At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality maintenance services and ensure compliance across the RFCA estate.
- Company: VIVO, a leader in facilities management for the UK military.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, private medical cover, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible work-from-home options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while leading a dedicated team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven operational leadership experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 € 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.
Location: Colchester, Essex, GB, CM2 6BU (covering East Anglia). This role is home base with regular travel and client meetings on site 2 times per week.
Contract Type: Full Time
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 + Company car/Car allowance.
Job ID: 309006
What We Do
We put our customers and families first, driving improvements to ensure the services we deliver—whether reactive repairs or major projects—are completed safely and on time. Our core values of openness, caring, agility and collaboration guide everything we do.
The Role
In this role you will be responsible for delivering high‑quality maintenance services across the RFCA estate, including planned, reactive and grounds maintenance, while maintaining compliance, managing risk and building capability for capital works and projects.
- Take ownership of delivering high‑quality maintenance services across the RFCA portfolio, including planned, reactive, and grounds maintenance.
- Ensure statutory compliance across the estate, manage risk, and build capability to deliver capital works and projects in line with the RFCA's evolving needs.
- Shape operational improvements, align delivery to commercial targets, support VIVO’s strategy, and contribute to contract performance sustainability.
- Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels – internal teams, supply‑chain partners, RFCA and DIO representatives – fostering a collaborative environment and high operational standards.
- Lead a dedicated operational team – mentor, develop, and motivate staff; support wellbeing and promote a diverse and inclusive work environment.
- Ensure all practices, processes, and policies align with VIVO and contract requirements.
- Maintain presence at our Chelmsford office at least 2 days per week, with work‑from‑home options available the remaining days.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven background in operational leadership within facilities or estates maintenance environments.
- Strong analytical and communication skills, confident influence at all levels.
- Track record of delivering change and building effective partnerships.
- Experience in budget management, performance reporting and problem‑solving in a fast‑paced, complex setting.
- Hands‑on technical (trades/engineering) knowledge and preferably technical qualifications.
- Regular travel across East Anglia – flexibility and a valid driving licence are essential.
- UK national with eligibility for Security Clearance (SC).
What We Offer
- 25 days annual leave.
- 6% employee matched pension contribution.
- Company car/car allowance.
- Private medical cover for self and partner.
- Life assurance 2x annual salary.
Equal Opportunity
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. We will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are a Disability Confident Leader and will provide opportunities for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Area Manager in Chelmsford employer: VIVO Defence Services
VIVO is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture that values openness, collaboration, and innovation. With competitive benefits such as a company car, private medical cover, and a generous pension scheme, VIVO fosters an environment where employees can thrive and grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in facilities management for the UK military. The role of Area Manager not only provides the opportunity to lead a dedicated team but also allows for flexibility with home working options and regular engagement with stakeholders across East Anglia.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at VIVO on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching VIVO’s values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of delivering high-quality maintenance services. We love candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about specific situations where you’ve led teams or solved problems. It’s all about showcasing your operational leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. We appreciate candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your values align with ours at VIVO, so don’t hold back on sharing why you’re excited about facilities management and working with the military.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Area Manager position. Highlight your operational leadership experience and any relevant technical qualifications. We love seeing how your background fits with our needs, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at VIVO!
How to prepare for a job interview at VIVO Defence Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of facilities management and maintenance. Brush up on your knowledge about planned and reactive maintenance, as well as grounds maintenance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Area Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully mentored and motivated staff in the past. Think of specific situations where you’ve driven operational improvements or built effective partnerships.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Prepare to discuss how you would handle compliance issues or manage risks while delivering high-quality services. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
VIVO values collaboration, so highlight your experience working with various stakeholders. Be ready to talk about how you've fostered a collaborative environment in previous roles and how you plan to do the same at VIVO.
