Apprentice Services Manager | Leconfield

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: DST Leconfield (Base) with travel to RAF Fylingdales, RRH Staxton Wold and satellite sites
Salary: £24,000 - £30,000
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Full Time Apprenticeship

Kickstart Your Management Career with VIVO Defence Services

Are you ready to build a career in management while earning, learning and gaining nationally recognised qualifications? If you're ambitious, organised and looking for an opportunity where no two days are the same, this could be the perfect role for you.

VIVO Defence Services is looking for an Apprentice Services Manager to join our team based at DST Leconfield. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience managing facilities and maintenance services across key Ministry of Defence sites, while following a structured development programme designed to prepare you for a future management position.

This role is much more than an apprenticeship. It is a pathway into leadership, providing the opportunity to develop your skills, take on real responsibility and build a long-term career within a growing and supportive organisation. Subject to performance, competence and successful completion of the programme, there is the potential to progress into a permanent Services Manager position.

The Role

As an Apprentice Services Manager, you will work closely with experienced managers and technical teams, developing the knowledge and practical experience needed to manage facilities management operations effectively.

You will support the delivery of planned maintenance programmes and reactive works, ensuring services are carried out safely, efficiently and in line with contractual obligations and performance standards. You will gain experience managing subcontractors and supply chain partners, helping to ensure quality workmanship, value for money and excellent customer service across multiple Defence sites.

A key part of the role will involve supporting health and safety compliance. You will learn how to review risk assessments and method statements, maintain accurate records within CAFM systems, assist with site audits and inspections, and contribute to a strong safety culture where everyone is accountable for safe working practices.

You will also have the opportunity to become involved in the development and delivery of small-scale projects, supporting project managers and customers in creating solutions that improve facilities and infrastructure. Alongside this, you will assist with customer and company audits, work inspection programmes and the management of documentation relating to maintenance activities.

As your experience develops, you will receive training to undertake Authorised Person responsibilities for Working at Height and Confined Spaces, helping to manage and control high-risk activities across site.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone with the potential to become a future leader. You'll be a confident communicator who enjoys solving problems, working with people and taking responsibility for delivering results. You should be organised, motivated and eager to learn, with good IT skills and the ability to adapt to new systems and processes.

Previous experience within construction, property maintenance, facilities management or a similar environment would be beneficial but is not essential. Knowledge of Defence environments, project management principles, sustainability requirements or health and safety legislation would also be advantageous.

Training and Development

This apprenticeship offers a structured development pathway that combines formal qualifications with practical experience. You will complete the Level 4 Facilities Manager Apprenticeship while benefiting from a bespoke on-site training programme designed specifically to develop Service Manager capabilities.

Your development will include training in operational supervision and management, planning and controlling site activities, project management, health, safety and environmental management, CDM regulations, safe systems of work and Authorised Person responsibilities. You will also work towards recognised management-level qualifications in health and safety and facilities management.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should hold a Level 3 qualification such as A Levels, BTEC or T Levels. Completion of a Facilities Management Supervisor Level 3 Apprenticeship would also be considered.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the sites you will be supporting, successful candidates must be able to achieve and maintain BPSS clearance.

Why Join VIVO?

At VIVO, we invest in our people and provide genuine opportunities for growth and progression. This apprenticeship offers the chance to work on unique Defence sites, gain valuable management experience, achieve recognised qualifications and develop the skills needed for a successful long-term career in Facilities Management.

If you're looking for an exciting opportunity to learn, develop and take the first step towards becoming a future Service Manager, we'd love to hear from you. Join VIVO and help support the people and places that keep Defence operations running.

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.