Area Manager – VIVO Defence Services
VIVO Defence Services is a joint venture between Serco and EQUANS that provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. This role is based in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire and may involve mobile duties across the region.
About the Role
The Area Manager holds a central leadership position responsible for delivering safe, compliant, and high‑quality maintenance and response services across a portfolio of Defence establishments. You will act as the operational lead, ensuring statutory, regulatory and MoD‑specific requirements are met while driving performance, efficiency and value for money.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee all maintenance and response activities in accordance with JSP 375, statutory legislation and VIVO’s Health, Safety and Environmental standards.
* Ensure supply‑chain partners deploy suitably qualified operatives and that safe systems of work are consistently applied.
* Review RAMS, coordinate safe working processes, and act as Method Statement Coordinator where required.
* Maintain site safety, manage Working at Height, Confined Spaces and specialist disciplines; act as Asbestos or Legionella Responsible Person if needed.
* Manage risk registers, identify defects and ensure issues are escalated and addressed.
* Lead, coach and supervise site teams, ensuring work is delivered to agreed service levels.
* Act as single point of contact for end users, manage customer requests and resolve issues promptly.
* Build and sustain strong relationships with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, site personnel and stakeholders.
* Support estate activities, new work identification and formal Additional Works submissions.
* Balance operational delivery with commercial awareness, managing contract risks and ensuring value for money.
* Use data and digital tools to support decision‑making and monitor progress against objectives.
What You'll Bring
* HNC or higher qualification in a Building or Mechanical discipline.
* Practical experience in planned and reactive maintenance and small‑project delivery.
* Willingness to undertake additional responsibilities such as Working at Height or Confined Space Authorised Person duties, and roles including Legionella and Asbestos Responsible Person.
* Participation in an out‑of‑hours on‑call rota.
* Membership of a relevant professional body and asset‑management qualifications (e.g., Institute of Asset Management) desirable.
* Strong judgement, technical credibility and a commitment to delivering high‑quality, compliant services.
* Excellent stakeholder and people‑management skills.
* Commercial awareness and ability to manage finances within contractual expectations.
We Offer
* Company car / car allowance
* Bonus
* 25 days annual leave
* 6 % employee‑matched pension contribution
* Life assurance 2× annual salary
* 1× professional subscription per year
* Private medical cover for self and partner
Location & Working Conditions
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB, PE28 2EA – mobile role across Defence establishments. Permanent, full‑time.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and will make reasonable adjustments for our candidates. We are a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
Vendor Information: Information contained within your CV may be shared between VIVO Defence Services, Serco and EQUANS during the recruitment process.
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