Trainee Service Manager

VIVO Defence Services; Norwich; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

6% employer matched pension

Single private medical cover

Life assurance at 2x base salary

Excellent training and development,包括但

Great career progression opportunites

Job summary

VIVO Defence Services is offering a structured Trainee Service Manager development opportunity at Wattisham Flying Station. You will gain hands-on experience in facilities management, asset care, contractor coordination and project delivery as part of a formal apprenticeship.

The role emphasizes practical on-site learning, supported by a tailored development programme, and progression into a permanent Service Manager role after successful assessments.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs including Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, plus Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, BTEC or T Levels.
• Willingness to learn and complete Level 4 Facilities Manager Apprenticeship.
• Interest in facilities management, asset management and contractor coordination.
• Strong communication and IT literacy, including CAFM and MS Office.
• BPSS and full Security Clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Level 4 Facilities Manager Apprenticeship with practical on-site training.
• Support asset management, maintenance delivery and contractor management.
• Contribute to health and safety, compliance and project delivery.
• Develop professional qualifications and long-term FM career.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

GCSEs with Maths & English at grade 4/C or above

Level 3 qualifications (A Levels/BTEC/T Levels)

Facilities Management Supervisor Level 3 apprenticeship

Tools

CAFM systems

Asset management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.

Job Req ID: 312905

Posting Start Date: 23 Oct 2026

Location: Ipswich, Norfolk, GB, IP7 7RA

Contract Type: Full Time

Job Advertisement

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

Wattisham Flying Station

Permanent, Full Time

Full Time

Salary

£28,000-£30,000

Launch your Facilities Management career with VIVO as a Trainee Service Manager at Wattisham Flying Station. This is a structured development opportunity designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to progress into a permanent Service Manager role, subject to successful completion of competence and capability assessments.

Working alongside experienced professionals, you'll gain exposure to all aspects of facilities management, from asset management and maintenance delivery through to contractor management, project delivery, compliance and health and safety. You'll play an active role in supporting the safe, compliant and efficient operation of a busy Defence estate while developing the practical experience and professional qualifications needed to build a successful long-term career.

This is far more than a traditional apprenticeship. You'll be given real responsibilities, hands‑on learning opportunities and a tailored development programme designed to help you grow in confidence and capability. From supporting small projects and assurance activities to learning how maintenance operations and asset management strategies are delivered, you'll gain valuable experience across multiple areas of the business.

At VIVO, we're committed to developing future talent. You'll benefit from structured training, industry‑recognised qualifications, mentoring from experienced managers and the opportunity to build a rewarding career within a growing organisation that values learning, progression and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll be enthusiastic, motivated and eager to develop a successful career within Facilities Management. Whether you're continuing your education, looking to begin your professional career or seeking a new direction, you’ll bring a genuine interest in property, maintenance, asset management and operational service delivery.

You’ll have strong verbal and written communication skills and be able to build positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, contractors and stakeholders. You will be confident engaging with people at all levels and demonstrate professionalism, integrity and a customer‑focused approach in your day‑to‑day interactions.

A willingness to learn is essential. You’ll be open to new experiences, receptive to feedback and committed to your own development while embracing VIVO’s values of being Open, Agile, Caring and Collaborative. You’ll enjoy learning from experienced colleagues and be prepared to take ownership of your development journey.

You’ll possess good IT skills and be comfortable using computer‑based systems, with the confidence and enthusiasm to learn facilities management and asset management software platforms, including CAFM systems. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail will help you manage multiple tasks effectively while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.

You’ll be capable of working independently when required while also thriving as part of a wider team. A positive attitude, adaptability and the ability to respond constructively to changing priorities will be key as you gain experience across different aspects of the business.

You will demonstrate a commitment to safe working practices and understand the importance of following health, safety and environmental procedures. An awareness of workplace health and safety principles would be advantageous, along with an interest in developing knowledge of compliance, maintenance operations, contractor management and project delivery.

Experience within customer service, facilities management, property, construction, engineering or operational environments would be beneficial but is not essential. Knowledge of CAFM systems, asset management software or Microsoft Office applications would also be advantageous, as would strong problem‑solving skills and an ability to identify practical solutions with support from colleagues and mentors.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you’ll have achieved five GCSEs, including Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, alongside Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, BTEC or T Levels, or have successfully completed the Facilities Management Supervisor Level 3 apprenticeship.

Most importantly, you’ll bring enthusiasm, curiosity and a desire to learn. You’ll be excited by the opportunity to gain professional qualifications, develop practical management skills and build a long‑term career within Facilities Management. If you’re looking for a role where you’ll be supported, challenged and given every opportunity to succeed, this could be the perfect next step.

As part of your development, you’ll undertake a Level 4 Facilities Manager Apprenticeship alongside a structured programme of practical training and professional qualifications, including health and safety, asbestos management, legionella management, temporary works coordination and first aid training where required.

Please note that this is a site‑based role at Wattisham Flying Station, and applicants must have a reliable means of transport to travel to and from work. Successful candidates must also be able to obtain and maintain BPSS and full Security Clearance.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave
• 6% employer matched pension contribution
• Single private medical cover
• Life assurance at 2x base salary
• Excellent training and development, including but not limited to Apprenticeship
• Great career progression opportunites

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.