At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate small refurbishment and maintenance projects, ensuring timely delivery and high standards.
- Company: VIVO Defence Services, a joint venture focused on facilities management for the UK military.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real difference for those who serve our nation.
- Qualifications: Experience in project coordination and strong Microsoft 365 skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ 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.
Contract: Full Time, 8 months fixed term contract
Location: 100% office based in Portsmouth, PO1 2NS
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: £30,000-£35,000 per year dependent on experience
Are you an organised problem-solver with a talent for keeping projects moving and people connected? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
VIVO Defence Services – a joint venture between Serco and Engie – has been awarded a 7-year contract to deliver repairs, maintenance, and refurbishment projects across 27,000 homes in the South of England. We’re now looking for a Small Works Coordinator to join our growing team and help deliver essential accommodation services for those who serve our nation.
About The Role
Reporting to the variety of managers within the business, as a Small Works Coordinator, you will ensure smaller refurbishment and maintenance projects are delivered smoothly, on time, and to the highest standards. You will coordinate resources and liaise with contractors, clients, and internal teams, while also raising purchase orders, managing invoices, and keeping project trackers up to date. Clear communication will be a key part of your role, as you provide progress updates and reports to stakeholders. You will also be expected to solve problems as they arise, ensuring deadlines are achieved without compromise, and to contribute to a culture of collaboration, fairness, and pride across the team.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who is highly organised, confident in managing multiple priorities, and able to work effectively under pressure. You should have experience using Microsoft 365 and be familiar with CAFM or other project management systems. Strong communication skills are essential, as you will need to build positive relationships with colleagues and contractors. Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find practical solutions are also key to success in this role. To be successful, you will need previous experience in an administrative or project coordination role, along with a strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365. Experience with CAFM systems is essential. It would be an advantage if you have a background in housing or accommodation services, or if you have ex-military experience or familiarity with MOD estates.
We offer:
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- 25 Days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Volunteer leave
- One paid professional subscription
- Life Assurance Policy
- Employee discount and reward schemes
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.
Small Works Coordinator | Portsmouth (8 Months FTC) employer: Serco
Serco is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. As a Ward Host Assistant at University Hospital Southampton, you will enjoy flexible shift options and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care, all while being part of a team that values hospitality and customer service excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Works Coordinator | Portsmouth (8 Months FTC)
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Serco.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Serco appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Works Coordinator | Portsmouth (8 Months FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Serco know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Serco is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
