Service Manager

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: MOD Abbey Wood, on site role

Permanent, Full time

Salary: £38,000-£44,500

Join us as a Service Manager and play a key role in delivering first-class facilities management services at Abbey Wood, Bristol. Working closely with the Built Estate Manager and a fellow Service Manager, you'll help drive the day-to-day operation of a busy and diverse estate, ensuring maintenance activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with contractual commitments.

This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. You'll oversee reactive maintenance, planned preventative maintenance, Billable Works and remedial activities, coordinating contractors, managing performance, and ensuring service delivery remains on track against key performance indicators. You'll be a visible presence across the site, building strong relationships with customers, stakeholders and delivery partners while maintaining a sharp focus on compliance, quality and customer satisfaction.

We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys solving problems before they become issues. Facilities management can be unpredictable, and you'll play a crucial role in responding to operational challenges while maintaining high standards of service delivery. In return, you'll join a supportive team that values personality as much as experience, offering genuine opportunities for learning, development and career progression through tailored training and ongoing support.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact within a successful and growing operation, taking ownership of service delivery while contributing to the continued success of a high-profile Defence contract.

What You'll Bring

You'll have experience managing service delivery, maintenance operations or facilities management activities within a complex operational environment. Whether your background is in facilities management, engineering, maintenance or service operations, you'll be comfortable coordinating multiple workstreams and ensuring that work is delivered safely, compliantly and on schedule.

You'll possess a minimum Level 3 City & Guilds qualification, or equivalent, in an electrical or mechanical discipline, or be able to demonstrate relevant industry experience. You'll also hold, or be working towards, IOSH Managing Safely and/or the NEBOSH General Certificate, with a sound understanding of health and safety responsibilities within a service delivery environment.

A working knowledge of JSP 375 Safe Systems of Work and SFG20 maintenance standards is essential, along with experience using CAFM systems to manage work orders, track asset information and maintain accurate records. You'll understand the importance of robust compliance processes and be confident ensuring documentation such as RAMS, permits, authorisations and inspection records are completed and maintained correctly.

You'll have strong contractor management skills with experience overseeing suppliers, subcontractors and specialist service providers. You'll be comfortable reviewing progress against targets, identifying risks to delivery, coordinating corrective actions and ensuring contractual KPIs are achieved.

Excellent organisational skills are key to success in this role. You'll be able to manage competing priorities, coordinate additional works, obtain quotations, raise purchase orders and ensure projects are delivered efficiently from initial scope through to completion. Experience delivering minor works or project activities, particularly within facilities management environments, would be advantageous.

You will be a confident communicator who can build positive relationships with customers, contractors, Defence stakeholders and internal teams. You'll be comfortable providing technical guidance, supporting investigations, resolving service issues and contributing to a positive customer experience.

Experience within facilities management and Defence environments would be highly desirable, as would knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015, asbestos management, legionella compliance and temporary works coordination. Qualifications such as SMSTS, First Aid certification and a full UK driving licence would also be advantageous.

Most importantly, you'll be adaptable, proactive and solutions-focused. You'll remain calm under pressure, anticipate challenges before they arise and bring a collaborative, down-to-earth approach to everything you do. If you're someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in delivering excellent service and wants to be part of a team that invests in your development and progression, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note that successful candidates must be able to obtain and maintain SC Security Clearance. While this role would suit an experienced delivery manager with a technical background, consideration will also be given to candidates who can demonstrate strong service delivery experience, particularly within facilities management.

What We Offer

• 6% employee matched pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Single private medical cover
• Life assurance 2x annual salary
• 1 x professional subscription per year

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.