Trainee Service Manager

VIVO Defence; England; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence service provider in the UK is seeking a Trainee Service Manager for its operations at RNAS Yeovilton. This role demands a proactive approach in managing Billable Works under £100,000, fostering effective communication with key stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should possess a project management understanding and willingness to learn. Offered benefits include a contributory pension scheme, generous leave, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Up to 6% contributory pension scheme

25 Days annual leave plus bank holidays

Volunteer leave

One paid professional subscription

Life Assurance Policy

Qualifications

• Understanding of project management principles in relevant fields.
• Willingness to undertake further technical training.
• Knowledge of energy performance and sustainability practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the point of contact for Billable Works under £100k.
• Support delivery of Billable Works while ensuring compliance.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders and clients.

Skills

Project management understanding

Knowledge of CDM Regulations

Microsoft Office proficiency

Energy reduction methods

Communication skills

Education

Thread safety qualification (IOSH or equivalent)

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.

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.

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Location: RNAS Yeovilton, BA22 8HT
Working Hours: 37.5 Hours per week, Monday to Friday (8:00AM-4:00PM)
Salary: £28,000 per year

Are you looking to build a career where your work directly supports a nationally important Defence establishment? Are you motivated by responsibility, collaboration, and the opportunity to develop technical and management skills in a unique operational environment?

VIVO is seeking a Trainee Service Manager to join the team at RNAS Yeovilton. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in managing billable works, engaging with key stakeholders, and supporting the effective operation of a complex military estate.

About the Role

The purpose of the role is to act as the single point of contact for VIVO to the Head of Establishment and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation for all Billable Works valued at less than £100k on site. You will support the delivery, coordination, and assurance of all Billable Works within your area of responsibility, ensuring that health, safety, and compliance standards are fully met at all times.

Reporting directly to the Built Estate Manager, you will work closely with VIVO operations teams, support functions, local customer representatives, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and the wider supply chain. Strong communication and relationship management skills will be essential, as you will be required to balance operational priorities with customer needs.

Your responsibilities will include delivering Billable Works in accordance with established processes and JSP 375 requirements, providing technical advice and support to DIO and Head of Establishment representatives, and working closely with Authorised Persons to ensure all work complies with statutory and Defence regulations.

You will undertake the duties of Temporary Works Coordinator and play an active role in identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption across the site, initiating Billable Works through the development of Statements of Need. The role also includes responsibility for managing F‑Gas and waste compliance within the establishment.

From a customer perspective, you will support the Line Manager in delivering effective and timely solutions, acting as a trusted single point of contact to resolve end‑user issues. You will develop a strong understanding of the operational role of the establishment and the Head of Establishment's priorities, ensuring that estate services effectively support unit outputs. You will also be responsible for drafting Statements of Need to support sustain, maintain, and change requirements, and for ensuring that complaints are resolved promptly and professionally.

What you'll need

You will need an understanding of project management within a relevant field and a working knowledge of CDM Regulations, the Asbestos at Work Act, Legionella requirements, energy performance and sustainability, and waste management. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office is essential, along with a willingness to undertake further technical training as required by the role.

Experience of working within a Ministry of Defence environment, knowledge of fire safety, previous use of CAFM systems, and an understanding of energy reduction methods would be advantageous, but are not essential. IOSH or an equivalent health and safety qualification would also be desirable.

This role would suit someone who works proactively, takes ownership of their responsibilities, and enjoys working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders. You should be committed to learning and continuous improvement, able to prioritise your workload effectively, and confident in knowing when to seek guidance. You will value diversity, act respectfully at all times, and understand the importance of responsiveness in delivering a high‑quality service to both clients and end users.

The role is based at RNAS Yeovilton, with occasional travel within the SDA as required so you will need to have a full UK drivers licence.

You must be able to get BPSS Clearance to be eligible for this role.

Working with VIVO offers the opportunity to develop your career while supporting critical Defence infrastructure. You will be supported by experienced professionals, receive structured development, and gain exposure to challenging and rewarding work within a highly regulated environment.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and grow into a future Service Manager role, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• 25 Days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Volunteer leave
• One paid professional subscription
• Life Assurance Policy

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, Serco and EQUANS during the recruitment process.

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.