Trainee Service Manager in Suffolk

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.

Location: Wattisham Flying Station Permanent, Full Time Salary: £28,000-£30,000

Launch your Facilities Management career with VIVO as a Trainee Service Manager at Wattisham Flying Station. This is a structured development opportunity designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to progress into a permanent Service Manager role, subject to successful completion of competence and capability assessments.

Working alongside experienced professionals, you'll gain exposure to all aspects of facilities management, from asset management and maintenance delivery through to contractor management, project delivery, compliance and health and safety. You'll play an active role in supporting the safe, compliant and efficient operation of a busy Defence estate while developing the practical experience and professional qualifications needed to build a successful long-term career.

This is far more than a traditional apprenticeship. You'll be given real responsibilities, hands-on learning opportunities and a tailored development programme designed to help you grow in confidence and capability. From supporting small projects and assurance activities to learning how maintenance operations and asset management strategies are delivered, you'll gain valuable experience across multiple areas of the business.

At VIVO, we're committed to developing future talent. You'll benefit from structured training, industry-recognised qualifications, mentoring from experienced managers and the opportunity to build a rewarding career within a growing organisation that values learning, progression and continuous improvement.

What You'll Bring

• Enthusiastic, motivated and eager to develop a successful career within Facilities Management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A willingness to learn and embrace VIVO's values of being Open, Agile, Caring and Collaborative.
• Good IT skills and comfort using computer-based systems.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to safe working practices and understanding of health, safety and environmental procedures.
• Experience within customer service, facilities management, property, construction, engineering or operational environments would be beneficial but is not essential.
• Knowledge of CAFM systems, asset management software or Microsoft Office applications would also be advantageous.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you'll have achieved five GCSEs, including Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, alongside Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, BTEC or T Levels, or have successfully completed the Facilities Management Supervisor Level 3 apprenticeship.

Most importantly, you'll bring enthusiasm, curiosity and a desire to learn. You'll be excited by the opportunity to gain professional qualifications, develop practical management skills and build a long-term career within Facilities Management. If you're looking for a role where you'll be supported, challenged and given every opportunity to succeed, this could be the perfect next step.

As part of your development, you'll undertake a Level 4 Facilities Manager Apprenticeship alongside a structured programme of practical training and professional qualifications, including health and safety, asbestos management, legionella management, temporary works coordination and first aid training where required.

Please note that this is a site-based role at Wattisham Flying Station, and applicants must have a reliable means of transport to travel to and from work. Successful candidates must also be able to obtain and maintain BPSS and full Security Clearance.

What We Offer:

• 25 days annual leave
• 6% employer matched pension contribution
• Single private medical cover
• Life assurance at 2x base salary
• Excellent training and development, including but not limited to Apprenticeship
• Great career progression opportunities

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.