstreams and overseeing service delivery is essential.
You will be organised, detail-focused and confident managing competing priorities across a large and complex estate. You will have strong communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, challenge where required and build effective working relationships across all levels.
You will be commercially aware, with experience monitoring performance, managing resources and ensuring delivery meets quality, cost and customer expectations. Experience using systems such as CAFM platforms or Maximo would be advantageous, alongside strong Microsoft Office skills.
You will be a proactive and solutions-focused leader who takes ownership, makes informed decisions and maintains high standards in a changing environment. Experience working within an MOD, defence, or similarly regulated environment would be beneficial.
Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain SC Clearance as a condition of employment.
What We Offer
- 6% employee matched pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave
- Company car/car allowance
- Single private medical cover
- 1 x professional subscription per year
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.
Fire Service Manager employer: Serco
VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while delivering vital facilities management for the UK military. With a strong commitment to open communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement, VIVO fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, all while enjoying the flexibility of home-based work with national travel opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fire Service Manager
✨Get Involved with Local Fire Services
Join community groups or volunteer with local fire departments to get a foot in the door. It’s a great way to showcase your commitment to fire safety and emergency services while also making valuable connections in the field.
✨Attend Firefighting Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for firefighting job fairs and emergency services recruiting events in your area. These are goldmines for meeting staff from companies like Serco and other emergency services, giving you a chance to chat and make a lasting impression.
✨Connect with Industry Professionals Online
Utilise platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find fire service groups and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can elevate your profile and help us to learn from those already in the field, potentially leading to job openings.
✨Keep Your Training Up-to-Date
Make sure your qualifications are current! Pursuing additional training, like first aid or specialised firefighting courses, shows your dedication and might just set you apart from the crowd when applying for roles at Serco.
We think you need these skills to ace Fire Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commitment to Safety:In the fire and emergency services sector, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of safety protocols and emergency response challenges. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, like First Aid or Fire Safety courses, and highlight your commitment to public safety in your cover letter.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:This field is all about collaboration! Make sure your CV emphasises your ability to work in a team under pressure. Detail examples of teamwork from previous roles, volunteer work or community involvement. Hiring managers at Serco will love to see how you thrive in a group dynamic.
Detail Your Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, don't just mention your job titles – dig into your responsibilities and achievements that relate specifically to fire and emergency services. Include any volunteer work, internships, or projects that display your hands-on experience in this field, especially if you're transitioning from another area.
Craft a Strong Motivation Statement:As you're applying for a full-time role, it’s key to articulate why you want to join Serco specifically. Dive into your motivation for working in fire services, and how this aligns with your career goals. We want to see your passion for contributing to the community and the impact you wish to make!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
Since you're eyeing a role in fire emergency services, brush up on the latest firefighting techniques and protocols. Understanding the fundamentals of fire behaviour, rescue operations, and safety measures will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect situational questions that test your ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure scenarios. Think of examples from your previous experiences or training where you had to think on your feet—this will really highlight your suitability for the role and show that you can handle real emergencies.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement
Fire emergency services rely heavily on teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in stressful situations. Additionally, showcase any community involvement or outreach you've done—it's a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety and your understanding of community dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Training
Make sure you’re ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have. Whether it’s emergency response training or a first aid qualification, make it clear how these experiences prepare you for a full-time position in fire emergency services with Serco. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
