Trainee Service Manager

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.