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
RAF Fairford - on site role
Salary
Competitive + Company Car/Car Allowance
Senior Quantity Surveyor – Commercial Leadership for High-Impact FM and Construction Projects
VIVO Defence Services is seeking a commercially astute and relationship-driven Senior Quantity Surveyor to provide expert support across core services and billable works on the MOD estate. In this key role, you will ensure commercial compliance, financial oversight, and cost efficiency across a diverse portfolio of facilities management and construction activities, while supporting risk mitigation, contract delivery, and operational excellence.
The Role
You will be responsible for delivering accurate cost advice, managing change in accordance with the USVF Contract, and ensuring milestone payments and final accounts are aligned with commercial goals. Your role will involve developing and implementing cost models, risk analysis, pricing, adjudication of billable works, and resolution of queries from the supply chain. You will also support the Principal Commercial Manager in preparing reports, handling disputes, and ensuring compliance with all relevant commercial procedures.
Maintaining excellent working relationships is fundamental to your success. You will liaise regularly with internal stakeholders including Area Managers, Project Managers, and the wider Commercial Team, while also fostering positive, collaborative interactions with client representatives from the MOD and DIO. A confident communicator and advisor, you will guide teams in the preparation and review of proposals and ensure all parties understand their contractual obligations.
Your technical knowledge will support adherence to health and safety, sustainability, and equality policies, and you will contribute to the reduction of utility consumption across the estate. You’ll attend risk meetings, support health and safety best practices, and ensure that the commercial team aligns with organisational standards and values, including the BS11000 Collaborative Business Relationships framework.
This role demands a confident leader who can influence, negotiate, and motivate, with the ability to manage commercial risk, prevent fraud, and inspire confidence in others. You will offer guidance across the business, contribute to operational improvements, and support innovation and change initiatives as part of a forward-looking commercial strategy.
What You’ll Bring
The ideal candidate will hold a qualification at HND/Foundation Degree level in Quantity Surveying or possess equivalent professional experience, with demonstrable experience in a relevant FM or construction environment (MOD experience would be an advantage). Strong knowledge of commercial processes is essential, including cost control, risk management, and dispute resolution. You will also need excellent communication and negotiation skills, the ability to work under pressure, and proficiency in stakeholder engagement across complex, multi-site operations.
Desirable qualifications include familiarity with USVF contracts, utility and carbon reduction training, CPD accreditation, and membership of a professional body. Experience within military environments or large-scale facilities portfolios will be advantageous.
You must be willing to travel and maintain a flexible approach to site visits. In return, VIVO offers the opportunity to contribute to vital public sector operations in a role where your commercial acumen and leadership will have a direct impact on operational success and value delivery.
What We Offer
- Company car/car allowance
- 25 days annual leave
- 6% employee matched pension contribution
- Life assurance 2 x annual salary
- Single private medical cover
VIVO Defence Services
The role you have applied for is with VIVO Defence Services, a joint venture between Serco and EQUANS. By applying for this role, please be aware that information contained within your CV may be shared between VIVO Defence Services, Serco and EQUANS during the recruitment process.
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.
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Senior Quantity Surveyor - RAF Fairford employer: VIVO Defence Services
VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where apprentices can thrive while gaining hands-on experience in Facilities Management. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for further education and professional development, alongside attractive benefits such as a company car, pension scheme, and generous annual leave. Working at VIVO not only allows you to contribute to meaningful projects across the southeast and southwest regions but also fosters a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor - RAF Fairford
✨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 Senior Quantity Surveyor - RAF Fairford at VIVO Defence Services.
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!
