At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead maintenance operations and ensure compliance with safety standards at key MoD sites.
- Company: VIVO, a leader in facilities management for the UK military.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, private medical cover, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence facilities while leading high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: HNC or equivalent in engineering and management-level Health & Safety qualification 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: RAF Cosford - on site role
Permanent, Full time
Salary: £38,000-£42,000
We are looking for a driven and experienced Operations Manager to lead the effective, safe, and compliant delivery of maintenance and response works across key MoD sites. This role is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring high standards in quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction, and playing a crucial role in contract performance and site safety.
As the Operations Manager, you will be accountable for delivering maintenance services in line with statutory legislation and MoD requirements, ensuring full compliance with Health and Safety and Environmental standards. You'll monitor the performance of supply chain teams, ensuring they are properly qualified and equipped, while maintaining value for money, quality outcomes, and adherence to safety protocols.
A key part of your role will be reviewing risk assessments and method statements, coordinating consistent and safe working practices on site, and ensuring that work progress is accurately recorded and reported in the CAFM system. You will also be responsible for reviewing risk registers, identifying and escalating defects, and ensuring strict compliance with JSP 375 and other safety requirements. This includes duties related to Asbestos and Legionella management, acting as the responsible person where required, and working closely with Mobile Authorised Persons to ensure proper safety procedures, particularly for work at height and in confined spaces.
From a people perspective, you'll act as the single point of contact for customer issues, building strong working relationships with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and site end users. You will assist in developing new work requirements, resolving complaints, and supporting the helpdesk by providing technical guidance. Leading by example, you will provide supervision and coaching to your teams, ensure optimal service levels, and promote a strong safety culture where teams are empowered to perform at their best.
Commercially, you will be responsible for making sound, cost-effective decisions that balance stakeholder expectations with value for money. You’ll support risk management, contribute to forward maintenance planning, and ensure operations are delivered efficiently and profitably in line with VIVO’s business goals. You will be expected to communicate clearly and confidently with stakeholders at all levels, lead by example in achieving objectives, and motivate your site teams through decisive leadership and effective delegation. Building robust and collaborative relationships, especially with local MoD personnel, will be vital in ensuring consistent delivery of the VIVO contract.
Technically, you’ll need to effectively plan resources, analyse data, maintain accurate records, and monitor delivery against key milestones. You’ll also be expected to share best practices, drive continuous improvement, and ensure Health and Safety procedures are fully implemented. A sound understanding of construction and property maintenance processes is essential, with a clear focus on compliance and quality delivery.
To succeed in this role, you’ll need a minimum HNC or equivalent qualification in Building, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline), along with a management-level Health & Safety qualification such as SMSTS. Alternatively, you will be qualified by experience, with enough technical knowledge to appropriately triage maintenance tasks and provide first line advice. You must have experience of managing hard services FM to be considered for this role. Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel and Word, are also required, alongside a commitment to continuous professional development.
This is a critical role for someone ready to take ownership of operational excellence across a high-profile, fast-paced defence contract. If you're motivated by challenge, passionate about service delivery, and ready to lead high-performing teams, we’d love to hear from you.
What We Offer:
- 6% employee matched pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave
- Single private medical cover
- Life assurance 2 x annual salary
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 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.
Operations Manager in Albrighton employer: VIVO Defence Services
VIVO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at RAF Cosford where you can make a meaningful impact in defence facilities management. With a strong commitment to employee growth, VIVO provides comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a matched pension scheme, all while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture that prioritises safety and excellence. Join us to lead high-performing teams and contribute to vital services for the UK military, all within a supportive and innovative framework.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Albrighton
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like VIVO Defence Services, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Operations Manager at VIVO Defence Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Albrighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at VIVO Defence Services
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!