At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical teams in maintaining and ensuring compliance of mechanical systems.
- Company: Join VIVO, a leader in facilities management for the UK military.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company vehicle, Monday to Friday schedule, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a highly regulated environment while mentoring skilled engineering teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering and leadership roles is essential.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Working across both office and site environments, you'll provide technical leadership to directly employed engineers and specialist contractors, ensuring maintenance, inspection and testing activities are delivered to the highest standards. You'll take ownership of mechanical compliance across a wide range of systems, including pressure systems, steam, compressed air, industrial gases and fuels, while supporting key accreditations such as PSSR, Gas Safe, F-Gas and OFTEC.
As the technical authority for mechanical building services, you'll oversee safe systems of work, validate maintenance activities, support project handovers, and ensure governance processes remain robust and compliant. Subject to successful appointment, you'll also undertake the role of Mechanical and PETS Authorised Person on the estate, working closely with Authorised Engineers, operational teams and Defence stakeholders to maintain a safe and compliant operating environment.
This role offers the opportunity to influence critical engineering decisions, develop and mentor skilled engineering teams, and work within a unique, highly regulated environment where your expertise genuinely makes a difference. Alongside a Monday to Friday working pattern and company vehicle for business and personal use, you'll enjoy a varied role that combines technical leadership, stakeholder engagement and operational excellence.
You'll have previous experience in a Mechanical Supervisor, Building Services Supervisor or similar leadership role, with a strong background in mechanical engineering maintenance and compliance. Experience working within Defence, healthcare, critical infrastructure, industrial or other highly regulated environments will be highly valued.
You'll possess a thorough understanding of complex mechanical building services systems and be able to demonstrate knowledge of Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR 2000), planned maintenance standards and statutory compliance requirements. You'll also have a strong appreciation of safe systems of work and the importance of maintaining safe, reliable and efficient engineering operations.
You will be familiar with Gas Safe, OFTEC and F-Gas standards and accreditation requirements, with experience overseeing compliant maintenance activities and contractor performance. Knowledge of JSP 375 Volume 3 and SFG20 maintenance standards is essential, while experience as a Mechanical and/or PETS Authorised Person, or working towards such authorisation, would be advantageous.
Ideally, you'll hold a City & Guilds or NVQ Level 3 qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services (HVAC), or an equivalent recognised apprenticeship or training programme. You'll be computer literate with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, hold a full UK driving licence, have the right to work in the UK and travel within Europe, and be able to obtain and maintain Security Clearance.
You'll bring strong leadership capability and experience supervising engineering teams and specialist contractors, ensuring work is completed safely, compliantly and to the required technical standards. Your communication skills will enable you to build effective relationships with operational teams, Authorised Engineers, Defence stakeholders, supply chain partners and regulatory bodies while confidently providing technical guidance and constructive challenge when required.
Experience within the oil, gas, water, chemical processing or similar industries would be particularly beneficial, along with knowledge of steam systems, boiler operations, industrial gas installations, water regulations, building management systems, air handling equipment, filtration systems and local exhaust ventilation.
Additional qualifications such as Gas Safe registration, ACS certifications, BOAS accreditation, steam system training, emergency first aid, health and safety management qualifications such as SMSTS, CompEx certifications, EUSR registration or professional body membership would be advantageous. A commitment to continuing professional development and maintaining technical excellence is highly desirable.
Most importantly, you'll be a proactive and forward-thinking engineering professional who combines technical expertise with sound judgement, attention to detail and a relentless focus on safety and compliance. You'll thrive in a role where governance, statutory compliance and operational excellence are central to success, and where your leadership directly contributes to the safe delivery of critical engineering services.
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.
Building Services Manager employer: VIVO Defence Ltd
VIVO Defence Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where commercial acumen meets meaningful impact in the Defence sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have access to training opportunities and a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in a pivotal area for Defence operations, our team thrives on delivering exceptional results while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Building Services Manager
✨Networking in the Right Circles
Dive into communities focused on building systems and supply engineering. Join LinkedIn groups, attend industry-specific trade shows, and don’t shy away from local meetups. These are golden opportunities to connect with industry professionals who could help you land that full-time role at places like VIVO Defence Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Projects
If you've worked on any projects—big or small—related to building systems, make sure to showcase them! Creating a portfolio or a detailed case study on your approach can do wonders. It’s all about showing prospective employers, like VIVO Defence Ltd, that you’ve got hands-on experience and a solid understanding of the field.
✨Leverage University Resources
Are you still connected with your university? Tap into their career services! Many universities have relationships with firms in the building systems sector and can provide leads on exclusive job openings. This could be your ticket to landing the full-time job you want.
✨Get Involved in Professional Bodies
Consider joining professional organisations related to building systems and supply engineering. These often have job boards, career development events, and networking opportunities. Engaging with these can significantly increase your visibility to firms like VIVO Defence Ltd and may help you secure that full-time position sooner!
We think you need these skills to ace Building Services Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Engineering Skills:In the building systems supply engineering field, make sure to highlight your technical skills in your CV. Include any relevant software certifications or engineering tools you’re proficient with. Demonstrating your ability to use industry-specific technologies can really set you apart!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles. When detailing your work experience, try to include quantifiable achievements—like how you improved a system’s efficiency by a percentage or managed a project that saved your last company X amount. This shows you're results-driven and could help us at VIVO Defence Ltd.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t just reuse the same old cover letter! Personalise it for the Building Services Manager role at VIVO Defence Ltd. Talk about your passion for building systems and why this position excites you. We want to see your personality shine through and how you envision contributing to our team.
Include Relevant Projects:If you’ve worked on specific projects related to building systems supply engineering, don’t forget to mention them! Include any reports or case studies that showcase your problem-solving abilities and project management skills. This portfolio of work can really illustrate your expertise to us.
How to prepare for a job interview at VIVO Defence Ltd
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
For a role in building systems supply engineering, make sure you're clued up about the latest technologies and tools in the field. Brush up on your knowledge of HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical layouts, and any relevant software used in modelling or design.
✨Showcase Real Projects
Since this is a full-time position, the interviewers will be keen to see your relevant experience. Bring along a portfolio that highlights the projects you've worked on, focusing on your role and the impact you had. Be ready to discuss the challenges faced and how you overcame them.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview. They may ask how you would approach a specific design challenge or troubleshoot an existing system. Think about examples from your past work where you successfully tackled problems, and be ready to articulate your thought process.
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
It's crucial to have a good grasp of the current trends affecting building systems, like sustainable engineering practices or smart technology integration. Familiarise yourself with recent advancements and be prepared to discuss how they might influence your work at VIVO Defence Ltd.