At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage defence infrastructure projects, ensuring timely and safe delivery.
- Company: Join VIVO, a dynamic team supporting the UK military with innovation and care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension contributions, life assurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and relevant engineering qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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
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 employer: Serco
VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while delivering vital services to the UK military. With competitive benefits such as a 6% matched pension contribution, life assurance, and opportunities for professional development, VIVO fosters an environment where project managers can thrive and make a meaningful impact on defence infrastructure. Located at RAF Fairford, employees benefit from a collaborative atmosphere that encourages innovation and flexibility, ensuring a rewarding career path in facilities management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - RAF Fairford
✨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 open doors and give you insider info about the company culture and what they really value.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research VIVO’s projects and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission of putting customers first. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your project management skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! VIVO values collaboration and communication, so during your interview, highlight times when you’ve successfully led teams or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a numbers person but also a people person.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - RAF Fairford
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 defence or facilities management, to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your values align with ours—open, caring, agile, and collaborative. Make it personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects, met KPIs, or improved processes. We love seeing results!
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 process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Project Management Basics
Make sure you brush up on your project management principles, especially those related to risk assessment and compliance with health and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed projects in the past, focusing on your ability to deliver on time and within budget.
✨Familiarise Yourself with VIVO's Values
VIVO places a strong emphasis on being open, caring, agile, and collaborative. Think of examples from your previous experience that demonstrate these values in action. This will show that you align with their culture and can contribute positively to their team.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Since you'll be working closely with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated and managed relationships in past roles. Have specific examples ready that highlight your negotiation skills and ability to keep everyone aligned and informed.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Given the technical nature of the role, be prepared to talk about your proficiency with tools like SharePoint, Excel, and CAFM applications. Highlight any relevant qualifications or experiences that demonstrate your technical expertise and how it has contributed to successful project outcomes.
