At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead maintenance services for the UK military, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: VIVO Defence Services, a joint venture committed to innovation and customer care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, pension contribution, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that values safety and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Experience in maintenance, HNC qualification, and strong IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 45000 € 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.
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: Cambridgeshire, to cover East Anglia and East Midlands. Home based with regular travel. 12 Month FTC, Full time Salary: £42,000-£45,000
We are looking for an experienced Service Manager to lead the safe, compliant and effective delivery of planned and reactive maintenance services across the VIVO RFCA contract. You will play a key role in ensuring that maintenance activities are delivered in line with statutory legislation, MoD mandatory requirements and VIVO's Health, Safety and Environmental standards, while consistently achieving performance, quality and value-for-money targets.
Working closely with supply chain partners and regional teams, you will coordinate day‑to‑day service delivery, ensuring that suitably qualified operatives are deployed with the correct equipment, skills and authorisations. You will be responsible for overseeing safe systems of work, reviewing Risk Assessments and Method Statements, and ensuring all activity is accurately recorded through the CAFM system with supporting documentation completed on time.
A significant part of the role involves building strong working relationships with end users and internal stakeholders. Acting as a key point of contact, you will support the resolution of operational issues and complaints, contribute to the development of additional works, and provide professional and technical advice to support estate operations. You will also manage small billable works, including producing rough orders of cost and ensuring works are delivered efficiently and commercially.
As a Service Manager, you will lead by example, embedding a positive safety culture and providing clear supervision, coaching and direction to teams to ensure service levels are met. You will balance operational priorities with commercial awareness, managing costs, mitigating risk and contributing to forward maintenance planning to support a profitable and sustainable contract.
About You You will have practical experience working within planned and reactive maintenance environments, ideally with responsibility for small project delivery. You will hold an HNC (or equivalent experience) in a building, civil, electrical or mechanical discipline, alongside a management‑level Health & Safety qualification such as SMSTS. Strong IT skills are essential, with confidence using Microsoft Office and CAFM systems. Technical competency is essential for this role. You will be comfortable taking on additional responsibilities such as Legionella, Asbestos, Confined Space or Working at Height Authorised Person roles, with training provided where required. Above all, you will be a confident communicator with strong relationship management skills, able to influence stakeholders, make sound decisions and drive high standards of delivery in a regulated, safety‑critical environment.
What We Offer:
- 6% employee matched pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave
- Company car/car allowance
- Single private medical cover
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.
Service Manager employer: VIVO Defence
VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while delivering vital facilities management services to the UK military. With a strong commitment to a collaborative and inclusive work culture, VIVO offers competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, private medical cover, and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment. Located in Cambridgeshire, this role provides the flexibility of home-based work with regular travel, making it an ideal position for those seeking a meaningful career that values safety, quality, and community impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management sector, especially those who have experience with VIVO or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into VIVO's core values: open, caring, agile, and collaborative. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase how you embody these values, as they'll be looking for a cultural fit just as much as skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your technical know-how! Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations, CAFM systems, and maintenance processes. Being able to discuss these confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the VIVO team and ready to contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Service Manager role. Highlight your background in planned and reactive maintenance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like your HNC or Health & Safety certifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about facilities management and how your values align with VIVO's core principles of being open, caring, agile, and collaborative.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Service Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, give examples of how you've built relationships with stakeholders or resolved operational issues. This will show us you can handle the demands of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at VIVO Defence
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planned and reactive maintenance environments. Familiarise yourself with VIVO's core values—open, caring, agile, and collaborative—and think about how your experience aligns with these principles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Service Manager, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've built relationships with stakeholders and resolved operational issues in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can influence and drive high standards in a safety-critical environment.
✨Demonstrate Technical Competency
Be prepared to talk about your technical skills, especially regarding Health & Safety qualifications like SMSTS. Highlight any experience you have with CAFM systems and how you've used technology to improve service delivery.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
VIVO values leaders who lead by example. Think about how you've coached and directed teams in the past. Share specific instances where you've embedded a positive safety culture and ensured that service levels were met.
