At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality maintenance services and drive operational improvements across the RFCA portfolio.
- Company: VIVO, a forward-thinking facilities management company supporting the UK military.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, private medical cover, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Qualifications: Proven operational leadership experience in facilities or estates maintenance.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 € 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: Colchester, to cover East Anglia. Home based with regular travel and client meetings on site 2 x per week.
Employment type: Permanent, Full time.
Salary: £50,000-£55,000 + Company car/Car Allowance.
The Role: In this role, you will take ownership of delivering high-quality maintenance services across the RFCA portfolio, including planned, reactive, and grounds maintenance. You will work closely with our client and partners to ensure we meet all performance targets and KPIs, while driving a culture of continuous improvement, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
You will be responsible for ensuring statutory compliance across the estate, managing risk, and building capability to deliver capital works and projects in line with the RFCA's evolving needs. Supporting the wider strategy of VIVO, you will help shape operational improvements, align delivery to commercial targets, and play a key role in the growth and sustainability of our contract performance.
This is a highly visible leadership role, so you will work closely with stakeholders at all levels—from internal teams and supply chain partners to RFCA and Defence Infrastructure Organisation representatives. You will foster a collaborative environment and ensure our customer service is second to none, through consistent engagement and high operational standards.
Leading a dedicated operational team, you will be responsible for mentoring, developing, and motivating staff to achieve strategic objectives while supporting wellbeing and promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment. You will also ensure all practices, processes, and policies align with both VIVO and contract requirements.
Working conditions: You will be expected to be on site at our Chelmsford office at least 2 days per week, with work from home available the remaining days.
What You'll Bring: To be successful here, you will bring a proven background in operational leadership within facilities or estates maintenance environments. You should have strong analytical and communication skills, be confident in your ability to influence at all levels, and show a track record of delivering change and building effective partnerships. Experience in budget management, performance reporting, and problem-solving in a fast-paced, complex setting will be key.
This role requires hands-on experience and a readiness to take a broader leadership role. Your ability to lead, adapt, and deliver results will be critical, as will a firm understanding of technical (trades/engineering) knowledge and maintenance and preferably technical qualifications.
The role requires regular travel across East Anglia, so flexibility and a valid driving licence are essential. You must also be a UK national with the ability to obtain 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
At VIVO 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 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.
We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.
Area Manager in Essex employer: VIVO Defence
VIVO is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees while delivering top-notch facilities management services to the UK military. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, VIVO fosters a collaborative work culture where staff are encouraged to grow through mentorship and continuous improvement initiatives. Located in Colchester, this role offers a blend of home-based flexibility and on-site engagement, ensuring a dynamic work environment that values both professional and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the facilities management sector, especially those connected to VIVO. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching VIVO's core values: open, caring, agile, and collaborative. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase how you embody these values. It'll show you're a great fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Since this role is all about operational leadership, be ready to discuss how you've led teams, tackled challenges, and driven improvements in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the VIVO team.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Area Manager role. Highlight your operational leadership experience and any relevant facilities management skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about working with VIVO and how your values align with ours. Remember, we love open, caring, agile, and collaborative individuals!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you've achieved in your previous roles. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've driven improvements and met performance targets. We’re all about results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team at VIVO!
How to prepare for a job interview at VIVO Defence
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand VIVO's core values: open, caring, agile, and collaborative. Research their facilities management approach and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of putting customers and families first.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Area Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your operational leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed projects, and driven improvements in previous roles. Highlight your mentoring and development strategies for staff.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Think of specific situations where you've had to manage risks or ensure compliance, and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, practice how you would communicate and collaborate with them. Be ready to discuss how you build effective partnerships and ensure high customer service standards.
